Wedding Gazette

Twelve Cost Cutters

By Jennifer Baumann

Don't break the bank before you even take a crack at beginning your life together! We have twelve tips to save you money in twelve different aspects of your wedding.

Your Gown

Check out some second hand stores for vintage or second hand wedding gowns. Sample dresses are also a less expensive buy than a custom - made gown.

Your 'Do

Have a bridesmaid help you do your own hair and makeup. You'll save a bundle, and have some girly fun in the process.

The Bridesmaids

Find bridesmaid's dresses that are less formal, or find similar dresses that are in the same realm of style. This gives your wedding party a more eclectic look, and bridesmaids don't have to buy dresses they'll never wear again.

The Date

Check out some alternatives to the summertime, Saturday night wedding. Holidays such as Halloween or Labor Day may be lower in cost when renting spaces, and a Friday night or Sunday may be cheaper and more easily available.

The Invitations

These days you can easily order invitations online, or print them yourself off your computer. You have unlimited creative control when you design them yourself, and can have a lot of fun doing it.

The Flowers

Choose flowers that are in season or that have been grown in your area to cut down on cost. If you really want to get creative, pick your own wildflowers to use for table centerpieces or to decorate pews.

The Reception Site

Linda Stallings at Aunt Linda's Weddings and Events suggests finding a reception site that is outdoors with gardens or lots of natural greenery. This cuts down on decorating costs for the whole reception.

The Music

Ask a friend who sings to perform at your ceremony as their gift to you. Wedding Gazette even knows of one bride who hired her talented best friend (at a best friend rate) to sing and play for the whole reception.

The Food

You certainly don't have to have a full six course meal if you can't afford one. Find another way to celebrate at your reception: have cocktails and appetizers, or champagne and cake. If you're going to have a dinner, choose inexpensive entrees like chicken instead of beef or seafood.

The Booze

In most reception venues, the house liquor is always more expensive than if you buy it yourselves and bring it in. Or, if the reception site does provide the alchohol, a beer and wine reception is cheaper than a full bar.

The Cake

There are many ways to save money here. Have a kitchen - savvy friend bake the cake. Buy a smaller wedding cake, and cut up sheet cakes in the kitchen. Instead of an expensive cake topper, use fresh flowers or a family keepsake .

The Honeymoon

Who says you have to dive right into your honeymoon the night of your wedding? If the post - wedding trip is going to break you, rent a nice hotel room for your wedding night, and start saving for your Big Trip in the near future.