It’s all about the bottom line. Whether your wedding budget is $5.00 or $50.000, these savvy strategies will save you serious change. by Fra...
1-Eat dessert first.
Want a big bash, but don’t have the cash? Do a cocktails-and-dessert reception instead of springing for din-din
2-Off-peak is on the money.
With the exception of the holidays, dates from November through April are less coveted—so less pricey—than other times. Set on June vows? Book ‘em on an off-night, like Friday or Sunday.
3-Know who your friends are.
Nipping the guest list can shrink costs big-time. To avoid offending non-invitees, pepper wedding convos with words like small and intimate.
4-Say okay to day.
Throw your party before 5 p.m: Brunches and lunches mean a lower tab for the location, meal, and bar.
5-Find a furnished space.
Reduce rental costs by picking a site that’s already outfitted with tables, linens and chairs.
6-Stamp out overspending.
Instead of shelling out a ton on custom favor bags and stationery, personalize plain paper goods with a rubber stamp of your monogram or wedding motif.
7-Negotiate nicely.
It’s your wedding but their business, so be polite. If your vendors won’t budge on their rates, see if you can strike a deal by eliminating extra services or booking them for their minimum time period.
8-Take it home.
If you live in a city or on the coasts but grew up in Small Town, USA, consider throwing a wedding back home. Your family will appreciate it, urban guests will be grateful for the chance to get away, and the prices will be much, much friendlier.
9-Streamline the bar.
Spare yourself some major moolah by nixing a full bar and serving only wine, beer and soft drinks. Want a hit of hard liquor? Have the bartender concoct one delish mixed drink, and offer it as your signature cocktail.
10-Bare your budget.
Be clear about what you can spend when you meet with vendors. It saves time and will spare you from browsing fancier options that may tempt you to spend above your means.
11-Skip a dish.
Cut down on the number of courses you serve. (No one’s going to miss that frisée-endive salad, trust us.) Bonus: Everyone will get way more time on the dance floor!
12-Shave off a tier.
Little-known fact: Wedding cake slices are often left untouched. Ask your caterer to cut thin portions, which will allow you to reduce the size of your order by 10 to 15 percent. Another option: Order a small display cake to cut, and have the caterer serve guests from a sheet cake in the back.
13-Navigate your nuptials.
Instead of printing up maps to enclose with your invitations, send guests to your wedding website for directions to your I DOs.
14-Do the math.
Many caterers offer to add flourishes to basic packages for a surcharge. Resist the urge to opt for those scallop appetizers that cost an additional eight dollars per person—for 125 guests, that comes to $1,000.
15-Go meatless.
You’ll be amazed at how much cheaper veggie hors d’oeuvres are than beef, chicken, or fish apps, so fill those trays with hearty options like vegetable dumplings, bruschetta, and mini spinach pies.
16-Serve a smarter cut.
Attention, steak lovers: Sirloin is about half the price of filet mignon—and, some carnivores say, tastier, too.
17-Challenge pals to a bake-off.
Having a casual wedding? Instead of ordering a designer cake, ask some ambitious friends to make their best homemade pies, brownies or cheesecake.
18-Pour judiciously.
If you are paying for liquor by consumption, instruct the waitstaff to ask whether guests would like more wine before refilling glasses. Also, tell them not to clear half-full glasses—otherwise, still-thirsty guests will end up heading back to the bar for replacement rounds.
19-Control your hires.
Book a venue that doesn’t restrict your choice of vendors to an approved list. The wider the net you can cast for hires, the more wiggle room you’ll have to negotiate prices.
20-Dance on a dime.
Big bands cost big bucks, so consider a small (say, four-piece) band, or go even more cost-conscious with a DJ. The least pricey pick: blasting your own playlist via iPod.
21-Seek in-season blooms.
If you’ve always dreamed of anemones, plan on a winter wedding. Flowers, even pricey ones, are cheapest during their growing season
22-Cut back on snaps.
Photog won’t budge on his price? Ask him about working fewer hours for a reduced rate. Your friends will be happy to share any cool candids they snap during the dance party.
23-Have a plus-none policy.
Kindly nix plus-ones for all your single pals, with the exception of friends in committed relationships. (In their cases, you should include the name of their significant other on the invitation.)
24-Make a date with a bargain.
Who’s going to score metallic-hued candles at half-price? You are! Shop post-holiday sales for color- or season-specific decor, like pastel napkins after Easter or red vases after Valentine’s Day.
25-Decorate strategically.
Add blooms in high-traffic areas (entryways, patios). Don’t worry about barely visited spots like staircases and hallways.
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