First, I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to you and your fiance! Weddings can get very expensive not mention sometimes very stressful. For those of you out there who don't want to elope or who's families will kill you for it, I am here to help your budget as best I can. I have done some research and am going to share some lost cutting secrets with you as well as websites and books that can help you further. I am going to try to touch on every aspect of the wedding itself for ideas for you.

Picking the reception hall. They can be booked full up to two years or so in advanced so this is the first thing I recommend you booking. Most want a security deposit which may and may not be returned if you need to due to an emergency situations. Its not common but it does happen from time to time. Please check around when picking the place. If you have alot of out of town guests I would recommend a hotel ballroom since alot of hotels will work out discounted deals with you for people who need to book rooms. A few other ideas would be a fire hall, a banquet hall, a fancy restaurant with banquet rooms, and wedding halls which some cities have now a days. If you are getting married in the summer another idea would be to have it at a park pavilion or park house. They don't normally cost to much to rent and you could have a potluck or catered event there. Always keep in mind the little things that if forgotten can ruin a wedding. Food, bar issues whether you have to buy your own or they provide with a cash bar, seating, decorations and who must decorate, along with a dance floor of some kind and a few other issues.

I would look into the music next. Dj's average for 2-3 hours around $300-500. Where as a live band can run you anywhere from $1000 and up. You will have to find one you feels will work good with you and has the music you want. Also one who has good references. They ask for a deposit and book rather fast also since they are used for other parties and events around town.

Limousines should be the next item you think about since it seems to be the last thing people think about. A way to cut costs here would be to carpool to the church. You really don't need a limo from your house to the church. Have the limo pick you up at the church to take you to the reception and then finally home from the reception. Shop around for this. Prices differ alot and keep in mind they are not only used for weddings so they to book fast.

Photographers should be next. On this

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