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Money Saving Ideas for a Great Wedding & Reception

A wedding is both a joyous and stressful event. It is definitely something that you and your fiancé will remember for the rest of your lives - especially if it puts a strain on your wallet! The most important thing when planning a wedding is to set a budget and to stick to it. Although it is hard to stick to a wedding budget, it is essential in order to save money and not overspend.

In order to stick to a predetermined budget you will need to make a list! You will need to start off with a list of everything that is most important to you for the wedding. For example, if you want really great photographs but don't really care too much about floral arrangements, write it down. Once you have a list, you can easily determine which items will require the most money.

Remember, most weddings occur on a Saturday night. Since Saturday night is the most popular time for a wedding to be held, it is also the most expensive time to book the event. Think about having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday. Many venues offer the same packages for slightly less money to book these less popular days. Furthermore, many venues allow for both the ceremony and reception to occur at the same place. This idea can save you thousands in venue rental, limos, and decorations.

Today, it is becoming more and more common for couples to do much of their wedding planning on their own. For example, the wedding invitations can end up costing you a couple thousand…with advances in technology almost everyone has access to a decent printer and computer programs. Get a little creative, invest in some really beautiful paper, and print your own invitations or send out e-invites from wedding websites that offer great packages. This allows you to have complete creative control as well.

Many couples find that they can save money by providing their own wine and liquor at the reception. This may or may not be allowed, depending on the caterer and venue, so always ask. Remember, the mark-up on drinks is incredible and that extra money can end up going a long way.

There is no need to hire a florist. As long as you put a little time and effort into thinking about your colors and the types of flowers you like, making the boutonnieres and bridal bouquets is a snap! All you need to do is find a wholesale floral shop. Perhaps your local market may even have a deal or two. The bridal and bridesmaid bouquets can also double as centerpieces when they are placed in clear, simple vases on the dinner tables at the reception. Or, you could invest in several potted plants, such as orchids, for the centerpieces - which can double as gifts for your bridal party!

If you are dealing with specific vendors and you are on a budget, explain this to them. Go ahead and ask for a discount - many times vendors are willing to negotiate prices for their services rather than lose a sale. If you know professional photographers or DJs, why not ask them to do you a favor and work your wedding? It could be their wedding gift to you.

This brief list is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving money for the perfect wedding and reception. Anyone who puts their mind to saving a little extra dough for the honeymoon will come up with plenty of crafty and intelligent ideas to stretch the dollar at no expense of taste and style. If you can borrow certain items (like the ring bearer pillow, flower girl basket, and cake knife), by all means, do it. And, when in doubt, there are also plenty of online and traditional wedding resources out there!