This article lists some of the things you could do to make your summer wedding look like a million bucks without going bankrupt. Let's Start with:
Bridal Party Flowers:
Stick with flowers that are in season, importing flowers will increase your expenses. Pick one or two kinds of flowers for your bouquet .You can use one type of flower for your wedding party. For example you can use pink and red rose for your bouquet tied with silk ribbon and then use pink rose for your bridal party. Silk flowers are just as expensive as the fresh ones. Going with alternatives to bouquet for your bridal party can also help keep cost low. For example using flower bracelets, fan, or even holding a single stem will look just as good.
Pew Flowers and Center Pieces:
Use a bow and maybe a single flower vs. a cluster of flowers for the pew flowers. For center pieces, use the bridesmaids' bouquet (if you went with a bouquet for them) as some of the centerpieces for some table at the reception. Or you can eliminate flowers altogether and use the floating candles in a bowl of water, which creates a very dramatic effect. You can also use famed old photographs of passed weddings in your families as centerpieces (i.e. your grandparents' wedding pictures etc) these always tie the family to your big day and keep cost low.
Cake:
Squared -shaped cake costs more per slice than round shaped ones. Since most people do not eat cake at weddings. You can give the baker a smaller number of people. Let's say for 140 guests, you make a cake for 100 or 120. There by cutting cost for you.
Catering:
If your reception is at a hotel it is better to go with a buffet dinner rather than a sit down dinner. You can do a sit down dinner if you have less than 50 people. High Cost kicks in after 50 people. When giving the total numbers of guests make sure to account for more kids (kids pay half of the price). As for drinks, bring yours if they let you, if not do a cash bar. If you think that won't sit well with you or your guests, deposit a small amount for drinks and have them tell you when it runs out. Do it this way because the hotel will never return any unused money to you. If hosting your guests some where other than a hotel then by all means buy your drinks yourself and stick with foods like pasta, cheese or veggie tray etc. If at all possible have a morning wedding, so that you can serve lunch (which is much cheaper than dinner)
Transportation:
If you are making use of a limousine, have the driver drop you off and leave, because you are paying by the hour and there is no reason for him to sit and wait while you are in church or the reception.
Video and Photography:
Getting both the video and photo in a combined package is cheaper than booking them separately. Let it be clear to both parties when and how long they are to cover your occasion.
Music:
Going with a DJ is always cheaper than hiring a live band or singer. But if you really want a band, have them come and just perform at a particular part of the ceremony, let's say your first dance etc, and then fill in with DJ. This way you get both of them.
Invitation Cards & Placement Cards:
These can be printed from your computer. You can buy the stationery from any office supplies store. This saves you at least 100 dollars, depending on the number of guests.
Favors:
You can combine your favors and program for the day together. For example you can print the program on a hand fan which the guests can use during the wedding and also take home. You can also give customized m&ms with your initials on them. Those are always affordable and unique.
However way you chose to plan your big day remember the most important piece of advice on that day, which is smile and smile so more. Congratulations and Have fun planning. If you need help researching sites, vendors etc for your wedding go to this website for help.
