1. Choose a brunch, lunch, tea, hors d’ouervre or dessert reception, instead of the typical sit-down dinner.
2. It may be hard, but try to limit your number of guests. Caterers prices are based on per guest…so the more guests, the more cash you will need.
3. Instead of securing a limo for 4 hours (3 of which the limo will be sitting outside your reception), ask for a “transfer”, which is a one-way ride. To save more money, have your attendants drive their own cars.
4. Instead of a full, premium open bar, consider a consumption bar where you pay for what your guests actually drink. Or just have a wine and beer only bar.
5. If using silk flowers, shop for them after a holiday to get them at a discount.
6. Make a cd of music to play throughout your cocktail hour instead of hiring a DJ or band for an additional hour. Do the same for your ceremony prelude which is played the 30 minutes before the ceremony.
7. Skip the salad, soup, and extra dessert course (the wedding cake is enough for dessert).
