1. SUBSTITUTE LESS EXPENSIVE FLOWERS. Garden Roses will cost less than Peonies, but will still fill the air with magical smell, and have the romantic large lacy blooms. Nowadays there are numerous carnations that match various rose colors almost to a T. Substitute some carnations for the more expensive roses in a large (or even table) arrangement, and no one will be ........ To reduce cost, choose flowers that are in season and/or grown locally rather than blooms that need to be flown in (consult your florist on that).
2.LIMIT YOUR GUEST LIST. We know it's difficult, but one of the fastest and most effective ways to rein in your wedding budget is to pare down the guest list. Consider this: If it's $200 a head, cutting 10 guests will save you $2000!
3. CONSIDER AN OFF-DAY EVENT. Off-day weddings can save you some serious money. Some reception locations, in a quest to book venues that would otherwise remain empty, may offer the same sit-down dinner on Friday or Sunday for a lot less than they do in Saturday.
4. SELECT A SIMPLE SILHOUETTE. Keep your budget balanced by choosing a simple silhouette. The more fabric it takes to make a gown, the more it costs. A ball gown made with yards and yards of taffeta or organza can cost more than twice as a sheath in the same material.
5. ACCESSORIZE. Going with a classic gown without embellishments may lower the price tag significantly. Pair a simple dress with an amazing necklace instead.
6. CHOOSE A VENUE WITH A BUILT-IN DECOR. Pick a venue that you don't need to cover up or alter. Let the space speak for itself. That way, you're not stuck spending your entire budget on draping (which can be really prohibitive) when you could have spent it on the better linens or on chair upgrades.
7. LEARN TO LOVE WHITE. All-white is the most affordable wedding palette. many white flowers are inexpensive. Every venue own white linens. And when you add candlelight, the look is instantly luxe (for less!)
8. HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT TI TOO. Caterers always suggest a dessert to accompany your wedding cake. Skip it. Invest in a delicious and eye-catching wedding cake. Serve it - and only it - for dessert.
9. THINK BIG. Consider the elements of your reception that cover the most surface area and spend money on those areas first to strech your dollars the most.
10. FACTOR IN THE SMALL STUFF. Things like stamps for the RSVP cards, ribbons for the favors, and marriage license fees seem so small that you should be able to shrug them off, but like any costs, they add up.
