Reception - Top 10 wedding budget tips

Here are i-Wedding's top 10 tips for keeping your wedding budget low.

1. Buy your dress and your bridesmaid's dresses from the same shop. Usually the store owner will be more inclined to give you a discount if you buy everything from him/her. If possible, also buy your jewellery and shoes from the same store.
   
2. Consider eliminating the following from your cake: fruit fillings, fondant icing, sugar flowers that are handmade, deep colors (use pastel colours instead), shapes that are not standard. These items add to the cost of the cake.


3. Only meet with vendors that can provide the service within your budget. Let them know upfront your budget so they can provide options that are within the budget.
4. Shop around. And don't be afraid to ask for a discount. I know a bride who got a $200 discount off her $800 gown because she asked for a discount.
   
5. Minimise the variety of appetizers. People won't notice if there are 2 or 20 different appetizers!
   
6. Be sure to also consider accessories, such as veil, gloves, shoes, jewellery, purse, lingerie, and alterations, when setting the budget for your wedding attire.
   
7. Beads or sequins on a dress will up the cost substantially. Get a plain dress and ask a relative or friend who is a seamstress to sew them on. Or, just do it yourself.
   
8. If you're on a tight budget, limit the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen at your wedding.
   
9. Check the internet for online stores. Online stores usually sell items at a lower price due to much lower overhead costs.
   
10. Consider using some green plants as decoration instead of filling the reception or ceremony location with flowers.

For an idea on how much to spend on each part of your wedding, try this Interactive Wedding Budget Planner. You just type in your total budget and it will automatically calculate your budget for each section of your wedding.