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How to Slash Your Wedding Budget in Half

  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Brides</div><p> <b>1) Avoid peak season</b> <br> Get hitched in late summer or winter to shave up to 20 percent off your venue fee. <br> <b>-$1,500</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/wedding-dresses/2012/07/lace-wedding-dresses-spring-2013?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Modern Lace Wedding Dresses;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Modern Lace Wedding Dresses</a> <br>
    1/14

    -

    Photo by: Brides

    1) Avoid peak season
    Get hitched in late summer or winter to shave up to 20 percent off your venue fee.
    -$1,500

    Related: Modern Lace Wedding Dresses
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Colin Cowie</div><b>2) Cut in packs</b> <br> Shrink your list by a table (8 to 10 people) for savings across the board-from staffing to rentals. <br> <b>-$2,500</b> <br> <br> <b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/11-beauty-hazards-to-avoid-before-your-wedding.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding</a> <br>
    2/14

    -

    Photo by: Colin Cowie
    2) Cut in packs
    Shrink your list by a table (8 to 10 people) for savings across the board-from staffing to rentals.
    -$2,500

    Related: 11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Courtesy of Ritz Carlton</div><p> <b>3) Embrace all-inclusives</b> <br> A venue with catering packages (country club, hotel, banquet hall) or a private room at a restaurant will save $25 a head. <br> <b>-$3,125</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-engagement/engagement-rings/editorial-pick/2009/05/celebrity-engagement-rings?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings</a> <br>
    3/14

    -

    Photo by: Courtesy of Ritz Carlton

    3) Embrace all-inclusives
    A venue with catering packages (country club, hotel, banquet hall) or a private room at a restaurant will save $25 a head.
    -$3,125

    Related: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Aaron Dyer</div><p> <b>4) Locavor-ize buds</b> <br> Stick to seasonal and local flowers-they're eco- <i>and</i> econ- friendly. <br> <b>-$600</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/07/honeymoon-destinations-united-states.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US</a> <br>
    4/14

    -

    Photo by: Aaron Dyer

    4) Locavor-ize buds
    Stick to seasonal and local flowers-they're eco- and econ- friendly.
    -$600

    Related: The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Adrienne Gunda</div><p> <b>5) Have fewer VIPs</b> <br> A large bridal party equals a hefty florist bill. Cut your posse from six to two and save big on blooms. <br> <b>-$660</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/wedding-hairstyle-inspired-by-celebrities.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities</a> <br>
    5/14

    -

    Photo by: Adrienne Gunda

    5) Have fewer VIPs
    A large bridal party equals a hefty florist bill. Cut your posse from six to two and save big on blooms.
    -$660

    Related: 20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Lisa Jernow</div><p> <b>6) Sorry, no shots</b> <br> Limit booze offerings to wine, beer, and a couple of specialty cocktails for a 25 percent-cheaper tab. <br> <b>-$1,250</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <b><a href="http://www.brides.com/brides/2011/09/americas-most-beautiful-cakes-brides-magazine?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Most Beautiful Cakes in America;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Most Beautiful Cakes in America</a></b> <br>
    6/14

    -

    Photo by: Lisa Jernow

    6) Sorry, no shots
    Limit booze offerings to wine, beer, and a couple of specialty cocktails for a 25 percent-cheaper tab.
    -$1,250

    Related: The Most Beautiful Cakes in America
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jessica Craig-Martin</div><p> <b>7) Focus on deliciousness</b> <br> Pass four crowd-pleasing apps (in lieu of 10) and offer a plentiful spread of cheeses and bruschetta to save $10 per guest. <br> <b>-$1,250</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/wedding-dresses/2012/07/lace-wedding-dresses-spring-2013?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Modern Lace Wedding Dresses;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Modern Lace Wedding Dresses</a> <br>
    7/14

    -

    Photo by: Jessica Craig-Martin

    7) Focus on deliciousness
    Pass four crowd-pleasing apps (in lieu of 10) and offer a plentiful spread of cheeses and bruschetta to save $10 per guest.
    -$1,250

    Related: Modern Lace Wedding Dresses
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Amy + Stuart Photography</div><p> <b>8) Knock a star off the five-star meal</b> <br> Serve taste-alikes: prosecco instead of champagne, hanger steak in lieu of filet mignon, and grouper over cod. <br> <b>-$1,250</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/11-beauty-hazards-to-avoid-before-your-wedding.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding</a> <br>
    8/14

    -

    Photo by: Amy + Stuart Photography

    8) Knock a star off the five-star meal
    Serve taste-alikes: prosecco instead of champagne, hanger steak in lieu of filet mignon, and grouper over cod.
    -$1,250

    Related: 11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Carrie Patterson</div><p> <b>9) Welcome turntables</b> <br> Book a DJ: On average, a talented one costs five times less than a live band of the same caliber. <br> <b>-$7,300</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-engagement/engagement-rings/editorial-pick/2009/05/celebrity-engagement-rings?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings</a> <br>
    9/14

    -

    Photo by: Carrie Patterson

    9) Welcome turntables
    Book a DJ: On average, a talented one costs five times less than a live band of the same caliber.
    -$7,300

    Related: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Vicky Starz Photography</div><p> <b>10) Don't gild the cake</b> <br> Top it with one XL sugar bloom instead of a cascade of edible flora to save $10 per slice. <br> <b>-$1,215</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/07/honeymoon-destinations-united-states.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US</a> <br>
    10/14

    -

    Photo by: Vicky Starz Photography

    10) Don't gild the cake
    Top it with one XL sugar bloom instead of a cascade of edible flora to save $10 per slice.
    -$1,215

    Related: The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Artflakes</div><p> <b>11) Give your photographer a curfew</b> <br> Who wants to pay for shots of drunk, sweaty guests at the end of the night anyway? <br> <b>-$350</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/wedding-hairstyle-inspired-by-celebrities.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities</a> <br>
    11/14

    -

    Photo by: Artflakes

    11) Give your photographer a curfew
    Who wants to pay for shots of drunk, sweaty guests at the end of the night anyway?
    -$350

    Related: 20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Getty Images</div><p> <b>12) Honk once for love</b> <br> Avoid having a fancy car on standby the entire day. Choose to make a grand entrance <i>or</i> a big exit. <br> <b>-$1,000</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <b><a href="http://www.brides.com/brides/2011/09/americas-most-beautiful-cakes-brides-magazine?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Most Beautiful Cakes in America;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Most Beautiful Cakes in America</a></b> <br>
    12/14

    -

    Photo by: Getty Images

    12) Honk once for love
    Avoid having a fancy car on standby the entire day. Choose to make a grand entrance or a big exit.
    -$1,000

    Related: The Most Beautiful Cakes in America
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Getty Images</div><p> <b>13) Rein in albums</b> <br> Make one group-friendly edit so you can order the same album for yourselves, your parents, and your in-laws. <br> <b>-$1,500</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/wedding-dresses/2012/07/lace-wedding-dresses-spring-2013?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Modern Lace Wedding Dresses;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Modern Lace Wedding Dresses</a> <br>
    13/14

    -

    Photo by: Getty Images

    13) Rein in albums
    Make one group-friendly edit so you can order the same album for yourselves, your parents, and your in-laws.
    -$1,500

    Related: Modern Lace Wedding Dresses
  • <div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Courtesy of Golden Rectangle Press</div><p> <b>14) Skip letterpress</b> <br> Print all your stationery digitally. Go for great color and typography rather than pricey techniques and chunky paper stock. <br> <b>-$1,500 <br> <br></b> </p> <p> <b>Whew! New budget: $25,000</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/11-beauty-hazards-to-avoid-before-your-wedding.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding</a> <br>
    14/14

    -

    Photo by: Courtesy of Golden Rectangle Press

    14) Skip letterpress
    Print all your stationery digitally. Go for great color and typography rather than pricey techniques and chunky paper stock.
    -$1,500

    Whew! New budget: $25,000

    Related: 11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Brides</div><p> <b>1) Avoid peak season</b> <br> Get hitched in late summer or winter to shave up to 20 percent off your venue fee. <br> <b>-$1,500</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/wedding-dresses/2012/07/lace-wedding-dresses-spring-2013?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Modern Lace Wedding Dresses;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Modern Lace Wedding Dresses</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Colin Cowie</div><b>2) Cut in packs</b> <br> Shrink your list by a table (8 to 10 people) for savings across the board-from staffing to rentals. <br> <b>-$2,500</b> <br> <br> <b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/11-beauty-hazards-to-avoid-before-your-wedding.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Courtesy of Ritz Carlton</div><p> <b>3) Embrace all-inclusives</b> <br> A venue with catering packages (country club, hotel, banquet hall) or a private room at a restaurant will save $25 a head. <br> <b>-$3,125</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-engagement/engagement-rings/editorial-pick/2009/05/celebrity-engagement-rings?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Aaron Dyer</div><p> <b>4) Locavor-ize buds</b> <br> Stick to seasonal and local flowers-they're eco- <i>and</i> econ- friendly. <br> <b>-$600</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/07/honeymoon-destinations-united-states.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Adrienne Gunda</div><p> <b>5) Have fewer VIPs</b> <br> A large bridal party equals a hefty florist bill. Cut your posse from six to two and save big on blooms. <br> <b>-$660</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/wedding-hairstyle-inspired-by-celebrities.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Lisa Jernow</div><p> <b>6) Sorry, no shots</b> <br> Limit booze offerings to wine, beer, and a couple of specialty cocktails for a 25 percent-cheaper tab. <br> <b>-$1,250</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <b><a href="http://www.brides.com/brides/2011/09/americas-most-beautiful-cakes-brides-magazine?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Most Beautiful Cakes in America;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Most Beautiful Cakes in America</a></b> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Jessica Craig-Martin</div><p> <b>7) Focus on deliciousness</b> <br> Pass four crowd-pleasing apps (in lieu of 10) and offer a plentiful spread of cheeses and bruschetta to save $10 per guest. <br> <b>-$1,250</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/wedding-dresses/2012/07/lace-wedding-dresses-spring-2013?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Modern Lace Wedding Dresses;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Modern Lace Wedding Dresses</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Amy + Stuart Photography</div><p> <b>8) Knock a star off the five-star meal</b> <br> Serve taste-alikes: prosecco instead of champagne, hanger steak in lieu of filet mignon, and grouper over cod. <br> <b>-$1,250</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/11-beauty-hazards-to-avoid-before-your-wedding.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Carrie Patterson</div><p> <b>9) Welcome turntables</b> <br> Book a DJ: On average, a talented one costs five times less than a live band of the same caliber. <br> <b>-$7,300</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-engagement/engagement-rings/editorial-pick/2009/05/celebrity-engagement-rings?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Vicky Starz Photography</div><p> <b>10) Don't gild the cake</b> <br> Top it with one XL sugar bloom instead of a cascade of edible flora to save $10 per slice. <br> <b>-$1,215</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/07/honeymoon-destinations-united-states.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Top 20 Honeymoon Resorts in the US</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Artflakes</div><p> <b>11) Give your photographer a curfew</b> <br> Who wants to pay for shots of drunk, sweaty guests at the end of the night anyway? <br> <b>-$350</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/wedding-hairstyle-inspired-by-celebrities.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">20 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Getty Images</div><p> <b>12) Honk once for love</b> <br> Avoid having a fancy car on standby the entire day. Choose to make a grand entrance <i>or</i> a big exit. <br> <b>-$1,000</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <b><a href="http://www.brides.com/brides/2011/09/americas-most-beautiful-cakes-brides-magazine?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Most Beautiful Cakes in America;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Most Beautiful Cakes in America</a></b> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Getty Images</div><p> <b>13) Rein in albums</b> <br> Make one group-friendly edit so you can order the same album for yourselves, your parents, and your in-laws. <br> <b>-$1,500</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/wedding-dresses/2012/07/lace-wedding-dresses-spring-2013?mbid=synd_yshine#slide=1" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Modern Lace Wedding Dresses;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Modern Lace Wedding Dresses</a> <br>
<div class="caption-credit"> Photo by: Courtesy of Golden Rectangle Press</div><p> <b>14) Skip letterpress</b> <br> Print all your stationery digitally. Go for great color and typography rather than pricey techniques and chunky paper stock. <br> <b>-$1,500 <br> <br></b> </p> <p> <b>Whew! New budget: $25,000</b> </p><b>Related:</b> <a href="http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2012/08/11-beauty-hazards-to-avoid-before-your-wedding.html?mbid=synd_yshine" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">11 Things You Should Never Do Before Your Wedding</a> <br>

by Heather Lee, Brides

14 steps to slashing your wedding budget in half. Starting Budget: 50,000. For the approximate cost of a 125-guest wedding in peak season with 12 attendants, letterpress stationery, abundant floral decor and cocktail-hour provisions, an ornate cake, and an eight-piece band. Watch as the budget magically shrinks with these easy tips!

More from Brides:
Modern Lace Wedding Dresses
Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings
25 Wedding Hairstyles Inspired by Celebrities
The Most Beautiful Cakes in America