The perfect wedding doesn’t have to cost a fortune

Most people have been dreaming about the perfect wedding for most of their lives. They have seen every detail from the dress to the reception as a perfect fairy tale. Unfortunately, when the time comes, reality kicks in and we realize that the dream wedding would cost a small fortune! It is then time to step back and take a look at the budget. Unless of course your fathers name is Bill Gates.

The days of the brides parents bearing the cost of the wedding are over. Seems like each situation is different. I have seen parents paying for it all, to the bride and groom paying for it all, and everything in between. So depending on your situation, you may be looking for ways to cut costs. Always think about the ones that are paying. It would be sad for someone to use money that had been set aside for retirement, or even worse, to borrow money for your wedding.First are the flowers. Flowers can cost around $800.00 and up. I know that they are beautiful, but this is an area where money can be saved. Scan through some bridal magazines and web sites to get some creative ideas.

Next is the photography. I would be very careful here. After your perfect wedding is over, the photos will be all that you have left. You do not have to have the most expensive, but you do not want the cheapest. Look for someone who is fairly new, but has a good amount of work to show you. They usually have lower prices to get themselves started.

Invitations are a big expense. You could design yours on your computer and print them out yourself or have someone with good handwriting do them by hand (it would have to be a really good friend)! I have seen some really impressive handmade invitations and thank you notes.

Music can be very expensive. Assuming that a live band is not in the budget, perhaps a good DJ will do. Like with the photographer, you may want to look for someone who is starting out and offering lower prices. The DJ can change the mood of the reception, so pick one with personality and one that is organized.

Settings for the wedding and reception can vary a lot. Anywhere fro doing them at a home to the most expensive places. Be creative and shop around.

You will need transportation from the wedding to the reception. Do you need a limo? Perhaps a good friend or family member would be just as nice. Or if you know someone with a unique or antique car, they may be willing to transport you!

The reception is one on the most expensive parts of the wedding. Your friends and family would probably be mosre than happy to help you out. Assign tasks to them such as food and decorating. There is a lot of money to be saved here.

Hopefully this has made you think of places that you can cut down on the cost of your perfect wedding. Of course there are plenty more. Look at every dollar that you are spending and try to think of ways to reduce the cost, while still having a perfect wedding. A wedding should not put anyone in debt or take funds that were meant for something else.