Your wedding gown can be a substantial part of your budget. Wedding gowns are no different from any other clothing item in that they are considered seasonal. Marked down spring gowns can be altered to fit a fall wedding by a professional seamstress. Consider wearing a family dress. Your mother's gown can be altered or updated and save you a pretty penny. Online auctions and upscale second hand stores offer wedding dresses at deeply discounted prices. Check out Sell Your Wedding Dress for great deals on dresses and accessories. Be careful if you think sewing your dress yourself will be a budget saver. Get all the costs -- from the pearl buttons to the tulle -- priced before you choose this option. Also, you don't have to walk down the aisle in white ruffles and a train. Cocktail dresses and pantsuits are fine if they are more your style.
Alcohol for the reception adds up fast. Consider a beer and wine bar instead of a fully stocked one. Offer your signature margarita for a mixed drink option. Eliminating a full selection of hard liquors will keep your budget in line. Or drop the alcohol all together. In season fruit punches and apple cider will cut your expenses and prove to be a tasty treat for your guests. Tread cautiously when considering a cash bar for the reception. You invited these people to your celebration. Would you consider charging guests for any other type of party? There is a difference between being frugal and cheap.
The ceremony and reception locations can take a big chunk of a couple's finances. Look into free or low-cost options. City parks, family gardens or public venues such as the local wildlife sanctuary can offer beautiful settings at little to no charge. Make sure you have a bad weather contingency plan for outdoor venues. Botanical gardens and museums can keep your decorating budget lean and trim. Look for places which would require minimal decorating and offer natural fall vistas and backdrops.
Wedding favors, decorating and flowers are all budget eaters. For the crafty couple, big money can be saved here. Get those creative juices flowing and plan for hand made items. Silk flowers allow beginners room to experiment without ruining the real thing. Small homemade jams, with pretty lids and clip art labels, can save big money. Candy corns tied up in discount lace, homemade mints in gold foil boxes or seasonal pears dressed up with raffia are all budget friendly options. Gather your attendants and hit the craft stores for fall decorating classes. Choose a flower arranging option and see what you can do for all your wedding and reception flowers. Many stores offer discounts on purchases for class participants. Not only will this save you some cash, you get the added benefit of knowing all your arrangements were created by you.
Use the à la carte services of a wedding planner. Consider having a planner only for the actual day of your wedding. You can concentrate on your preparations while the planner takes care of the details. Or use a planner for those parts of your wedding planning which overwhelm you and handle all the other aspects yourself.
The reception dinner sends many couples over budget. Prime rib and lobster are great for a wedding, but are out of the reach of most couples. Consider a backyard barbecue, a wine and cheese party or a sandwich buffet. Splurge on fancy rolls, specialty meats, gourmet mustards, and in-season fruit salads. Lay these goodies out on decorative trays for an easy buffet. No need for a caterer and guests can create their favorite combinations. Burgers and brats can lend a casual air to your reception and will allow your guests to relax. Offer all the fixings on a long table and let guests choose among flavored brats such as the apple smoked variety. Wholesale food stores will give your budget a break when you buy your items in bulk.
No one wants you to risk your financial future for wedding favors or fancy catered meals. Your guests are coming to witness two people pledging to spend their lives together. Where you say your vows, what you are wearing and what you eat are all secondary to that sublime moment when a couple become husband and wife.
