Marriage

Wedding Planner

Tips On How To Save And What Are Your Costs To Consider

INVITATIONS
Top-quality paper and custom-colored inks jack up the price. Keep them simple. Forget decorative envelope linings and multiple enclosures. Use response postcards, or set up an 800 number. To keep postage costs down, stay away from oversize or overweight styles.

DRESS
The exclusivity of the designer; adding or subtracting details such as the train, beading, and handmade lace as well as imported materials, the amount of material, alterations and rush orders. Avoid ornate, hand-done beading, or lacework. Shop sample sales for discounted floor models, try a consignment shop, rent, or wear your Mother's dress. You also might consider a white bridesmaid's dress. Choose a simple headpiece and shoes.

GROOM'S ATTIRE
The style of either the suit or tux the groom wears as well as the exclusivity of designer. Wear basic black non-designer tuxes. Cost factors are also renting vs. buying and whether accessories like shirt, shoes, etc. are bought or rented. If groom and groomsmen all rent from the same place, you should get a group discount or the groom's rental may be free. If your wedding is semiformal, wear nice suits that you already own. If you already have shoes, cufflinks, etc. you can save some money. Also, consider borrowing some items.

TRANSPORTATION
Choose a Lincoln over a limousine. If you must have a limo think about the size, type, color, how many hours you rent it for; and the amenities. Some limo companies include champagne and others do not, so you need to consider that. Use the rental only for the bride and/or wedding couple, leave out the amenities, and have the wedding party carpool. For a shuttle or valet service you need to consider how large your party is, how many hours you need the attendants to shuttle guests or be available for valet service.

FLOWERS
The style, type of flowers, and if they are in season will be the major cost factors as well as the abundance of flowers for the bouquet. Think simple and elegant. The other factors are the complexity of the arrangement; hand-tied vs. bouquet holder and whether a florist arranges it or you create your own. You can use fewer flowers and still have a stunning room if your reception site is a garden or is otherwise very ornate. Keep in mind that roses are at a premium around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. Use rented plants instead of floral arrangements, flowering plants rather than cut-flower centerpieces. You can also have your bridesmaids lay their bouquets decoratively on the head table or cake table.

CEREMONY LOCATION FEE
Where is the wedding held, for instance, are you getting married near, or in, a larger city? Then the prices will probably be higher. Are you a member of the congregation or do you have another connection to a certain site such as an alumni, a club member, or relative?

Is the space a publicly owned property or is it a private facility? Marry in your own church or temple. Don't choose the National Cathedral (popular places suggest larger donations). Stick to a smaller chapel, instead of the pricier main sanctuary. If it isn't a religious restriction of your officiant, have your ceremony in a special spot at your party location.

OFFICIANT FEE/DONATION
Are you members of the congregation or have you known the person giving the ceremony a long time? Is the demand and popularity of the officiant high? Remember the price is at the house of worship or officiant's discretion.

CEREMONY ACCESSORIES (CHUPPAH, CANDLES, ETC.)
Whether you get accessories from your ceremony site or purchase them yourselves; how important are props to you? You might be able to borrow the ring pillow, candles, etc. from a relative or from the facility where you wed.

RECEPTION SITE
Demand/popularity of site; time of year, and time of day will all affect the price. Marry in a month other than June, August, September, or October. Stay away from Saturday night -- opt for a Thursday, Friday, or Sunday. Where the wedding is held will be a factor. If it is near or in larger cities the prices will be higher. Whether you need to rent tables, chairs, tent, etc.; whether the venue does weddings all the time or hardly ever; publicly vs. privately owned; on-site catering; the size of your guest list - more people, more space, and the more money it costs. Take advantage of your country-club membership or alumni status, or choose a city- or state-run site like a public park or historic building.