How to Cut Wedding Costs

15 Ways to Save on Your Wedding Costs

Weddings are a wonderful way to celebrate the union of two people and their families. Couples want their wedding to reflect who they are and sometimes this can be hard to accomplish without breaking the bank. When taking into account each and every item that makes up your wedding reception expenses, you'll see just how quickly they add up to a lot of money. Here are some tips that will help cut costs but still have the beautiful wedding of your dreams.

• Limit the guest list. This is the easiest way to save money on the reception. Pare down your list by examining each person on it and asking "Do either of us actually know this person?" You'd be surprised how many people neither of you may have never even met.
• Have your wedding close to a holiday, that way you will save on decorations, if the venue is already decorated.
• Skip mailing out "Save the Date" cards to save on postage and printing fees. Instead, email them. There are many e-card sites that can help you create beautiful cards. Social networking sites like Facebook are an obvious alternative.
• When picking out your invitations, get single card ones. This saves on postage and no one really needs the extra envelopes and papers that come with the traditional wedding invitations.
• Move your wedding to earlier in the day. Brunch is less expensive and you can serve cheaper champagne with orange juice to keep the cost down.
• Limit the bar at the reception. Serve beer, wine and one signature cocktail instead of a full bar.
• Close the bar an hour early and serve coffee. This will also give your guest a chance to sober up a little.
• Order a smaller wedding cake and then a sheet cake that will be hidden in the kitchen.
• Consider cupcakes. They are more cost effective because they are less intricate to decorate. And since some venues charge a cake cutting fee, cupcakes would eliminate that fee.
• When looking for a photographer, find a student at your local art school. The cost will be way lower (or free!) than a freelance pro, and they will jump at the prospect of getting more experience and samples for their portfolio.
• Share decoration costs. Call the venue and see if there are any other couples getting married that day, then you can both save money.
• Consider doing your hair or make up yourself or have a family member do them (though it couldn't hurt to do a trial run).
• Borrow wedding attire from friends or family. Veils and jewelry or cufflinks for men give your outfit a more meaningful touch.
• You don't have to buy wedding shoes! You can wear white, silver or any color and order them online or go to your favorite department store. You can save a lot by not buying them from a wedding shop. Additionally, lots of brides these days choose to wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers or sandles. If your wedding gown is long, nobody will be able to see your shoes at all!
• Instead of renting a limo, rent a party bus. The are often less expensive and much easier to get in and out of while in a wedding gown.