| If you have a smaller budget, you're probably | | | | the fee. This is a perfect way to include your |
| afraid that all of your guests will realize it. But | | | | friend and save them the trouble of giving a gift. |
| honestly, a twenty thousand dollar wedding isn't | | | | Skimping on the reception |
| necessary. Many couples have done it for a lot | | | | The best way to keep your costs low for the |
| less, and no one could tell. | | | | wedding is to have the ceremony and reception in |
| What's important | | | | the same area. Even if you do have to pay a fee, |
| Like coming up with the original budget, you need | | | | then it's only once. Another way to cut down on |
| to determine what the most important things of | | | | reception costs is to have a light afternoon |
| the day are. Do you want the designer dress? | | | | cocktail hour in lieu of dinner. You can serve |
| Must you have the reception at a fancy hotel? | | | | appetizers and drinks instead of a pricey meal. |
| Some things that you may want to spend money | | | | You don't necessarily need a band to keep the |
| on: photography and rings. These are two things | | | | fun going either. A lot of couples have found that |
| that you will keep long after the wedding day, so | | | | a friend with a multiple CD player and a good |
| these are the things that should be number one | | | | variety of CDs is just as good as a deejay. And |
| on the planning list. Don't skimp. | | | | most friends are willing to help out at the wedding |
| A cheaper ceremony | | | | if they can anyways. |
| If you're able to have your ceremony outside, | | | | Be creative when you go out and look for all of |
| then that can be the least expensive way to go. | | | | the things you need for your wedding. You'd be |
| Not only are you able to take advantage of | | | | surprised at how many things you can save on. |
| nature, but many of the times, it will be free for | | | | One couple made their own programs, |
| you to use. Places that may work are parks and | | | | decorations, and had it at a friend's house for |
| botanical gardens, friend's backyards, and beaches. | | | | about three thousand dollars. The guests |
| Of course, these are rather weather dependent, | | | | exclaimed that they'd been to more expensive |
| so you'll have to have a backup plan as well. | | | | weddings that weren't half as beautiful. |
| Find someone that you know who is a minister to | | | | Something to think about. |
| do the vows, and ask that their marriage gift be | | | | |