The Budget

• Set a total budget amount that the parties can afford for the wedding, and live within the budget.
• If one expense goes over budget, another one must come in under budget by a similar amount
• Provide some contingency in your budget for the unforeseen.

The Reception

• Consider not serving a meal for the reception but serving less expensive finger foods
• Consider using a home or a back yard for the reception rather than a reception center

• Sometimes public buildings like a county courthouse or city hall can be very nice and less expensive
• Consider booking a reception center on a weeknight or during the off-peak season. You can often save a significant amount on the fees and catering costs.

Photography

• Select a photographer who shares your view of what wedding photos should be. If you don't want the artsy shots, don't pay for them.
• Most fathers try not to scrimp too much on photographs; when all is said and done, they are the real memories from the wedding
• Hire the photographer for only a portion of the reception; get the formal shots with family and put instant cameras on the tables for candid shots of the guests

Invitations

• Engage in comparative price shopping; costs will vary widely among printers
• Consider using a photo of the bride and groom as the invitation; have your photographer produce a wedding announcement that can be printed at the local photo finisher
• Eliminating an RSVP card and stamped RSVP envelope in favor of an RSVP postcard will save costs

The Dress

• Consider buying an off the rack wedding dress, and then having a seamstress add detailing features
• If the bride wants something truly extravagant, consider renting the dress as opposed to buying one

Decor

• Consider using locally grown and seasonal flowers; they will be less expensive and just as beautiful
• Decorating the hall, if necessary, can often be done with items you have at home, or a friend or relative may have at home. Wrought iron furniture, hanging flower baskets, candle holders and centerpieces are often found at home
• Do double duty with bridal or bride and groom portraits. Placing some of these portraits in frames and on easels in the hall add a nice touch and can be used after the wedding as home decor.