Cutting Your Wedding Costs - The Big Picture

There are some decisions you can make at the very begging of your wedding planning process that will dramatically cut your wedding costs:

The first and most important tip:  Think smaller.  Intimate and meaningful weddings are just as nice as large and lavish events.  Go over your guest list with fine tooth comb.

Consider your timing.  Earlier is typically less expensive.  Breakfast is traditionally less than a  luncheon, which is also less expensive than a formal dinner and dancing.

Formulate your wedding requirements.  Know what is absolutely essential to your wedding happiness and focus your splurges on those areas.  Compromise in other areas.

Sample Wedding Budget Breakdown

Food 40%

Reception and Other Rentals 10%

Attire 12%

Flowers 8%

Videography 2%

Music 7%

Invitations 3%

Gifts and Favors 3%

Rings 2%

Transportation 1%

Miscellaneous 4%