Help! Need Inexpensive Wedding Ideas!

keep it simple. cook ahead and freeze. do it in someone's home. less is more.

Here's what I did to save money on my wedding in 2006:

- have a budget and stick to it. If you can only spend $300 on flowers, then go to florists saying, this is what I want and I'm only willing to spend $300. You'll be surprised how many vendors are willing to negotiate based on your budget.
- have friends/family cater or make the cake. My mom and aunt made my wedding cake, which saved me a fortune!
- print the invitations yourself. I bought the paper I wanted at a scrapbook store, and used things like fun scissors and ribbon to dress it up
- ask guests to RSVP via phone or email to save printing and postage of RSVP cards
- have a cake and punch or light appetizer reception rather than a full meal
- have small reception favors or none at all. I had silver bells I purchased from Oriental Trading Company for the guests to ring as we left, rather than throwing rice or birdseed
- borrow, borrow, borrow. Borrow table cloths, candle holders, centerpieces from family and friends. If you want nice dishes instead of disposable, consider buying from discount retailers like Walmart. This is often cheaper than renting and just as nice!
- skip the alcohol. It's expensive and can be a liability if someone drives home from the reception drunk and has an accident
- have the reception at a church fellowship hall. The rental cost is often a donation and less than renting a banquet hall somewhere else.
- print the programs yourself
- no matter what, have a friend (NOT a bridesmaid) who is willing to be a "go to" person the day of. He or she can be in charge of delivering checks to vendors, meeting the caterer, making sure the reception hall is set up the way you want it, making sure the photographer takes all the right pictures, etc. You can even break up the tasks among a group of people if necessary.

If she ever needs help with local wedding reception or any party- tell her to give me a buzz
D. - Party Angels Ltd.
www.partyangelsus.com

I think having a cocktail party rahter than a full blown out dinner party is key- plan it mid-day- during the week or Friday rates will make it cheaper and check upscale resale stores for bridal dresses. check local farmers markets for deals on flowers- Poinsettia would be basic but really pretty for December - she can use the white or pink variety - Check with local Chamber of commerce for a new DJ in the business and see if he would cut you a deal to get the expsosure.
She can call me and pick my brain- think of us for your next local party!
D.
www.partyangelsus.com
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The previous poster who said to set a budget and stick to it is right on. Also, anything you can do/make yourself helps. Simple flowers tied with a ribbon instead of from a florist, skip the alcohol, have a cake and punch only reception. Keeping the venue to one location, either a church or all inclusive wedding chapel is also a good way to save money. Most places will charge less of a rental fee on a day other than Saturday or if it is a morning wedding. When we were married we saved a lot of money by having both the wedding and reception at the same place and using their complete catering package for the flowers, cakes, etc. Look for sample sales for dresses to save money there.