25 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

The "average" US wedding costs between $26,000 - $30,000 dollars and many cost far more than that.

There are always ways to save a little money here and there when planning a wedding. These small amounts can add up to a big savings overall. Best of all, by saving money in one area, you can splurge in another area more important to you.

Here are 25 tips to help you save some money -

1. Consider hiring a wedding planner. You can often save money because she will know the best vendors and venues. If it's someone she's worked with often, they may offer you a lower price.

2. Always make the final decision on your vendor, cake, dress, etc., yourself. That way you can keep track of your expenses and your budget.

3. Keep a running total of your expenses. Organize them by deposits paid, payments made and when additional and final payments are due. By doing this, there won't be any unpleasant surprises.

4. Do you have any family members and/or friends who would be willing to handle certain tasks - make flower arrangements or bouquets, make favors, act as your "day of" co-coordinator, etc. (Just make sure the person(s) chosen isn't a bridal party member, is very responsible, and be very sure the "day of" person is very, very organized.

5. Ask each vendor, if that offer is the best they can do. If not, is there anything they can add at no additional cost?

6. Serve a signature drink, (punch, favorite cocktail) instead of a full bar.

7. Serve beer, wine and soft drinks instead of a full bar.

8. Have a short cocktail hour. You'll save on both appetizers and drinks.

9. See if you can buy your own wine. You'll pay a corkage fee (per bottle) but this usually saves you money. (Check the figures both ways, so you'll know if this saves money or not.)

10. Check wine (and liquor) prices with discount liquor stores before buying your wine and check the prices in various cities. (For my father's 90th birthday party, the white wine we chose was $1.50 per bottle cheaper in my city than where my parents lived.) Once you select a wine, ask the store if it will be going on sale before the wedding.

11. Most liquor stores offer a 10 percent discount when you buy by the case. Sometimes they will offer a larger discount if several cases are purchased all at once.

12. Do a taste test on wine that's available in magnums (double the size of regular bottle). It costs less per ounce, and the corkage fee will go twice as far.

13. Ask your liquor store to allow you to return unopened bottles of wine (and liquor). Most stores will do this.

14. Have just one glass of champagne served only when it's time for the toast(s).

15. Try to use local produce that is in season. You'll save money and it will taste and look better.

16. If your wedding venue/caterer allows it, get an outside bakery to provide your wedding cake. Shop around and do some taste tests - you'll usually be able to get it at a lower cost that having your caterer make it. (Again, check the figures both ways, so you'll know if this saves money or not.)

17. Order a small fancy cake to be displayed and for the cake cutting, plus a sheet cake (or, as many as necessary). The sheet cake(s) can be made in many flavors, but will be decorated with just icing and will be less expensive. (Since it's served from the kitchen, your guests will never see the sheet cake(s).

18. I you want a large cake, have your baker make only the amount necessary. The additional tiers can be made of cardboard and iced to match the others.

19. Talk to your florist about using flowers that are in season.

20. One candle inside of a hurricane lamp makes an elegant centerpiece instead of a more costly flower arrangement.

21. Consider purchasing some of the flowers at Costco - to go around the cake, etc.

22. Use some silk or dry florals and lots of ribbon mixed in with the real flowers to save money on the arrangements. You can also include pinecones and berries during certain seasons.

23. Place the bridesmaids' bouquets on the cake table instead of using other flowers to decorate this table.

24. A wedding held early in the day will mean a less expensive reception. Breakfasts, brunches, luncheons and teas are the least expensive meals to provide. You'll also save money on drinks because people will drink less earlier in the day.

25. Consider the date of your wedding - if you can book your venue during the off-season, you'll usually save some money.

Happy Wedding Planning!