Money saved is as good as money gained - Proverb
The Many Ways to Save on Your Wedding
Your Wedding Doesn't Have To Break the Bank!
The ways to save money on wedding costs are as numerous as the ways to spend money on a wedding. Here are a few more ideas for saving precious dollars on your wedding. Remember, you should spend for specific must-have details and professional services like a planner, photography or a full service caterer, if at all possible. This is Your Wedding. However, for very tight budgets, consider using one or more of these suggestions and you will still have a memorable wedding at a great reduction in cost.
Find an "Open" Reception Venue - If you choose a reception location that does not provide its own food, alcohol and other services, then you have an opportunity to save on some very high cost items such as food and alcohol.
BYOF - Some reception venues and parks, etc will allow you to choice a less expensive caterer or even self-cater your wedding. For the self catering option, perhaps your friends and family can provide an on-site barbeque or pot-luck reception. Also, Sam's and Costco have lots of frozen, ready-to-heat appetizers, fruit and cheese platters and more.
BYOB - Some reception locations including your parent's or friend's backyard will allow you to bring your own alcohol. This will be many dollars less costly than having liquor provided by your reception location as alcohol service is a major profit center for these properties. Some liquor stores will deliver your purchase directly to the venue and then buy back unopened bottles. As I have said in another article, it is still a very wise idea to hire a bartender.
No Frills Wedding Cake - Some of the major supermarket chains with in-house bakeries can create a great looking, traditional, white tiered wedding cake that tastes pretty good at a fraction of the cost of going to a specialty baker or having a custom design. Of course, if you are in love with Ace of Cakes, then splurge here and save somewhere else.
Wedding Bouquets and Other Flowers - Again, some of the major supermarket chains with in-house flower shops can create a nice poesy (flower bouquet) of fresh cut flowers, tied with ribbons in her bridal color. Smaller bouquets for the bridesmaids and boutonnières for the guys can be easily made too. Don't request exotic blooms or look for lavish centerpieces or aisle accents.
Music via your iPod - Many couples are saving by using an iPod deck or amplification system hooked up to their iPod. Before the wedding, the couple or a good friend can pre-program it with the music that they enjoy for both the reception and the ceremony. You will need someone to "run" the music. On the wedding day, this designated "d.j." will be the one to stop the music at specific tracks to announce the appropriate parts of the wedding - i.e. first dance, toasting, cake cutting, etc.
Please read our articles on Buying a Wedding Dress on a Budget and ways to Save on Wedding Favors
Your Reward for Being Frugal
After saving in so many ways you will relish this idea below -
Book an All-Inclusive Honeymoon - This is not the "cheapest" option but the lack of stress will be worth it. Book a honeymoon to a beautiful place where everything is included in the price - transportation, hotel, food, drinks, excursions and gratuities. Take some cash for buying trinkets and local art to adorn your home. And spend the few extra dollars on trip insurance. During your next vacation as a couple, you can wing it and save. See our article on Honeymoons for lots of ideas.