Get Married on a Budget

Sure, it would be nice to have a horse-drawn carriage take you to church and a five-piece string ensemble at your reception. Does all that fit in your budget? Probably not.

Make a prioritized list of your wedding day wants and estimate how much each item costs. There’s no reason to drop every dream you’ve ever had about your wedding day. If you do actually need the horse-drawn carriage, choose a simpler dress or go for a DJ rather than live music.

As you gather quotes for wedding venues, pay close attention to what's included in the price. One venue may quote you a higher price, but it could include linens, decorations, parking, setting up and taking down the tables, and coat check. A lower quote might not include all those features, which you have to take care of yourself. If prices are still too high, get married on a Friday or Sunday. Off days at venues are less expensive.

Outdoor locations are usually less expensive, but you need a backup plan if the weather is bad. Find out if the outdoor venue includes tents in the price.

You save on decorations if you get married at your local zoo, museum, botanical garden, historic movie theatre, community theater stage or somewhere else with lots of built-in ambiance. Many places also let you have your reception on site, but remember that you may need to bring in your own tables, chairs and linens. Discuss all this before you sign a contract.

If you attended college, don’t forget your Alma Mater. Alums can often rent the student union or another space at a discount. This option is particularly nice if you met at college.

Save hundreds of dollars by shopping sample sales for a wedding dress. If you wear sizes 6 to 10, you have a particularly wide range of dresses to choose from.

Check sites like Craigslist for wedding dresses. Buy a used wedding dress and save big. You can also rent dresses from some boutiques. Other stores specialize in used wedding dresses. Don't forget to factor in the cleaning costs.

Flowers can put a big dent in your wedding budget. Here are some ways you can save:

• Choose seasonal, local flowers.
• Replace floral table centerpieces with candle arrangements.
• Get married in a park or other naturally beautiful location.
• Rent dramatic potted plants to create ambiance for less.
• Order flowers wholesale and arrange them yourself.

If you have friends who can bake, sew, arrange flowers, play music, shoot photos, do calligraphy, or create beautiful ambiance, ask them if they will donate their skill as your wedding gift. Not only will you save money but the day will be more meaningful.

Whatever you do, don't pressure a friend who hesitates when you ask for her expertise. She may be too busy to help, or may not want the risk of disappointing you on your wedding day.

Ask your caterer for the specific amount of food considered a “per person” serving. If you're serving appetizers, for example, you want more than two pieces of shrimp per person. It might make sense to order food that is less expensive, but provides more servings.

If you can't budget for a full, seated meal, have a catered buffet or serve chic hors d'oeuvres.

You don’t have to offer a free, full bar when you get married. Instead choose two or three good beers, and one or two white and red wines to serve. Let's face it: there’s more than money to be saved by not letting your guests have access to unlimited alcohol.

Consider these suggestions when you create a bar package for your wedding reception:

• Offer one or two mixed drinks that match your bridal colors. Give them fun, romantic names that reflect your day.
• Stop serving all alcohol one hour before your reception is over. Serve a snack at the end of the evening and provide your guests with cab numbers or other alternate means of transportation.
• Provide non-alcoholic drinks as well.

Ultimately, this day is not really about the flowers, the decorations, the food or even the dress. When you get overwhelmed, remember why you decided to get married in the first place. A little perspective helps you make decisions about what to spend money on and what you can do without.