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Tips on Cutting Costs
 When
it comes to wedding costs, the buck no longer tops at the bride's
parents. Nearly 70% of couples pay for their weddings, with the
average cost being at least $16,000, according to Kathleen
Kennedy, author of
Priceless Weddings for Under $5,000 (Three Rivers Press, $14).
To cut corners, categorize your budget: invitations, music,
flowers, clothes, church, reception, etc. Then cut costs in each.
"Get married on a day other than Saturday and save money on
wedding and reception venues," says Kennedy. You also can save if
you opt for any month other than June, August, September, or
October.
Once the date's set, "limit your guest list," says Kennedy. "If
you invite too many people, not only will it cost more but you
won't have time for everyone. For 300 people, you'd need five
hours to spend just a minute with each." Also, skip fancy
invitations with reply cards. If you insist on mailing them, you
can print them yourself by using designer paper from Kinko's,
Staples, or Paper Direct. Otherwise, save the postage and use
voicemail for RSVPs. And post gift-registry information on the
Internet through a free service such as WeddingChannel.com.
Other tightwad tips for wedding planning include substituting a
white bridesmaid's dress for a wedding dress, using all-in-one
catering halls, renting out a restaurant on a night it's normally
closed, limiting alcoholic beverages to beer and wine, hosting a
brunch or high tea rather than a dinner, and selecting a deejay
over a band--or at the very least "hiring the local high school
jazz band. They won't charge very much," says Kennedy.
Another trend is having company-sponsored weddings. For discount
or complimentary items, the couple lists the sponsors in the
program and/or announces sponsors at the reception. But, says
Kennedy, "This takes a lot of work. You're basically selling your
wedding."
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