by Lisa Linthicum

Created on: November 12, 2008   Last Updated: November 21, 2008

Congratulations! You've got the ring, now it's time to plan your wedding! There are many great tips for cutting your wedding costs. If you implement even a couple of them you can save a considerable amount of money.

1. Location - Where you decide to have your wedding can play a huge role in cutting your wedding costs. If you attend a church, you will probably be able to use their facilities at no charge. Or, maybe you have a friend or relative who has a spectacular home where you could have your wedding at no cost. If these options don't fit in with your plans or resources, then research other possibilities in your area - community centers, museums, hotels and tourist attractions often offer wedding packages.

2. Date - Believe it or not, but the date you choose to have your wedding can also effect how much you cut your wedding costs. Of course the busy wedding season is the summer, around Christmas and again around Valentine's Day. All wedding vendors (facilities, caterers, photographers, musicians, etc.) will probably charge more for their goods and services during these busy times. If you decide to hold your wedding during a "non-busy" wedding time, you will have a much better chance of negotiating lower charges.

3. Invitations - Invitations can be a huge expense. Simplifying the invitation can cut your wedding costs a lot, and can save you additional money from reduced postage costs. (Many odd shaped or bulky invitations require extra postage.) Check out your local bridal fairs and websites such as weddingpalace.com, theinvitationdepot.com and weddingpaperdivas.com.

4. Photography - The photographer and the pictures can be one of the biggest expenses of a wedding. When visiting with a photographer that you are considering using, look carefully at his samples. Does he focus on things that you focus on - or his/her focus on different things? (Some photographers take numerous pictures of "things" like the bride's shoes, the bride's dress, the wedding rings, the flowers, etc. While other photographers focus on the people and the events of the day.) You can cut wedding costs by not paying for pictures of things that you're not particularly interested in.

5. Wedding Dress - The wedding dress is another big ticket item for a wedding. Costs can be limited if you do some shopping around. Check out close out sales at bridal shops and don't forget resale shops too. You may find your dream designer dress at a drastically reduced price. Also don't be afraid to "think outside the box" and select a dress that's not designed to be a wedding dress. This could save you a ton on your wedding costs.

6. Reception - Again, location plays a huge role in the costs here. Try to find a free place. To further cut costs, have a simple reception of wedding cake and punch. If you're determined to have a sit down meal, consider having a pot luck dinner. That would allow Aunt Mary and Grandma Sally to showcase their famous dishes while you're cutting more wedding costs.

Remember, putting together a wedding day that you will cherish is possible, even on a budget. Just follow these simple tips for cutting your wedding costs.

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