Wedding Budgeting Tips

Your wedding dress :
- Start shopping now. You do not feel rushed or pressured to buy something, and you can make intelligent purchases .
- Casual Dresses simple are generally less expensive than those with lace , pearls / beads etc. .
- You could buy a normal dress and add lace, beads , etc. . yourself. Or ask someone to do it for you .
- Rent or borrow a dress. If you like your mother `s , sister ` s or friends dress ask if they could borrow. But don ` t be offended if they refuse as a wedding dress is very sacred to most women .
- Look around second hand shops / charity shops . You will be amazed at the amount of them are given, and are generally inexpensive .

The place :
- Book the ceremony / reception in advance may be able to negotiate a better price then you would if left to the last minute.
- Make your wedding the month of least activity . November to April is likely to reduce rates . Christmas weddings are more expensive , so if you are planning a Christmas wedding , you will need to cut your finances.
- Instead of a grand ballroom or banquet hall, think less expensive locations such as buildings and parks, registry office , church or temple hall, the garden, the beach, the private room of a restaurant owned public . You may have to get permission to marry in a public place , but will be less a private banquet.

Catering :
- Look around for caterers . Get different quotes before settling on one.
- Choose less expensive dishes such as shrimp instead of lobster , vegetables like broccoli instead of asparagus will reduce the cost , too.
- Reduce the course. If you have a happy hour , do you really need a course of appetizer ? Need soup and salad ?
- Instead of table service , a bar and buffet .
- Ethnic think! , Mexican, Italian or Indian Chinese is fun and much cheaper per person than the traditional wedding menu . See if your favorite restaurant is .
- If you are having a themed wedding create your menu around the theme .
- Have the wedding cake only as dessert and eliminate other sweets ( eclairs, pastries , etc.).
- Consider a wedding breakfast or brunch ( omelettes , muffins, pancakes , French toast ) , or tea ( a variety of flavors of tea , sandwiches , scones and jams , etc.) to save money .
- The more levels and decorations your cake has the more expensive it will be.
- Buy your own drink, it will work much cheaper than paying the caterers or venues prices .

Photos :
- Compare hourly rates and packages to see what is most profitable for you.
- Give disposable cameras as wedding favors . Then you can get copies of the day's events from family and friends.
- You have a professional photographer take pictures and shoot ceremony , were invited to take pictures of the reception.
- Visit your local college `s photography department and check out some of student portfolios . They will make your photo a lot cheaper and just as good as a professional
- Ask your friends and family to video the big day for you.

flowers :
- Use flowers that are in season and / or locally grown are less costly than off-season flowers to be delivered to your area.
- Have bouquet with a few large flowers, such as orchids , tulips, lilies , sunflowers, or tied with a ribbon.
- If you get married at Christmas and Easter , the Church can already be adorned beautifully .
- Arrange to share the cost of ceremony decorations with the couple getting married immediately before or after that day.
- Use silk or dried instead of fresh flowers centers .

Music :
- DJs are less expensive than live bands .
- Ask a family member or friends child to sing at the reception.
- Hire music for the evening reception only. People are usually busy chatting to notice any way.
- Ask the college / university for young local musicians.


Invitations :
- Send invitations that are light enough when completely assembled to require only a postage stamp .
- Make your own invitation cards . They are cheaper and more personal.
- If you have a themed wedding Make cards to do with the subject.


Transportation :
- Limousines are pretty cheap to hire an hour. Know in advance how long the ceremony will be .
- Just rent a limo for the bride and groom have assistants conducted in the family car , or carry in groups.
- You might be able to hire a horse almost equally . Look in the yellow pages for any in your area.
- We hope they are of some use to you . good luck