| No one wants to pay more than they have to | | | | simple. There really is no need to have little party |
| for anything, especially something as costly as a | | | | favors at each table, since hardly anyone |
| wedding. And if you're like me, and you had to | | | | remembers or appreciates those items anyway. |
| foot your own bill, then you certainly want to | | | | And go easy on the flowers - having a few |
| keep costs down. I was afraid it couldn't be done, | | | | simple arrangements strategically placed can be |
| especially since my husband and I live in one of | | | | very sophisticated and elegant. |
| the most expensive regions of the country. But | | | | Music |
| my wedding is proof that it can be done, and | | | | With the abundance of music available for (legal) |
| here's how: | | | | download via the internet, it's easier than ever to |
| Reception Venue | | | | create your own CDs to play at the wedding. It's |
| Look for non-profit organizations that host | | | | great to have creative control over the music and |
| wedding receptions, since their rental fees are | | | | it gives you and your future spouse a project |
| extremely reasonable. And many of them - the | | | | you can work on together. A lot of rental halls will |
| American Legion is one example - have gorgeous, | | | | have equipment available for you to play your |
| well-maintained facilities. If you prefer an outdoor | | | | CDs, but you can also rent this equipment fairly |
| wedding, then skip the country club and go to a | | | | inexpensively. |
| state or national park, where you can get | | | | Invitations |
| beautiful landscapes at a fraction of the cost. | | | | Save on invitations by only ordering paper |
| Catering | | | | invitations for family members. Everyone else, |
| Many rental halls offer full-service catering, which | | | | including your friends and extended family, can be |
| includes linens and tableware, wait staff, all food | | | | invited via email. You may think it's tacky, but it's |
| prep and cleanup, etc. But unless you're at a | | | | really the best way to get an accurate headcount. |
| non-profit (which hopefully you are, if you | | | | It's much easier for people to respond to an email |
| followed step #1), then this can be extremely | | | | than to have to mail back a response via snail |
| expensive. Try to find a smaller catering company | | | | mail. But still use the paper invitations for your |
| that typically does at-home meal service, since | | | | family, since this is the more traditional route. You |
| they know how to do things on a budget. And | | | | can get very inexpensive invitations these days |
| they are sure to give you excellent customer | | | | through various printing websites. |
| service. | | | | In addition to the recommendations I have listed |
| Alcohol | | | | above, there are many other little ways you can |
| You must, must, must buy your own alcohol. If | | | | save. For example, going to discount bridal stores |
| you purchase it through your rental hall at retail | | | | for your dress, getting a friend to make the |
| price, you will be paying through the nose. If you | | | | wedding cake, etc. - but I have found that trying |
| have followed step #1, then you have most likely | | | | to micro-manage every little item on your |
| found a place that will allow you to bring your | | | | checklist will make you crazy. So just keep it |
| own alcohol, or will give it to you at a non-profit | | | | simple with the big items that I listed above, and |
| price. This is the only way to go. | | | | you will have the ultimate dream wedding - a |
| Flowers & Decorations | | | | beautiful venue, excellent food, plenty of |
| Eliminate additional expense by keeping everything | | | | beverages, your favorite music, all on a budget! |