Budgeting for the Ceremony and Reception

Top creative budgeting ideas for reception and ceremony merry wedding needs.

For reception and ceremony location, date and time, many brides want June and that is a peak month, how about a beautiful autumn or winter one? Off season dates are lower in cost. Additionally, if you choose another day and time-Saturday dinners are very expensive, how about a Friday night or Sunday late lunch? Another option is to choose a location that is free to rent so you can hire a catering service. The reception on site catering is generally more inflated in prices. Alcohol open bar is very costly; opt to bring in your own wine, this can save money and control costs. After the wedding ceremony, you can have guest blow bubbles as you become man and wife. Another option is to have doves or white butterflies be released.
Get creative with the decor, less is more, right. Get some ideas on how to save with flowers and cake. Also you can create your own centerpieces and favors using simple candles or candy boxes. This is a cost cutter and could be very sentimental.

For the guest book, a popular trend is to have a photo matte to have to have guests sign the matting and then the couple can frame after. With photos, you can create a collage of bride and groom photos as this can add to the memory. If you knew each other since childhood, you can show your guests how you have grown together. Or if you travelled together, you can show where you have been. It adds more conversations. Silver trays to serve as a guest signature piece is a new idea-place an engraving tool and create a piece of memory for merry wedding.
At the reception, you may consider having an appetizer to start the ceremony and select comfort food as this is usually the less costly option. For appetizer alcoholic beverages, you can offer a punch bowl; this will be fun and much less expensive. You can ask your catering service if you can bring the wine and champagne instead of buying onsite-note-that they will charge a corkage fee. This option generally is less costly than ordering onsite. Alcohol is can be costly and two options are to cut the champagne toast and do not offer an open bar. Most will not notice if you just have wine options. Buffet is a great and fun option for your guests.

For guest favors, you can opt for a larger table 12 vs. 10, this will save on centerpieces. Additionally, opting to one favor per couple can be sweet and sentimental. Choosing of favors is optional as some wedding use creative table cards as escort cards. Speaking of favors, make your own! Other ideas for reception favors are to have the champagne bucket serve as the center pieces. Or use inexpensive items like garlands, confetti, faux rose petals, candles, balloons, pine cones, sea shells, heart shaped soap and fresh fruit, they are simple yet very elegant. Candy buffets are also really popular.
Of course you want to capture the magical moments, why not have a friend do it rather than a high cost videographer. Or select one or the other. Some couples have to have the video and will count on their family to take the photos. Place disposable cameras at each table and at the end the maid of honor or best man can pick them up. Music sets the tone; DJ's can set the mood and are much less expensive than a band. You can try to cut a deal and see if they will do the ceremony music as well.