Stretch Your Budget Without Cutting Corners

These days, we’re all trying to cut corners, and that can apply to weddings. But before you ditch the photographer for mobile uploads, remember that you can go too far. Here, some common budget slashes that can be handled in a more enjoyable fashion, while considering what your guests really want and expect.

One rule of weddings is that guests should be offered something to eat and something to drink. This means that skipping the open bar in favor of a cash bar is a major mistake. Would you have a dinner party and ask guests to pay for the wine? Your wedding is no different. If you don’t want an expensive liquor bill, there are several options. You can nix the top-shelf brands for medium-shelf liquor; your guests aren’t going to complain. Another choice is to serve only beer and wine, and only pass around Champagne during the toast. If you still need to cut back, have a morning or afternoon affair, and don’t serve alcohol. All that’s required for this plan is that you inform guests ahead of time.

In a similar vein, don’t skimp on food. If you’re having an evening affair, people will expect dinner. Make sure your caterer knows how many guests are expected, and listen to his advice on how much food that requires. Some people close up their buffets early, which means guests who are too busy chatting or who arrive late go home on an empty stomach. The smartest way to cut down food costs is to have a cocktail reception, and serve hors d’oeuvres, or have a brunch or breakfast wedding. Also, remember that you don’t need a dessert course if you’re serving cake.

Speaking of which, your friends will be quite impressed that you’ve become so health conscious you’re skipping the cake. They will also be disappointed. While many people don’t want cake, it’s a customary, er, treat. Your better bet is to keep the wedding cake small and simple, and have a sheet cake in the back that the caterers slice and serve, or be creative with an alternative wedding cake.  Another bonus: You can wrap up slices and serve them as favors, a great way to save on that wedding tradition.

We’re all connected nowadays, but that doesn’t mean the Internet and cell phones are the proper way to announce your wedding. Handwritten wedding invitations are a wonderful custom, and an honor for the people who receive them. Do not invite people to your wedding via email or text. If there is a last-minute invite due to forgetfulness or lost invitation, call the person.

You can, however, cut back on the price of invitations and save-the-date cards by making them yourselves, or putting all the information in one envelope. Wedding web sites are a great way to update information that guests will need, and you’ll be helping the environment. Remember, cutting back on wedding costs is smart and responsible. Cutting back on fun is entirely unnecessary.

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