Where to save money

We have seen lots of weddings from the extravagant to the simple.  All of them were very nice but you can save money if you are on a budget.  Here are a few tips I'd like to share with you about where to save money and where not to save.  Of course, a lot depends on what you want.

1. Invitations: You can make your own invitations to save money.  Check out Invitations4Sale.com.  You can have them professionally printed.  Thermographed invitations cost 50-70 percent less than engraved and it's not likely anyone can tell (or care about) the difference. 

2. Wedding Gowns: It used to be that having a seamstress, tailor or dressmaker make a dress was the least expensive way to go.  That is no longer true.  At least in the United States, the cost of material far exceeds to price you will pay for an imported dress.  Some wedding dress factories in China have Web sites that will ship gowns directly to you for $50 - $100 -- a bargain even with $100.00 shipping fees.  Web site Recommendations include: Netbride.com, PearlsPlace.com, BlueCatalog.com and JuliesBridal.com.  [Let me know if you know of more.]
     My wife is a seamstress who used to make wedding dresses.  She will still make a custom gown but she stresses that if you get one at David's Bridal and have it altered she can usually make it very close if not exactly like what you had in mind to begin with. 

3. Flowers and decor:  If you want to save money on your flowers we have always reccommended CostCo.  Check out their "Simply Elegant Wedding Rose Collections" (40-piece sets including bouquets and centerpieces, $760.00; 20-piece set, $430.00).  Order online for delivery anywhere in the U.S. 
     Inexpensive ways to dress up tables include candles, balloons, wildflowers in jars, seasonal potted plants -- tulips in spring, mums in fall.  One Fourth-of-July wedding had American flags in flower vases.  Very nice!

4. Drinks: Instead of an open bar with a bartender, you might consider a serve-yourself table with wine, beer and champagne (or stronger spirits should you wish).  If you opt for the stronger stuff or a full bar, consider the store brands or less expensive labels.

5. Food: Some of the receptions we have been to where everyone had the most fun have been "pot luck".  You might want to have someone monitor the more expensive things such as smoked salmon, steak or sashimi if you have them available.  Buffets are cheaper than sit-down meals because you don't pay for table service. 

6. Cake: We directed a wedding not too long ago where the bride wanted THREE large wedding cakes.  At many receptions the bride and groom don't cut the cake until after all the dancing (when many guests have already gone home) and by the time they served the first cake they never needed the other half of even the first one -- let alone the other two. 
     We suggest that you have the "cake of your dreams" -- only smaller.  Then, order flat cakes of the same flavor.  Keep them in the kitchen and have someone serve them already cut.  Your guests will never know the difference -- but your check-book certainly will!

Where NOT to save money:

There are really only four areas of your wedding that we advise that you NOT try to scrimp -- the photographer, the DJ, your ceremony sound system, and the minister.

1. Photography:  We agree with the experts on this one who say, "You're taking a risk if you expect guests to take good photos instead of hiring a pro."  In fact, hiring a relative, even if they have a good camera, is still taking a risk.  This is a "once in a lifetime" event and you are relying on the photographer to save your memories for you.  Don't scrimp here.
     You can save some money by having the photographer stay only through the first hour of your reception -- the Grand Entrance, first dance, bouquet toss, garter throw, etc.  A Day 2 Remember Photography offers this as a standard part of their photography packages.  They will also give you a CD or DVD with all the images instead of requiring you to pay for each print.  You can then e-mail copies to friends and family, put photos up on a share site, or even make your own album. 

2. Your DJ:  Most receptions use a DJ rather than live music.  You could make your own CD or iPod play list and rig up a sound system, but you'll have a better party if you leave it to a professional.   They are able to "read" your crowd and you will have a better party.

3. Ceremony sound system:  During your ceremony you will be much happier with the minister and the ceremony if you arrange for a good sound system (microphone and speakers) so that everyone can hear.  We suggest that if you have 50 or more people attending that you have a good Public Address system.  This varies depending on your location but it's important that people be able to hear your ceremony.  It is much nicer for me, as the minister, to be able to speak in a normal voice while leading the bride and groom through their vows.  This prevents me from having to project (shout) in order to be heard by your friends and family.
     We have officiated hundreds of weddings with live music both indoors and outdoors.  You should also consider a sound system as essential for them, however most professional musicians carry their own.  

Minister: The minister may be the last person you think of when you plan your wedding.  But, without the officiant the wedding doesn't happen!  Relying on a friend or relative who has never done a wedding before is taking a big chance on the success of the whole event.  The percentage of the cost of the officiant is very small compared with all your other expenses, why risk the success of all of them with an inexperienced officiant however well intentioned they may be.
          It's important that you find an officiant who will conduct your ceremony according to your expectations so start looking early. 
     One more thing:  Wedding ministry and event officiating is really a business these days and the officiants must do all the things that business owners must do.  So, be sure to call the minster early to reserve your date with them.  Don't be caught at the last minute having to change all your wedding plans for the lack of an officiant. Don't try to scrimp here and be sure to interview with your minister early!