Set the date, while considering how the date may affect the cost. Weddings on or close to holidays will cost more simply because this is "prime time" for the service providers, so you can expect to pay most of them top dollar. With the date set, begin checking on the wedding site.
If you are truly strapped financially, look for a church that has a fair sized reception hall. You will also find indoor locations where both the ceremony and reception can be accommodated. Check with local social clubs and service organizations like the Lions Club, Elks and Moose Halls, VFW, American Legion, Shriner's Club, etc. One location will result in lower costs for the florist, photographer, etc. One location also makes it more convenient for the guests so you won't need to hire a limo. Plan on dressing at the wedding site. Have the gentlemen come to the site dressed and ready to serve.
Line up a reception caterer, regardless of where the reception is held. In many weddings, this will be the biggest item on the ticket. Give careful thought to your quest list. If you invite 100 people, on average, 70-80 will show up. Your caterer will want a head count.
You have two options for feeding your guests, depending on the time of the ceremony. Guests at a 2:00 p.m. ceremony will not be expecting a sit-down-dinner. But beware of "Heavy "hors d'oeurves." This can cost as much or more than a sit down meal. If available, enlist the aid of family members to help with this task and you won't need a caterer. Uncles, aunts and grandmas may be willing to pick up much of what is needed from a local supermarket. Suggested munches include cold boiled shrimp, cheese squares and crackers chips and dips, fresh veggies like broccoli florets, celery and carrot sticks, cauliflower bits, etc. See if you can lay your hands on a chaffing dish full of homemade meatballs in tomato sauce. Include soft drinks and iced tea (and don't forget the ice). See that, you've already saved over a thousand dollars.
Flowers are an important part of a wedding and are nice to have on the tables at the reception. But this is an expense that can be shaved down a bit. You may get lucky and be having a wedding preceding or following yours and you can make a deal with the other couple to split the cost of the altar arrangements.
You will need to purchase bouquets for the female contingent of the wedding party and boutonnieres for the groomsmen. Order corsages for the Moms and Grandmoms. Inexpensive flower arrangements are available at many supermarkets.
If you feel compelled to provide table favors, which are not a necessity, go to eBay and see what you can find. The local "Dollar Store" is also a good source. What can be another big expense is the bridal gown. Check local online classified ads and don't forget Craig's list.
The wedding cake can be a big expense. I have spent four to five hours photographing a wedding and learning that the wedding cake cost more than my total package. Beauty is in the eye of the cake eater. And it is possible to overdo this expense. Start your search at the larger supermarkets that boast an in-house bakery. Hopefully they will have the foresight to take photos of the cakes they created. You will save a bundle using this approach.
SPECIAL TIPS
* Use Google to narrow your search for wedding service providers. Also ask fellow employees, friends and family for recommendations
* When speaking with a provider, don't be bashful. Ask, "Is this the best price you can offer?"
* When you make family and friends a part of the planning, they'll be flattered that you asked and you can be the beneficiary
* Outdoor weddings can be fun and exciting, especially if it starts to rain. Have a contingency plan that includes inclement weather. The groom's job can be to check the weather forecasts.
* Also have a contingency for wintertime weddings. Snow, sleet and freezing rain may be in the forecast.
Treefern (Don Penven) is a professional photographer and author with business locations in Raleigh and Morehead City, NC. He writes technical manuals for a manufacturer of crime scene investigation equipment. He can be reached at brandywine.affiliates(at)ec.rr.com. For a full wedding planning guide and a free bonus ebook go to: e5ce3613sz2klblsga0gnbh6-6.hop.clickbank.net/
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