| Wedding comes in all shapes and sizes these days | | | | one free drink and then they pay for the rest if |
| and you don't have to break the bank to enjoy | | | | the site will provide the services. |
| the wedding of your dreams. There are several | | | | Â- Revisit the menu. Perhaps plan to offer |
| small things you can remember when planning | | | | a nice spread of hors d oeuvres instead of a full |
| that will have a big impact on the overall budget. | | | | course meal. If planning a sit down meal, minimize |
| Â- Consider the date and time of the | | | | the options guests have or choose a customized |
| wedding. The cost of the exact same site can | | | | pasta bar that will be less expensive then meat |
| vary greatly so choosing the right month can | | | | entrees. |
| significantly reduce costs. Certain sites have peak | | | | Â- Be smart when buying your dress. Opt |
| months, days, and times in which their rates will | | | | for a dress that is embellished with glass beads |
| be more. At some sites, Thursday night weddings | | | | instead of crystals. Also, if you are able to pay |
| or the Sunday before a holiday can dramatically | | | | cash for your gown you can often get up to |
| reduce the price tag. | | | | 20% on the price. |
| Â- Site choice is important. As mentioned | | | | Â- Decrease the size of your bridal party. |
| above, there are certain peak times for locations | | | | Even though most attendants pay for their own |
| so choosing a time that is off-season can | | | | gown or tux, the bride and groom are still |
| drastically reduce costs. | | | | responsible for gifts, rehearsal dinner costs, and |
| Â- Take advantage of decorations already | | | | bouquets and boutonnières. |
| provided. Many sites already decorate for | | | | Â- Flower saving tips. If you know |
| Christmas and leave it up through the New Year | | | | someone that can do your flowers, consider |
| making this a great time to have a wedding | | | | buying wholesale and let the put the flowers |
| because you don't have to add many flowers. | | | | together. If you choose to use a florist, put the |
| Â- Consider your drink options. Either skip | | | | majority of your flower budget into arrangements |
| the champagne toast (it can be up to $16 per | | | | that are most noticeable such as your bouquet |
| glass at certain sites) or if allowed bring your own | | | | and centerpieces. |
| champagne for guests. Also, eliminating alcohol all | | | | The most important thing to do is set the budget |
| together can save tremendously on costs. If you | | | | before you begin the planning. Once you have the |
| want to offer alcohol but can't afford the cost | | | | budget you have to stick with it. Try to stay |
| the site charges, ask if you can bring in your own. | | | | within your budget by reworking various aspects |
| Even if there is a cork fee you will still save | | | | of the ceremony when necessary. This will ensure |
| considerably. You can also offer a cash bar or | | | | that you aren't dealing with unexpected bills and |
| provide drink "tickets" to guests that allow for | | | | debt once you return from your honeymoon. |