Penny-Wise Weddings

Unlike earlier generations where a bride’s parents started saving toward an elaborate wedding and reception from the moment she was born, many of today’s working couples are footing the bill themselves. Rather than entering the joys of marriage with an overwhelming truckload of debt, there are a number of economic and savvy ways to create a memorable day without breaking the bank or maxing out the plastic.

You’re Invited!

First of all, it’s not necessary to invite half the Western Hemisphere. Yes, yes, you get more gifts that way but are all those toasters and monogrammed towels worth the expense of keeping everyone’s champagne glass filled? Establish a manageable guest list and don’t be guilted into expanding it. Comparison-shop for stationers. If you’re artistic, consider designing and printing invitations yourself. Vendors such as www.papersource.com are a wealth of inspiration. You can also save postage on RSVP cards and maps by directing invitees to a special website.

Off-Hours Vows

Even though you and your future spouse may feel as if you’re the most special couple in the world, be prepared for heavy competition when it comes to booking your date at popular venues or certain times of year (i.e., Valentine’s Day). If you have flexibility, choose a place and a non-peak time slot (i.e., a Friday night or a weekday) where vendors are more likely to offer a major discount. If you’re getting married overseas, coordinate your travel for when the tourist traffic is low. (Unless, of course, this correlates to monsoon season…)

Food and Drink

Instead of a formal rehearsal dinner, opt for a cocktail party, a picnic, a wine-tasting, a brunch, a salad bar, or coffee and desserts. For your reception, the best bargain is a package deal that includes all the table and glassware (renting these from a separate vendor is pricy). An “open bar” can lead to a high tab; limit the drink choices to champagne, sparkling cider, and sodas. Also remember that guests tend to imbibe less if the reception is early in the day rather than later.

Music to Our Ears

Hiring a DJ is usually half the cost of hiring a live band. Downloading your own music, creating play-lists for an iPod and hooking it up to speakers is even cheaper. Not to mention that you won’t have to feed extra mouths or mill around while they’re on break.

Yon Carriage Awaits

Did you know white limos cost more than black or silver limos? Did you also know you can save money by not letting the meter run all day? If your wedding and reception are booked at the same address, hire one limo to drop you off and a different one to retrieve you when the party is over.

Help Wanted

If your friends and relatives offer to cater, bake, decorate, sing, sew, make centerpieces, or record the whole event on video…let them! Just make sure to “audition” these generous purveyors of talent beforehand so you know exactly what you’re getting.