Things You'll Need:
- Creativity
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Step 1
Exploit your contacts. Is your best friend a hair stylist? Does your mother's cousin own a bakery? Is your fiance's sister a seamstress? Know any friend-of-the-family ordained ministers who would officiate for free as a wedding gift? Don't be afraid to ask for discounts (or free stuff!) from contacts in your network who could help. Some people who are very close to you may be willing to offer their goods or services for free in lieu of a wedding gift if you make that suggestion to them.
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Step 2
Have an afternoon wedding. If your reception is too late for lunch but too early for dinner, your guests will be more receptive to a buffet or hors d'oeuvres. Having a buffet instead of a sit-down meal will save you a bundle on food and servers. As an added bonus, you'll be less likely to have people leave your reception early because they are tired or it's getting late.
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Step 3
Consider silk flowers. They are much cheaper and will be much appreciated by your guests with allergies. They also last longer. If you don't think your daughter will want to wear your wedding dress 25 years from now, she might carry your bouquet or re-use your centerpieces instead.
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Step 4
Cut down on attire costs. Try to find a dress that will require little to no alterations to cut down on that cost. If you are wearing a long gown, don't be afraid to buy your shoes from Wal-Mart, as no one will see them anyway (and you'll likely remove them for the dancing). Make your "Something Borrowed" something big, like your grandmother's veil or your mother's pearls. That part of the attire will be free.
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Step 5
Get married in a church and have your reception in the Fellowship Hall. This is less expensive than a venue (especially since you will be renting both sites at the same location) and more traditional. Bonuses: the church's minister or priest will likely be available to officiate and you may get a deal if you are a member of that church.
