Wedding Moneysaving Tips

Everyone knows that your wedding day is one of the most special days in your life, so you want to make sure that everything is just right. However, having your dream wedding can be very expensive. Here are some ways that you can save on your wedding cost without cutting out what you want.

Your Wedding Dress
There are lots of ways you can save money on your wedding dress and no one has to know what you did. Ideally you may want a brand new dress that is completely yours, but budget constraints mean you don't have a lot to spend. One way to get the dress that you may otherwise not have been able to afford is to buy it used. There are many dress shops that sell used wedding dresses. You can also find them on eBay, your local paper, in charity shops and Craigslist. Obviously it is important to shop with care. It is also important to make sure your dress is clean, as dry cleaning can be expensive.

Choose the time to buy your wedding dress carefully. You may be able to buy a dress on sale that was from last season or pick up a sample dress for a good bargain. Also keep your eyes open for wedding fairs and coupons, these may offer good discounts.

One other option you have for your wedding dress is to rent it. This could be the most economical way to wear your dream wedding dress. It may not be perfect because you can't keep the dress, but this method can give you significant savings.

The Invitations
Most people will want beautiful invitations for their wedding. There are ways to still have the invitations you want, while reducing the amount you spend on them. Consider making the invitations yourself or maybe you have a family member or friend that would be good at this and is willing to help out. Leave the blotting paper and return stamped envelopes out of the invitation. Instead ask your guests of RSVP over the phone, email or your wedding webpage. When you order your invitations ask for a breakdown of the costs. This way you can find alternatives, without your invitations losing their elegance. Choose more simple invitations that don't use engravings.

Wedding Favors
One item that everyone expects to see at a traditional wedding reception is a wedding favor by their plate. When choosing a wedding favor try to think of things your guests will like and that you can do a lot of the work for yourself. One idea could be some homemade cookies tied up with a pretty ribbon and a personal note. You could also do this with candles, a donation to charity, flower seeds, potpourri, bath salts and bookmarks.

Scrutinize your wedding guest list
Lowering the number of names on your wedding's guest list can greatly reduce costs. Ways in which you can reduce guest numbers is say no to children, work colleagues, plus ones and distant relatives. One practice, that is common in Ireland, that you could consider, is inviting only close family and friends to the ceremony and dinner and everyone else to the 'afters' party part. Since the meal is the biggest expense at the reception this can save you a lot of money.

When you have your wedding
The day you choose to have your wedding can save you lots of money. Consider holding your wedding on a Sunday or weeknight as venues will usually offer cheaper rates for these days. Wintertime is also cheaper. It may be cold, but you could go for a magical wonderland type theme and create a beautiful day. You can also save money on flowers if you have your church wedding near a big holiday, such as, Easter. At this time the church will be decorated for the holiday so you won't need to buy as many flowers. It is also a good idea to choose flowers that are in season as these will be less expensive.

Food
Food is one of the biggest wedding expenses. One way you can reduce the food cost is to have a buffet instead of a plate per person. When it comes to your wedding cake you can serve sheet cake instead and no one will know the difference. It is now common to rent a false cake to display that looks real and then have less expensive sheet cakes made and served. You could also cut out having a separate dessert and replace that with your wedding cake.

Photography
Your wedding photos is one area you need to be careful in with regards to scrimping. It is not a good idea to ask you friend who you think is good with a camera, just because they happen to take a lot of photos. This method often results in snapshot looking photos that are unprofessional and an upset bride and groom. However, you can still save money in this area if you do some searching. Think carefully about the wedding photo packages you are being offered and don't choose one that has more in it than you need. Look for a new photographer trying to establish themselves. New photographers may offer better rates while they are trying to make a name for themselves. Make sure you look at their portfolio to ensure they are up for the job. You may even want to consider final year photography students. These photographers will have the ability to produce professional shots at a much better prices. It can also be good to ask who other people have used, that way you know if the photographer is a good fit for your wedding plans.

The Honeymoon
Having that romantic honeymoon you have always dreamt of doesn't have to cost a fortune. Put your honeymoon on your wedding gift list. This way your guests can buy vouchers as your gift that go towards the cost of your honeymoon.

These are only some of the many ways that you can save money on your wedding and still have a beautiful day. While planning your wedding make sure to do some research online. There are some great sites out there dedicated to moneysaving wedding tips and you can also get a chance to speak with other brides to find out what they are doing or did.

Sources:
Save Money on your wedding
Wedding Moneysaving Tips
Ideas for cutting the cost of your wedding