by J.T. Nowen

Created on: February 16, 2009

A wedding ceremony can be many things to many people. To Roman Catholics, a wedding ceremony is the sacrament of matrimony. In the Orthodox Church, matrimony is one of the sacred mysteries. Jews, Mormons and Hindus also have strict observances that may offer little by way of cost negotiation. However, people of other spiritual beliefs may have an easier time cutting costs because of their views of the wedding ceremony. To protestant Christians, a wedding ceremony is not sacramental, but rather a secular covenant. Quakers view a wedding ceremony as a way for the community to come forward and show their support for the couple. To pagans a wedding ceremony is an open ended spiritual binding. And to traditional atheists, a marriage ceremony is nothing more than a contract with the state. The cost of a wedding ceremony largely depends on the beliefs of the couple.

A traditional Catholic sacramental ceremony can easily cost $1000. This price includes $100 for the FOCCUS compatibility test, $250 for Pre-Cana, $300 donation to the church, tips for the alter servers, wedding coordinator fees, and tips for the priest. This price does not include wedding apparel, your marriage license or church decor. If you are going to go through the Catholic sacrament of matrimony, consider shopping around for the FOCCUS and for Pre-Cana. There is no requirement that you do these things within your archdiocese and they may be cheaper out of area. The rest of the fees are not open to negotiation.

In many other religions, cultures and belief systems, it is futile to negotiate ceremony costs because of the symbolism behind the ceremony itself. However, couples may want to look at cutting costs tangentially associated with the ceremony. For example, instead of hiring a musician, couples can use recorded music or ask a talented friend or family member to provide the music. Couples can also cut back in terms of programs, aisle runners, alter flowers, and pew arrangements. Especially frugal couples can further simplify transportation from the ceremony to the reception.

If your beliefs do not require you to spend a non-negotiable amount of money, there are several more areas where you may wish to cut back.

If you are planning a very small wedding restricted to immediate family and very close friends, consider a destination wedding on a cruise ship. Wedding ceremonies on cruise ships are often free of charge.

If you do not require the blessings of a religious official, consider marrying yourselves. Simply go to a courthouse and obtain a marriage certificate, perform your vows in front of your guests and conclude by having everyone present sign your marriage certificate.

If your beliefs do require the blessings of a religious official, ask someone you know well to perform the ceremony. Hopefully, they will be aware of your particular financial situation or they will donate their services as a gift. Try to arrange the ceremony in locations that you can use at no or little cost such as a beach, park or private land and negotiate chair rental costs.

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