Do you have champagne taste and caviar dreams but are on a white bread and soda pop budget?  Don't worry, you can still have a beautiful but inexpensive wedding. Check out these great ways to cut costs and save money.

1. Trim you Guest List

Each time you add a name to your invitation list, you're significantly increasing your budget. It's not just the catering costs, but also the extra centerpieces, favors, rentals, etc.   Set ground rules and goals to keep your guest list to a minimum and on budget.

• Don't invite anyone you haven't talked to in five years. 
• Don't feel obligated to let single people bring a date.
• Avoid feeling pressured to invite all your work colleagues.
• Don't let your friends bring their children.
• Decide to eliminate categories like "relatives more distant than first cousins" or "friends from volunteer work." By not inviting anyone from that group, you'll help avoid hurt feelings.

   2.  Save postage on your wedding invitations.

Ask to disclude the inner envelope and blotter paper.  These are leftover relics from times when ink needed time to dry and people wanted a pristine envelope.  Rather than having a reply card, ask guests to reply online or by the telephone.  Not only will you save money from the printer bill, it should also reduce your postage expense.

   3.  Shop Sample Sales and the internet for Cheap Wedding Dresses

If you wear a 6, 8, or 10, check out sample sales, which happen generally once a year.  It's a great opportunity to get a designer dress at dirt bottom prices.  You can also look on EBay and other internet sites for deals on used wedding dresses. 

Remember that cleaning the delicate fabric of a wedding dress may cost up to $250, so a cheap dress with the filthy hem may not be the best way to go.  Many cities have a shop where you can rent a wedding dress which could save you hundreds of dollars.

   4. Change the day of your wedding

Have your wedding on a weeknight or a Sunday. There is less demand for these dates so venues will often be willing to give you a better rate.

   5.  Save money on Church decorations

For religious weddings consider having your wedding near a major holiday.  The church will already be decorated which may save you a lot of money on flowers.  On other days, look for simplicity.  A candlelit ceremony can be romantic, gorgeous, and inexpensive.

   6.  Don't be afraid to ask for help

If you want to have a cheap wedding, bring all your friends and families resources together.  Bring your family and friends together for brainstorming session.  Think of musicians you know, well-spoken friends who could be your officiant, and crafty people who can help you assemble things.  They will generally be honored to be a special part of your big day. 

   7.  Get Crafty!  Do it yourself

Invite your friends to be a special part of your wedding by helping you assemble favors, make invitations, centerpieces, and other homemade inexpensive touches.  Be sure to put out delicious snacks and have inspiring tunes on the stereo, so that your friends feel like they're at a party, not just part of an assembly line.

   8.  Inexpensive wedding food and drink

Be honest with your caterer about your need to save money.  Ask them which are the least expensive entrees and whether a buffet is cheaper than a seated dinner.  See if they’ll let you provide your own liquor, or if serving only wine and beer will be cheaper than a full bar.  Also consider only having the bar open during your cocktail hour, then serving an inexpensive wine with dinner.  If you and your fiance don't drink, consider having a dry wedding.

   9.  eBay!

Ebay, Ebay, Ebay. It's a great source for everything from second-hand dresses and even new dresses, flowers to wedding favors, cake toppers, ring pillows and more. Be sure to allow ample time for the auction to end, and for shipping.  Look for trusted sellers whose feedback indicates they have accurately represented what they have sold.  Look at the location of the seller to so you can estimate delivery time.  Don't be afraid to offer a "best offer" on a fixed price or store item. 

   10. Inexpensive wedding invitations

Don't go for the engraving, regular printed invites work just as well. There are a variety of cheap wedding invitations available on the internet.  For a casual wedding, consider printing your own invites from your home computer.  Stationery stores now sell printed paper meant to use in a home printer as inexpensive wedding invitations

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our guide.  We hope that you have found it helpful and informative! 

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  We hope you have the most beautiful wedding ever!

Please visit our store for wedding flowers, bouquets and wedding accessories.