How to Save Money on Your Wedding Dinner

Staying within a budget doesn't mean that your reception can't be fabulous. Break down everything associated with the meal, from setup to cleanup, to see where you can start cutting. With a little creativity, you can save money and still serve the meal of your dreams.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Place Cards
• Candleholders
• Candles
• Floating Candles
• Flower Bouquets
• Votive Candleholders
• Votive Candles
• Wedding Cakes
• Napkins
• Tablecloths
• Napkins
• Candles

1. Avoid peak seasons. Chances are, rental costs for a banquet hall on a weekday in October will be far less expensive than on a Saturday in June. The right timing can save you as much as 20 percent in costs.

2. Pare down your guest list. Limiting your guest list to those who receive holiday cards from you every year, for instance, means that you can focus on the quality of your reception, not the quantity.

3. Visualize everything you want, then substitute less-expensive meats (chicken instead of beef, for example) and seasonal vegetables for each dish.

4. Select dishes that require minimal preparation yet still impress - a simple melon and prosciutto is an elegant option.

5. Serve fewer courses and limit individual choices. For instance, you can forgo the appetizer and serve the wedding cake as the dessert.

6. Try to purchase your wine at a bulk rate from a source other than your caterer. Although you may be charged a service fee, it's probably less expensive than buying through the caterer. If the caterers resist, tell them it was a gift.

7. Look to the richness of your family heritage for assistance. How about using your parents' Champagne flutes or your great-grandparents' cake topper? Not only do these save you money, but they add sentiment to your reception as well.

8. Set your own tables. Enlist a small group of family members to help you out before the event.

9. Hire your own servers. You may be able to round up some capable college kids for less than the professionals charge.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider the great outdoors. Reserve space at the village green or a public park, and dress up picnic tables with beautiful tablecloths, silverware, candles and bottles of Champagne.
• Cross the border with a Mexican, Italian, Chinese or Greek feast. You'll save money and set the party in motion with a festive atmosphere.
• Go potluck; this gets everyone participating in your special day.
• Cater your own dinner. Ask a friend or family member who loves to cook to organize the meal. This works best with a small wedding.

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