| The average American wedding costs almost | | | | ask the hotel event planner if you can serve your |
| $29,000, according to The 2008 Wedding Report, | | | | wedding cake as the dessert. This will allow you |
| a market research publication. However, many | | | | to add on an extra course as a substitute to their |
| brides want to plan a beautiful wedding without | | | | set per-person price, like a soup, sorbet or a |
| breaking the bank. With careful planning, the | | | | salad. Save even more if family members and |
| savvy bride can find multiple ways to minimize | | | | close friends offer to make cookies or |
| costs. | | | | chocolate-covered strawberries to round out the |
| Schedule an Afternoon Wedding Reception | | | | dessert course. |
| Many budget-conscious brides opt to have their | | | | Utilize the Table Decorations Provided by the |
| wedding ceremony in the late morning, instead of | | | | Hotel |
| the afternoon to save as much as 40 percent on | | | | Most hotels provide table decorations at no cost |
| reception costs. Most hotels will provide a | | | | to the bride. Since they are in the business of |
| three-to-four-course meal at luncheon prices, if | | | | event planning, they usually have several options. |
| your wedding reception is over by 4:00 pm. | | | | Remember to ask the hotel event planner during |
| Also, since most people do not drink socially during | | | | your initial meeting. Generally, their stock options |
| the afternoon, money can be saved by not | | | | may include candles or a hurricane candle lamp on |
| providing alcoholic beverages. According to Emily | | | | a mirror as a centerpiece. Candles always provide |
| Post, "There is no rule that says alcohol must be | | | | a nice ambiance to any reception. Watch for sales |
| served at a wedding." | | | | at craft stores to purchase silk flower petals to |
| Serve the Wedding Cake as Dessert | | | | sprinkle around the candles. |
| When planning the wedding reception luncheon, | | | | |