Here’s some resources on Wedding:

Wedding Speeches:

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingSpeeches.html

Wedding Fitness :

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingFitness.html

Amazing Wedding Planning:

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/AmazingWeddingPlanning.html

Worlds #1 Selling Wedding Mc Guide :

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingGuide.html

The Wedding Mc Jokebook:

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingJokes.html

How To Photograph A Wedding :

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingPhoto.html

Best Bridal Shower Games And More - Printable Games, Themes And More: http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/BridalShower.html

Create Your Own Wedding Flowers. Step-by-step Guide To Creating Fantastic Wedding Flowers:

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingFlowers.html

Wedding Planning On A Budget. Dont Miss Out* Our One Of A Kind Sales System Is Irresistible To The Couple Trying To Plan Their Dream Wedding Without Going Broke.:

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingBudget.html

Wedding Planning Secrets. How To Have Your Fairytale Wedding On A Shoestring Budget. :

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingSecret.html

The Ultimate Wedding Vow Toolkit. All The Tools You Need To Write Vows That Are A Romantic Masterpiece. :

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingToolkit.html

Wedding Ceremonies Book And Wedding Planning Book:

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingCeremonies.html

Create A Theme Wedding As Unique As Your Love. Discover The Secrets Of Planning Your Theme Wedding The Right Way. This Book Is An Extensive Wedding Theme Book Containing Specific Details On How To Plan A Theme Wedding. :

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingTheme.html

Honeymoon & Destination Wedding:

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/HoneymoonDestination.html

Wedding Music – Waltzes And Marches:

http://wealthtutorial.com/recommend/WeddingMusic.html

Weddings should reflect the individual personalities and priorities of the couple getting married. The focus of this special day need not be about how much was spent or saved.  It should be about the event itself and the couple’s commitment to each other.
Remember, it’s not the price of the wedding that determines the quality of your marriage or that dictates a good time for all involved!
A successful wedding does not have to be an expensive wedding. Success should be determined by whether the bride, groom and the guests enjoyed themselves.
Having a wedding on a tight budget does not mean having to give up style or the fond memories. It just takes some planning and shopping around.
No matter how much money you spend, if your wedding is cookie cutter and seems rehearsed no one will remember it and most will not enjoy it. Make it your own, make it part of you both, not part of a book you read, or do things you think you “have” to do! Share with your guests part of who you both are!
Weddings are expensive if you want them to be. But if you want to keep money aside for a deposit on a house or a honeymoon to remember, then there are many cost cutting ideas. All you need is a little imagination, and some help from friends and family and you too can have a luxury wedding with all the trimmings.
Getting married should not be expensive. After all, the essence of marriage is in the union and not in the celebration. You shouldn’t also try too hard to please the guests. Your family and friends are there to rejoice this wonderful event with you and not to criticize your wedding.

Think of your wedding as a collaboration of loving hands coming together to form the perfect day.  Follow these tips and you’ll have a beautiful wedding and reception and you won’t have to start out married life in debt.  You’ll have a gorgeous and memorable ceremony to remember for years to come!

Here’s a table to keep track of your budget to make sure you don’t overspend.

Budget Sheet	Budgeted	Actual	Done
Gown
Flowers
Photographer
Video
DJ/Band
Food
Drink
Cake
Reception hall Rental
Church Décor
Reception Décor
Attendant Gifts
Reception Guest Favors
Honeymoon
Miscellaneous
Total

Use this checklist to keep track of the important things!

Checklist and Notes

Use this checklist to make sure you have your bases covered before your big day. Use the spaces provided below each to make any notes, jot down phone numbers, compare pricing, etc.

Pick a date: ____________________________________

Announce your engagement in the local paper. Decide how it will be worded

Pick your attendants

Bridesmaids Groomsmen

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

_______________________________ _______________________________

Choose your colors

Choose a location for the ceremony

Choose a location for the reception

Choose your gown and veil

Choose your bridesmaid’s and groomsmen’s attire

Arrange for fittings and alterations if needed

Decide on a honeymoon

Begin registering with bridal registries

Select invitations – Decide on wording

What food will you serve? Will it be catered?

What beverages will you serve

Find a photographer

Find a videographer

DJ/Band for the reception

Ceremony music

Choose and order wedding rings

Decide on reception decorations

Select your table decorations

Make/order table decorations

Select attendant flowers

Item # Needed

* Bridal bouquet ________

* Bridesmaids ________

* Groom’s Flower ________

* Groomsmen ________

* Flower Girl ________

* Ring Bearer ________

* Corsages

Moms’ ________

Grandmas’ ________

Wedding assistants’ ________

Make/order attendant flowers

Select flowers and decorations for the ceremony

Complete the guest list

Make honeymoon reservations

Confirm dates and times with all involved in the wedding

Decide on transportation after the ceremony

Decide on the wedding cake

Make/order wedding cake

Make/Order invitations

Address and mail invitations

Get your marriage license

Contact hotels for out-of-town guest accommodations

Buy/make bridal party gifts

Make/print wedding programs

Arrange for a final fitting of your gown

Other:

•    Make a list of your dreams and prioritize them. Do the important things first.
•    Purchase shoes, hose, undergarments, etc., that you can use for work after the wedding.
•    Plan ahead, and do as much as you can yourself…but make sure the week of your wedding is free to relax and rest, so you can be at your best for the big day.
•    For out of town guests, negotiate with a local hotel for a flat, group rate.  Ask that the rate extend to a day or two before and after your wedding.  Ask for group parking discounts too.
•    Rent a Cadillac or other luxury vehicle just for the Bride, Groom, Maid/Matron of Honor, and Best Man to save on the expense of a limousine. The other members of the Bridal Party will most likely want to ride with their spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend to the reception.
•    Kids can get bored during the wedding reception. So instead of having kids seated at the same table with the adults, you can have an area where kids can be more casual and can have a small party of their own.
•    Instead of the traditional guest book, have a framed canvas for your guest to sign. This is something you can hang in your home as a unique memory of your wedding day. Leave blank squares to mount snap shots, from the ceremony to make as a collage.
•    Marriage is a union of families. During the wedding rites, if possible, you may alter some of the practices to include the children of the bride or groom from previous marriage or the parents and families of the couple. Having them perform a special union rite will signify that the wedding is not just a union of two people but also of two families.
We did this in my second marriage.  I have two children from my previous marriage and wanted to have them included in the ceremony.  After my husband and I said our vows, we recited a separate set of vows to them promising to be loving parents and a happy family – in good times and bad.  We’ve certainly had both!
After we said vows to them, my husband presented my daughter with her own “wedding ring” – a simple gold band with a small stone – and my son with a cross necklace.  They loved it and it really united us as a family.
•    When the bride and groom come out of the church, it is tradition to shower them with something.  This tradition relates to wishing fertility on them in their marriage.
Traditionally, they have been showered with rice (uncooked, of course!)  More and more people have gone toward bird seed which is more environmentally friendly.  And no, birds won’t explode if they eat the rice!
Another great idea besides rice or bird seed is to have the guests hold sparklers as the newlyweds exit the ceremony.
•    Make sure any speeches are given early on in the reception.  The longer the reception lasts, the more possibility of having an intoxicated, and probably inappropriate, toast!
•    If you want an outdoor wedding, have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather.
•    Rent, borrow, or make as many items as possible! Some items to borrow from a friend or relative are a cake knife and serving set, toasting glasses, jewelry and the bride’s shoes. To reduce costs, you can make several items or enlist a few friends to help you with ribbons, pew bows, veil and headpiece, church programs, bridesmaids’ dresses, bridal purse, ring bearer pillow and the cake topper.
•    Though we’ve said it before, it bears repeating.  Forget the “W” Word.  While I have noticed a small change in recent years, this still holds true for a lot of cases. People expect weddings to be more expensive, and are charged accordingly. Refer to your wedding as a family get-together or a gathering.  It’s unfortunate, but when you associate an item with a wedding, you will often find that the price goes up.
•    Tulle can be a fairly inexpensive decorating tool (no pun intended). Tulle can be draped along staircases, balconies and fireplaces. Tulle bows can be tied around chairs. Some reception locations may not have the most “attractive” chairs. The tulle bows look beautiful and romantic and make a great “cover-up”.
•    Consider keeping the theme of your wedding and reception all the way into the restrooms! For example, if your theme is daisies then cut a few daisy heads off and lay them around the sinks. Perhaps you also might add soap and lotion for your guests to use that have the same scent as your wedding flowers.
•    You will have to pay the officiant, so budget this into your expenses.
•    The rehearsal dinner is traditionally given by the groom’s family.  But let’s face it, sometimes tradition can go out the door in the best interest of the couple.
The rehearsal dinner of today doesn’t have to be a formal sit-down dinner.  More and more couples are opting for casual, simple get-togethers on the day before their marriage.
You can gather at someone’s house and order pizza to eat while you socialize.  You could also get sub sandwiches from the local sub shop.
Maybe simple pot luck would suffice for you.  Why not put out some lunch meat and cheese for sandwiches?
Remember, you’ll be stressed enough the next day, so relax on rehearsal night!

Here are the checklists we promised!  Print them out and refer to them often.  They can help keep you organized and insure that you have a beautiful wedding with no detail left untouched!

Wedding Rings:

Wedding rings symbolize the union of two people joined by the ring finger.  Some people say the ring finger has an artery that leads straight to the heart. I don’t know if that’s true but it is romantic.
Once married most people don’t take off their wedding bands, as a sign of their faithfulness to each other.  It’s also a good idea to leave them on because it is surprisingly easy to lose your rings.
Here is the buzz on saving a few bucks on your wedding rings:
•    Simple gold bands are the cheapest. They can run $125 to $400 each. They are also classic and elegant.
•    Silver bands are modern and cheap.
•    Don’t buy the designer version of gold bands. That will save you a bunch.
•    If you want white metal, opt for white gold. Platinum is almost double the price.
•    You’ll save almost half if you buy a coordinating set or trio (engagement ring, your wedding band and his band.)
•    If you want a ring with a stone, don’t forget semi-precious stones are beautiful. You don’t have to have diamonds in your wedding rings.
•    Family wedding bands are a romantic heirloom and free.
•    Shopping online can save you money. Make sure you pick a secure site with great customer service.
•    Check out local pawn shops too.
•    Consider stones other than diamonds.  Princess Diana had a sapphire ring, you could too!
•    If you really want something more-make a plan-start saving now and decide to upgrade your wedding rings on your fifth anniversary or your tenth anniversary.  Maybe you could plan to renew your vows then too!

Attendant Gifts:
For the girls, go practical.  Buy pantyhose and a pretty necklace to wear at the wedding.  You can often find strands of faux pearls cheaply in a jewelry shop like Claire’s.  If you get a really good deal, pop for earrings too!
For the guys, a money clip can run from $5.00 to $10.00 depending on where you look. Try Dollar General.  You can even start them off with a dollar bill in it if you get them cheap enough.
The flower girl would probably love a stuffed animal.  Maybe a set of bears dressed in bride and groom attire.  Since the flower girl and ring bearer are the youngest members of the wedding party, you may want to throw practicality out the door and just buy them a toy you know they’ll love.
If you want to get creative, consider making each of your bridesmaids a photo collage or a small scrapbook with photos of you and them together.  Small photo albums can be found at the dollar store and it takes just a glue gun and some imagination to decorate.
You can buy each attendant a book picked out especially for them.  Write a personal inscription in the front of it.  Gift certificates are also usually good gifts.
Consider also making your own bath products to give as gifts.  Bath salts and soaps are actually quite easy and inexpensive to make.  Recipes and directions can be found online or at the local craft store.

The Honeymoon:
Unless you have a rich relative who’s willing to send you on a honeymoon cruise, a lavish honeymoon is probably out of the realm of possibility.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice getaway after your wedding.
Consider local travel.  Stay at a bed and breakfast.  What about a theme park honeymoon?  Some couples relish the idea of camping.  Rent and RV and get to an RV park for a secluded honeymoon where you can enjoy each other exclusively.
If you can get away for your honeymoon, be sure to plan early.  The earlier you book your trip, the better chance you have of getting a good rate.  Consider an all-inclusive vacation or a cruise.  These can be relatively low-cost and immensely enjoyable!
Don’t be afraid to ask for freebies.  Everyone loves newlyweds, so take advantage of this nearly universal sentimentality by asking for discounts or freebies, suggests Ingram. If you tell your waiter that you’re on your honeymoon, you may get a free dessert or bottle of wine. Ask the desk clerk at the hotel where you’re staying for any free upgrades, as well.

A wedding reception is a party to celebrate the union of two special people.  Most celebrations include music to express the joy everyone is feeling.  What are your options when you’re on a budget?  Varied!

Most people like to have a disc jockey at their reception – if only because they have a large selection of music available to please the various age groups you’ll have there.  Disc jockeys are probably less expensive than bands, but they can be a bit pricey too.  Consider, too that with a DJ, you’ll also have an emcee to move the reception along.

We suggest you shop around extensively when looking for a DJ.  Consider calling a local college to see if they can recommend a talented TV/R major who might be willing to take the job.

When picking out music, make sure you take into consideration the guests.  An all-rap repertoire probably isn’t appropriate, but all big band music isn’t either.  Make sure there’s a mix of both to please both young and old.

To encourage guests to dance, assign each table a love song, when the band (or DJ) plays that song that table should get up to dance. You know likely know whether this would work or not with your crowd, but is a neat idea.
To be honest, really a very small percentage of the human race enjoys the Chicken Dance, Macarena, and Electric Slide. Know your guests, and if you know this will be uncomfortable for them, make sure your DJ does not include them. They can be embarrassing, but they can be great fun as well.  It’s truly a matter of preference!
If your hearts are set on live music, look for bands that have day jobs and “jam” for fun. Don’t rule out high school-aged bands. Or hire a child violin virtuoso to perform for the ceremony — there won’t be a dry eye in the place.
Also, consider the time of your reception.  My first wedding was held at 11:00 in the morning.  The music at the reception was set to begin at 2:00 and we expected to be finished with the whole reception by 6:00.  We had a favorite local band we loved and asked if they would cut their price for an afternoon “gig” since they would still be free to perform that evening.  They were happy to and we got them for just $200.  They got their regular bar rate that night and made a little extra on the side.

A rock-bottom budget option is to make your own tapes of your musical favorites.  If you know of someone who has an awesome stereo system, see if they would be willing to loan it to you for the day and have people volunteer to man it to make sure you don’t have any silent times.
The good part about mix CD’s is that if you take some time, you can put it together so that it plays straight through and no one will have to switch discs.  You can mix it up with an equal balance of fast and slow songs and add in all your favorites as well.
Another fun option for music is to have a karaoke set-up.  You can maximize on the talents of some of your guests and laugh at the not-so-great talents of others.  Some people really come to life with karaoke, you may as well maximize on that!
If you don’t own a karaoke machine or know someone who does, look into renting one.  You can download karaoke songs (music without the lyrics) online to make your own karaoke CD’s.  Go to lyrics.com to get the words and arrange it all in a simple 3-ring binder for your guests to refer to.
There are a lot of other miscellaneous ways to save money on your wedding.  The next section covers some of these tips.

The question of whether or not to serve alcohol at your wedding is one that can cause dissension in the ranks of family.  We’ll address that in a moment.

Plan to have on hand coffee.  You can borrow a large coffee dispenser from the local church, or your reception hall will probably have one on hand for you to use.  Buy a large can of coffee on sale and brew it yourself.

Iced tea is always good to have as well.  You can get family size tea bags at most grocery stores and brew the tea in your coffee pot.  Rinse it out good first!  Put the brewed tea in a large cooler dispenser, add some water and ice.  If you want to add sugar, do, but many guests prefer to add their own, so we suggest leaving it unsweetened and providing sugar at the tables.

Soda can be expensive, but is a great hit with the kids!  Buy 2 liter bottles and plastic cups instead of cans.  Have a large cooler filled with ice as well.  We recommend the smaller cups since the guests are more likely to drink it all instead of leaving some in the bottom.  It’s a small way to conserve on the amount used.  Unless you’re rabid about the taste of name-brand sodas, the store brand can often be just as good and much less expensive.

Punch is always good to have at a wedding reception.  We’re willing to bet you know someone who owns a punch bowl, so borrow it.  Don’t go overboard on the punch, though.  Many people will only have a cup or two and you don’t want to have leftover.  It’s not that great the second day!

A good basic punch recipe is to mix together a 2 liter bottle of lemon-lime soda, a can/bottle of fruit punch, and flavored sherbet.  You can also use plain vanilla ice cream.  Stir together until the sherbet or ice cream is melted.  Add ice.

Now let’s address the alcohol question.  For some people, it’s a no-brainer.  No alcohol, no drunken relatives to spoil the day.  In many families, this option is a must.  I’m reminded of the reception where the bride’s grandma got drunk and picked a fight with the groom’s grandma.  They ended up tangling on the floor and an ambulance had to be called.  No bride wants that as a memory of their special day.

Where I come from, it’s just not a proper wedding reception without drinks.  For the frugal bride on a budget, however, alcohol can be a huge cost.  There are ways you can save if you will be having cocktails at your wedding.

First, you need to check with your reception hall to see if you must purchase liquor directly from them or if you can bring it in yourself.  If you have to get it from them, negotiate a price.  They’re usually willing to give a little knowing that you’re investing your money in them for the reception.

Most people can’t afford to have an open bar for the duration of the reception.  Just to clarify, an open bar is one where guests can drink whatever and how much they want and the bride and groom pay the bill.

We suggest having open bar for only an hour or two.  You can calculate just how much you’re able to pay for a bar bill and instruct the bartender to cut off the open bar when you’ve reached that point.

Some experts think it’s an insult to ask guests to pay for their own drinks.  We beg to differ on this point.  Drinking is optional.  With the couple providing a meal, music, and socialization, asking them to pay for everyone’s drunk is just not feasible for the everyday Joe.

If you do want to have an open bar, it’s a good idea to limit that to beer and wine only and opting out of pricey mixed drinks that can add up quickly.  Insist that bartenders use shot glasses. This keeps drinks uniform, and if you’re charged per bottle, prevents bartenders from “pouring heavy” to go through more bottles.

If you are allowed to provide your own liquor, this, of course, would be the best way to save on alcohol at your wedding.  For large groups, buy beer by the keg, not the bottle. Contact a nearby winery and ask about bulk discounts.  Buy liquor at warehouse stores like Sam’s or Costco as well.

Don’t think you have to have absolutely every type of liquor on hand.  If guests want an exotic drink, they’re out of luck.  Buy only the basics:  vodka, whiskey, rum, and possibly gin.  We suggest having on hand some juices as well:  orange, cranberry, and pineapple.  You should also have cola and lemon-lime sodas.

We strongly suggest having a bartender on hand instead of asking your guests to make their own drinks.  You might find yourself running out of liquor quite quickly that way!  Perhaps enlist the services of a friend to pour drinks.  Better yet, ask several friends to take a turn for an hour at a time.  Your reception hall might have someone willing to do it as well.

A rather unconventional, but sometimes feasible idea for liquor is to have guests bring their own alcohol.  That way, they have what they prefer, and you don’t have the expense!

Also, consider making your own wine spritzers.  One couple I know rented a champagne fountain from a party rental place and put the spritzer in it instead of champagne.  Mix equal parts of lemon-lime soda and wine and you have a tasty alternative to straight wine or beer.

For my first wedding, we were very limited on our budget for alcohol.  We had purchased 3 kegs of beer wholesale from a family friend who owned a liquor store, but my future in-laws (at the time) wanted to have liquor available too.  What did we do?  Raided the liquor cabinets at home!  We were able to purchase a few bottles, but when we brought together what we found in both my parents house and their house, we had a lot of alcohol available and took home what wasn’t used.

Above all, make sure that any of your guests who have had too much to drink won’t be driving home.  You may want to have on hand the number of a taxi service or provide one yourself with teenage family members.  Have someone in charge of keeping an eye on those who are inebriated and someone else to enforce the requirement that they not drink and drive.  They may be angry that night, but they’ll thank you in the morning – through the haze of their hangover!

The final aspect of your reception you’ll need to decide on is music.

Your cake is the centerpiece of the reception. It is a scrumptious dessert as well as part of a tradition- the beautiful or messy cutting-of-the-cake.
Look at lots of different ideas before you decide what you want. Visit bakeries and peruse bridal magazines. You might also find inspiration at a toy store, in china patterns or from your favorite candies.
Remember fancy cakes from the bakery are expensive, anywhere from three dollars to fifteen dollars a slice plus other charges like delivery, etc.
Simple cakes can be very elegant. We’ll give you great ideas to have a marvelous confection that will long be remembered after it’s eaten and smashed in the face of the bride and groom.
Consider simplicity with your cake.  The actual one you have on display doesn’t have to fee your entire guest list.  Try out a simple two-tiered number and then have a sheet cake in the kitchen to serve to guests.

Why not try cupcakes as an alternative to the traditional tiered cake.  These can be made in a variety of flavors and arranged on a tiered rack or in a creative design on the cake table.

Of course, the best way to save the most on a wedding is to make it yourself or have a friend or relative bake it.  Consider the cost of some cake mixes and frosting, and you can see how baking your own cake can save money.

Wedding cakes don’t have to be elaborate, just tasty.  When decorating, consider using fresh flowers.  This will add some real class to the cake and bring in the colors of your wedding too.

The cake topper is another place where you can show your uniqueness as a couple.  My second husband and I are avid golfers.  My mom found some miniature (really small) plastic drivers that just happened to be white.  She tied them together with ribbon and this is what adorned our cake.

Consider a matchbox car for the Nascar fans.  How about one of those headliner figures in your favorite team for a sports couple?  Do you both like to fish?  No, don’t put a fish on top of your cake, but you can put a lure or bobber up there.  Please, though, buy it new – don’t just grab something from your tackle box!

Many couples want to have mints and nuts to go along with the cake.  This is fine, but you should buy the nuts in bulk from a warehouse store, and make the mints yourself.  Homemade mints can be frozen well in advance and still taste delicious when they’re thawed out.

Try this delicious recipe:

WEDDING CREAM MINTS

1 three-ounce package cream cheese softened
3 cups powdered sugar
Food coloring (in your wedding colors)
Flavoring (available at most grocery stores) – peppermint preferably

Mix cheese, flavoring, and coloring till well blended.  Slowly add sugar.  Knead in with fingers as mixture thickens.  Roll into small balls then into granulated sugar.  Press flat with a spoon. Refrigerate or freeze.  If freezing, thaw in refrigerator 1-2 days prior to serving.

This makes 50-75 mints.  Plan 2 mints per person.

Guests cannot have food and cake alone at your reception.  Let’s explore the question of beverages.

Food can take a huge chunk out of your wedding budget. It’s often difficult to figure out what’s acceptable as it is an area in which expert’s (etiquette or otherwise) opinions vary widely. It can also be difficult to choose what type of food to serve at your reception…especially when you consider all of the different varieties of food available to you.

If you are having your reception at a hall that offers food service as part of the package, choose your menu wisely.  While you may dream of a steak and lobster meal at your reception, this will be quite expensive and is not really viable when throwing a wedding on a budget.

There’s nothing wrong with an elegantly prepared chicken breast for your wedding meal.  Perhaps offer a vegetarian alternative like fish as well.  Beef tends to be more expensive than poultry or fish, so be completely committed if you must have steak, you’ll pay for it!

Consider having hors d’ouevres if your reception hall will be catering.  Almost always, these will be cheaper than a sit down meal, and guests can enjoy them just as much.

Here are some general tips for your wedding dinner catered by your reception hall:

•    It’s a myth that a buffet-style meal is less expensive than a served one. In reality, buffets require more food and more labor so their cost is higher.
•    If you are working with a smaller group (say 40 to 70), piggyback onto another group’s menu. This allows the hotel to buy in bulk and lowers your price.
•    Whenever possible, order in bulk yourself.
•    Consider other main entrees besides beef and chicken. Chefs can do a lot of things with pastas and the price is usually very reasonable
•    Allow the chef to try out his new, original recipes with your group. Most welcome the chance to be creative and lower the price per serving in exchange for the group’s feedback. Be careful that it’s not something too exotic, though.  Lamb or swordfish might not appeal to everyone in your party!
•    Negotiate house wine price with dinner versus a specialty wine.
•    Find out how the caterer/hotel taxes food. If gratuity is part of the taxed bill, the cost will be more.

For halls that will allow you to bring in your own caterer, the key here is to shop around.  Check with a local family restaurant and see if they have bulk meals they will offer for your reception.  Almost all will or at the very least, will try for the money.

At my first wedding, we did this.  At just $2.15 a plate for 200 people, we got fried chicken and ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, rolls, butter, coffee, tea, and all the utensils including plates and napkins.  All of our guests ate till they were full and we had food left over!  It was very much worth the cost.

The truly frugal bride will probably want to do what we did at my second wedding, though.  As I’ve mentioned – what is this, the hundredth time? – Family and friends pitched in a lot for us as a wedding gift.

My uncle has a business where he smokes meat for people.  He smoked some pork butts that I got discounted from the local butcher.  We shredded the meat and added barbeque sauce for pork sandwiches.  The buns were bought at Aldi for $.29 a package.

My dad has a rather large family which provides me with 4 aunts along with 2 other ladies I consider family making 6 “aunts” in total.  Each offered up a dish for my reception.  One made macaroni salad, one made potato salad.  We had coleslaw, a green tossed salad, green bean casserole, and baked beans.  I bought huge bags of potato chips and all the utensils in bulk at Sam’s Club, and we had a simple, homemade, and very tasty meal.

Along those lines, you may want to explore a potluck reception.

The Potluck Reception
Don’t be shy to pursue this potluck reception idea. It is truly the traditional way to celebrate. And, it is truly the number one low budget wedding option.
Today’s weddings are so commercialized. You will learn that caterers offer very limited menus to very limited budgets! Guests will likely be very pleased and welcome the idea of a potluck reception.
The potluck reception goes well with any wedding theme. If you are shy about approaching this option you can simply call it an “Old Time Traditional Wedding Celebration” The potluck dinner will suit this theme quite naturally and no-one will even question it!
You may even want to pick an “Old Time” theme for your decorating and favors. This will further incorporate the idea of an old time tradition theme. Why not try a 50′s theme or a 20′s theme. These are both popular old time themes.
Simply slip an added note with the invite, or on the invite, to give guests this option. For example the note might read…
~Our reception will be an “Old Time Traditional Celebration” with a potluck dinner.
____.  Please check here if you would like to bring a dish for the reception in place of a wedding gift. Call with dish suggestions please.
Have them call to get or offer suggestions on a dish so you have control over the menu. No one is obligated to participate, but I’m sure you will be surprised at how many guests will opt for this.
You and your guests will be equally surprised at the great variety and quality of the dishes provided. Guests will want to bring only their best recipes to a grand occasion such as a wedding reception!
Here are some descriptions of a few reception types in which a full meal is not served. All of these options are less expensive than a full meal (whether buffet style or sit-down) if you are willing to do most of the work yourself. All of these receptions are acceptable if you aren’t holding the reception during meal-time.

Breakfast is often served around 8:00 a.m., Lunch at 12:00 p.m. and Dinner at 6:00 p.m., and these are the times in which a full meal is generally expected by guests. These times also vary depending on your area. You should hold your reception two hours before or after these times if not considering a full meal.

Cake and Punch Reception – The most common time of day that this type of reception is held is early afternoon (approximately 2:00 p.m.), but it can also occur in mid-morning (approximately 10:00 a.m.). A cake and punch reception generally consists of the wedding cake and refreshments. Refreshments can include: punch, coffee, tea, champagne, etc. You can also supplement the wedding cake with other types of cake in different flavors and textures.

Dessert Reception – This type of reception is one in which desserts are served. Desserts can include pies, cakes, doughnuts, cookies, pastries, brownies, etc. Another option, which can be combined with a normal dessert reception if you’d like, is a sundae bar.

In this type of reception, you serve bowls of ice cream (usually vanilla) and let your guests choose their topping. Toppings can include chocolate or fudge sauce, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, crushed walnuts, whipped cream, fruit toppings, etc. Basically, the same things you’d find in any sundae bar. Summer is the most common time of year for a sundae bar. A normal dessert bar can be used year round though as there are desserts specific to season. For example, pumpkin pie and apple pie would be a great choice for fall weddings. This type of reception is also an example of an inexpensive choice if you purchase the items on your own.

Hors D’ouevres Reception – There are actually two distinct types of hors d’ouevres receptions. The first is light hors d’ouerves and consists of a lighter fare than the second which is a heavy hors d’ouerves menu.

A light menu often includes items such as: crackers, vegetable platters with dip, fruit, cheese, etc. A heavy hors d’ouerves often includes these as well as items such as: meat and cheese trays, chicken fingers, egg rolls, etc.

These types of receptions are also (casually) called “finger-food receptions” in some areas. In order to save money on this type of reception, check your local grocery store deli for prices on “meat and cheese” trays as well as “vegetable” and “cracker and cheese” platters. Their prices are often very reasonable. Another option is to buy the ingredients yourself.

Tea (or Coffee) Reception – This type of reception is a relic from a bygone era. Originally, tea receptions were meant to reflect the mood of an “afternoon tea.” An authentic tea reception will include items such as petit fours, watercress sandwiches, cucumber sandwiches, scones (biscuits), etc. Be sure to cut the crusts off the sandwiches and cut in a diagonal cross (X shape) for an authentic look. If you’re looking for a more modern approach…you can serve coffee with (or in place of) the tea. You can also serve: bite-size pieces of cake (such as carrot), any manner of sandwich which is easy to cut, cinnamon rolls, etc. This type of reception is relatively inexpensive (depending on the items you decide to serve) and can be relaxing for both the couple and the guests.

Salad Reception – This choice is becoming more popular and is a viable choice for vegetarians who don’t want to serve a full meal. Items served can include: green (lettuce, spinach) salads, fruit salads, pasta salads, potato salads (lacto-ovo), coleslaw (lacto- ovo), etc.

A veggie bar (to supplement green salads) can be added as well and may have such choices as: chopped onions, carrots (baby or sliced), celery, broccoli, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, etc.

A salad dressing bar can be chosen as well and may include such choices as: vinegar and oil, Italian dressing, garlic and olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice, etc. If you’re a lacto-ovo vegetarian other dressing choices could include: bleu cheese, green goddess, ranch, French, etc. This type of reception is also inexpensive if you prepare most of the items yourself.
Some other general ideas for do-it-yourself food at the reception include:
•    Try a pasta reception in which your guests are served plain pasta with their choice of toppings
•    Have a Mexican buffet
•    Provide simple lunch meats and cheeses with bread for sandwiches
•    If you’re a member of a church and will be having your reception there, check with the ladies auxiliary and see if they’ll do the food in exchange for a donation to their organization.
•    Try a local service organization:  the Kiwanis, the Jaycees
•    Call a community college and see if their culinary students would cook for you if you provide the food
There is some debate on whether it’s a good idea to add a line on your invitation stating what type of reception is occurring. Some examples of this are: “Cake and Punch Reception to Follow Ceremony”, “Light hors d’ouevres reception to follow at two o’clock” and “Dessert Reception Following Ceremony”.
My personal opinion is that it makes it easier–not only for the couple…but for the guests as well. It’s a clear way for the couple to inform guests that a full meal should not be expected…and guests have the option of eating a meal (if needed) prior to or after the wedding.
Another important aspect of cuisine at the wedding is the cake.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a delicious and beautiful wedding cake.

Some brides don’t like the idea of giving gifts to her guests, but we think it’s a nice gesture as a thank you for attending your special day.  These favors can be elegant, fun, or practical.  We prefer the practical.  Here are some great suggestions for fun and unique wedding favors.

•    Divinity fudge makes delicious cheap wedding favors. Wrapped up in white tulle and tied with a white ribbon it would be beautiful. Add a tag; you make yourself, with a little message like “Love is divine”. Cut out the tag with scallop scissors and punch a hole for the ribbon. One warning, divinity doesn’t come out well in high humidity.
•    Regular candles are nice too for cheap wedding favors. Wrap in tulle and tie with ribbon. Stick a small flower in the ribbon.
•    Tree seedlings, such as citrus or any kind of tree, are something everybody would love. They will always remember your wedding with this unique wedding favor idea. Wrap the plastic pot to disguise.
•    Flower seedlings or seed packets are a nice wedding favors. Wrap in anyway that is appropriate for your wedding. Tie with ribbon, raffia or paper ribbon.
•    Make wine glass markers from wire and beads. You can find instructions at the craft store. One is enough for a wedding party favor. Place in a small box and tie with ribbon.
•    Sachets made from lavender. Make a small bag from lace. Sew up three sides, put the lavender in and sew up fourth side. Attach a small silk flower. Potpourris in drawstring bags made of lace or tulle are pretty. They smell nice too. You can use any kind of bag that’s easy for you to make.
•    Everybody loves herbs. Buy small ones and place plastic container right into a small terracotta pot. Put some moss around the top to disguise the plastic planter. Include a pretty tag with instructions for care and attach to a ribbon tied around the pot.
•    A strawberry plant is another live wedding favor idea. It can be presented in the same way as an herb. Anything of this nature that is in season is appreciated.
•    Candies, such as M&Ms in your wedding colors, Kisses or Hugs, mints, a wonderful piece of chocolate or any kind that you would like, look great in a cupcake liner. They come in different sizes and colors.
•    Get M and M’s in your wedding colors (www.colorworks.com), place them in plastic bags and tie a ribbon on them.
•    For an outdoor wedding, consider buying umbrellas for a dollar a piece at the dollar store.  Wrap them in ribbons with your colors.  This, of course, is for a smaller wedding only, but can be a great gift to help shield guests from inclement weather or the sun.
•    Buy plain chocolate bars in bulk or get the miniature version.  Print out new labels on your computer that you personalize for yourself and wrap them around the bars.
•    Make your own CD using your favorite songs. Include the First Dance song, the cake-cutting song and all the traditional songs. Make CD covers with your picture on it and gave all your guests a copy of the CD.  You can also make general mix CD’s with all of your favorite songs on it – not just the wedding ones!
•    For a Christmas wedding, give each guest a Christmas ornament.  Take a plain ball type ornament and use a paint pen to personalize with your name and the date of your wedding
•    Do you and your intended share a love of something unique?  Are you big Nascar fans?  Love to golf?  Rabid about a sports team?  Gear your favors around these unique characteristics that are you.

Also, unless you have your heart set on taking home your table decorations, consider giving them away to guests.  A fun way to do this is to take a hint from most class reunions.  Give one to the guests that traveled the farthest, the ones who have married the longest, married the shortest, etc.  This helps bring people into your reception and make them feel like a bigger part of your special day!

Perhaps the largest expense of your reception is food.  Let’s look at some viable options for feeding you and your guests without having to mortgage your house.