Saving your wedding dollars from the beginning

More articles on the Wedding Planning topic: Wedding Planning Money

We all know that wedding costs can be astronomical. Sticking to a budget can be a difficult task when you're trying to put together an event that you will remember for the rest of your life. Having a few money saving tips in mind from the beginning can help save you a few dollars down the road.

• The rate for wedding chapels and reception locations is typically lower in Janury, and March
  
• Saturday nights are typically the most expensive time to rent a location for a wedding reception. Consider hosting the reception at a public location or a family member's home if you are getting married on a Saturday.


• Typically buffet-style meals are less expensive than seated ones. Cocktail receptions generally cost less than buffets. Breakfasts, brunches, and lunches can save even more money.


• Talk with caterers about providing your own alcoholic beverages. Paying a corking fee for your own wine can save a good deal of money.


• At least consider skipping the champagne toast. If you let guests raise glasses of whatever they are drinking, you can shave off as much as $5-10 a person.


• If you need to rent chairs for both the ceremony and reception, consider trying to get ones that will work for both events rather than renting two different sets. This can potentially cause some logistical problems.


• DJ's are cheaper than bands. Also consider having a family member or friend run the music from a PC or an iPod. Renting a quality set of speakers and amplifiers can be much cheaper than either a DJ or a band, and you won't have to worry about paying for extra time if the reception runs later than expected.


• Avoid planning a wedding around Valentine's Day or Mother's Day when flower prices are much higher than normal.

When sending out invitations -

• Black ink is less expensive than colored ink.


• White or ivory paper is less expensive than colored paper.


• Enlist a friend with neat writing rather than hiring a calligrapher.

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