Ways to Save Money When Planning Your Wedding & Reception
March 14th, 2011
Reception
1. Cut the guest list. This will slash your catering costs and save on invitations and even the number of centerpieces.
2. Think off-peak season and save thousands!
3. Hold your ceremony and reception in one spot — it will cut travel time for vendors you pay by the hour.
4. Skip the Saturday wedding.
5. Have bigger tables so you need fewer centerpieces and tablecloths.
6. Shop the off-season for extra decor — get modern black vases on sale after Halloween and pretty pink ones after Valentine’s Day.
Flowers
7. Use more greenery than flowers.
8. Swap out costly flowers — did you know peonies can be five times more expensive than roses?
9. Stick to just one or two kinds of flowers.
10. Buy flowers that are in season.
11. Include non-florals, like lanterns.
Food & Drink
12. Serve entree duets.
13. Skip the main course — apps and drinks are fine too.
14. Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.
15. Serve comfort foods like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese, and corn. It’s fun and often cheaper.
16. Skip the champagne toast.
Cakes
17. Order a small one or two-tiered cake and then supplement cake with a larger sheet cake (hidden back in the kitchen).
18. Keep the add-ons simple.
19. Use fresh flowers, not sugar ones.
20. Reuse ceremony flowers for the cake table.
21. Skip exotic fillings like guava and mango.
Stationery & Favors
22. Get single-page invites to save on postage.
23. Give out one favor per couple.
24. Make your cake the favors.
25. Have favors double as escort cards.
26. Email your save-the-dates.
27. Make your own menu cards, escort cards, and wedding favor packaging.
Photo, Video & Music
28. Choose a photographer that will give your photos as digital files so that you can make your own albums, prints and gifts. Just make sure they are insured and that their references check out.
29. Opt for a smaller band.
30. Hire a band or DJ who can do both the ceremony and the reception.
See Also:
Unique, Distinct & Affordable San Diego Wedding Venues
Sample Agenda for Day of Wedding & Reception Timelines
What to Wear When Having Your Picture Taken
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I wanted to know what to do in terms of wedding reception.
I will be getting married in the San Ideago mormon temple however I would like a reception afterwards where I can do a sort of ring ceremony for those who will not be attending the temple service. I wanted to know what kinds of venues would be best for this
I would check out this list and see if something catches your eye:
http://rachelmcfarlinphotography.com/distinct-affordable-san-diego-wedding-locations/
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