Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners

With the average cost of a wedding spiraling out of control, brides are leaving no stone unturned in their search for cutting costs while still having a memorable and enjoyable wedding.

Wedding planner Mindy Weiss reports in her book The Wedding Book: The Big Book For Your Big Day on some of the best ways to reduce the cost of getting married and having the wedding you want.

The single largest expense for a traditional wedding is the food and drink costs, so tactics aimed at reducing the catering bill are going over well. First, reduce the number of guests on your guest list. If you wouldn’t invite a prospective guest to your home for dinner, then don’t invite them to your wedding. Acquaintances, work mates and far-flung relatives can run up your wedding costs quickly. Resist the temptation by trimming these folks from your guest list.

While you’re reducing your food costs, reduce the alcohol costs as well. If you want to go non-alcoholic, you can serve a variety of beverages for your guests. If you can’t do without a toast, let guest toast with whatever they’re drinking instead of popping the corks on expensive champagne. Also limit the bar to a few choice drinks and you’ll save a bundle.

Choosing a beautiful setting for your wedding will reduce your decoration costs. If a site is naturally pleasing, there’s little need to add decorations, flowers and other adornments.

Print your own invitations using do-it-yourself invitation kits, available through Kardella. You’ll save money on the printing costs, you can control the number on invitations you print, and the DIY kits look beautiful!

Finally, instead of splashing out on expensive table centerpieces, write notes to your guests instead. Include photographs of you and your spouse and let your guests know how much you appreciate their presence at your wedding.

Keywords: Wedding Planning, Weddingblog, Wedding

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