How To Cut Corners and Save
By Doris A. Black,
Special to the Sentinel

There are hundreds of ways to save on wedding expenses without feeling that you are cheating yourself out of the wedding of your dreams. Look for savings everywhere you can, and no matter how small they may be, try to take advantage of them.

{ Wedding budget. Budgeting the wedding is no fun, but with a little forethought and perseverance, you can have the wedding you want at the price you can afford. Start by determining how much money you can contribute, then determine how much your and your fiancés parents can contribute. If other family members or friends offer to help out, take them up on the offer.

Plans/reservations: The best way to save money on the ceremony, reception and honeymoon in general is to plan ahead. Start early! By planning far in advance, you will be able to take advantage of sale prices and avoid rush fees. Use as many free bridal references as you can. Here are a few Web sites that cover just about every topic you can imagine related to weddings: www.brides.com, www.weddingcentral.com and www.thebestman.com.

Professionals: Once you've narrowed your search for the best professional florist, photographer and caterer, it's time to start the negotiations. Start with your first choice. Ask for discounts or barter your talents for theirs. Some couples have successfully negotiated an advertising campaign in exchange for discounted or free services. This might include placing the professionals' business cards on the reception tables or naming the professional in the wedding program.

Off-season rates: Take advantage of off-season rates. This goes for everything from the ceremony and reception locations to the honeymoon hotel. With June being the busiest wedding month of the year, many vendors and retailers up their rates. Ask which months might get you an off-season rate to get the best deals.

Flowers: Tell your florist you want flowers in season or plan your wedding for the day following a big floral date, such as Mother's Day, the biggest day of the year for florists, or Valentine's day, the second biggest day of the year.

Receptions: Receptions don't need to be held indoors. Imagine the savings you'll reap by holding your reception at a public park or beach instead of renting a hall. Perhaps a relative or friend has an especially nice yard they would be willing to donate for the occasion.

Food: An evening reception usually indicates a buffet or sit-down dinner - avoid these if you want to save money. By holding the wedding and reception earlier in the day, you may only have to serve hors d'oeuvres and cake, and people tend to drink less during daytime hours, so you'll save on the bar bill as well.

Just imagine what you can do with the money you'll be saving.