| Your wedding is one of the most important days of | | | | Photography and Videography - Don't order the |
| your life, and of course you want to splurge a little | | | | wedding album or frame-you can do this yourself at |
| to make it special. But sticking to your budget is | | | | a later time, when you're not as deluged with |
| important too, especially if you don't want to start | | | | expenses. You can ask a friend to do the |
| your life together neck-deep in debt. | | | | videography, or approach a college or university film |
| The first step is to identify what's most important to | | | | club. Most film students would be happy for a chance |
| you, spend on what matters, and cut corners on the | | | | to earn a little extra on a weekend, and won't charge |
| things that don't. This differs from bride to bride. | | | | as much as a professional cameraman. |
| Some ask a friend to take the pictures but spend an | | | | Reception - Adjust the time of your reception so |
| open bar and a big band-others want professional | | | | you can serve brunch or tea instead of lunch or |
| photographs, and schedule a lunch reception because | | | | dinner. You can also order separate meals for your |
| it's less expensive than a dinner menu. | | | | suppliers (e.g., band, host), or a children's menu for |
| If you're not sure what your priorities are, ask | | | | any young guests (they'd be happier with hotdogs, |
| yourself these questions: what do I want to | | | | anyway). Another way of getting big bargains is to |
| remember about the wedding? Is it "my guests had | | | | look for those that offer "special packages" that |
| the time of their life" or "I had the dress of my | | | | include the cake, food, use of the venue itself, and |
| dreams"? Take your cue from there. | | | | even extras like limo service. |
| Also, buy a notebook and write down all your | | | | Souvenirs - Make them yourself, if you have the |
| expenses related to the wedding, and have all your | | | | time. For example, place several chocolate kisses into |
| receipts in a file. Aside from the obvious costs like | | | | a small tin, while the more artistically inclined can |
| ordering the invitations, don't forget the incidental | | | | make very inexpensive frames from materials in a |
| expenses like having all of them mailed. Every month, | | | | crafts store. Or you can kill two birds with one stone, |
| review your tally of costs with your fiancée. | | | | and ask a friend to take "studio" shots of your |
| If you find that you have gone over your budget, | | | | guests against a special set-up in the corner. Give |
| then rein the expenses in. | | | | them a copy of the picture to take home as a |
| Here are some ways you can cut corners: | | | | souvenir, while simultaneously compiling an album. |
| Flowers - Explore other ways of decorating the | | | | Cake - If you really want a high-tiered cake, you can |
| church or reception tables: Seashells, scented candles, | | | | always ask for mock Styrofoam layers so you get |
| balloon bouquets. Always use flowers that are in | | | | the impact but don't spend on something that most |
| season. | | | | people won't eat, anyway. |