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Between booking a great location and buying your dream dress, weddings can really add up and before you know it, you're over budget! There are a few sure fire way to cut costs – from having a reception at home to skipping the wedding planner and doing it yourself.

A DIY wedding need not be as overwhelming as it sounds – remember that you have bridesmaids, friends and family to help!

PAPER GOODS:
Making your own invitations and thank you cards can cut down on costs and have a more personal feel.

1. Check online for resources on creating home, one of a kind paper stationery and cards. Many sites and blogs have step by step instructions on how to create everything from invitations to thank you cards to place cards for dinner seating!
2. Buying paper and cardstock in bulk is cheaper than buying individual packs or getting custom made paper goods so check craft stores, office supply stores and online for the best prices. Do not forget other supplies like paper cutters, scissors, ribbons and envelopes!
3. Making your own gifts can also save money as you can use leftover paper, flowers, ribbons and other items to create beautiful candle gift baskets for members of the wedding party, parents, and friends who played a role in the wedding.

DECOR:
Decorating is the main area where costs add up fast – buying floral centerpieces with candles, selecting the right chair cushions and sashes, renting the right lighting?

1. Try buying wholesale bulk candles as it'll be cheaper to buy all the candles you need at once (for the wedding, reception, rehearsal dinner etc) than to make individual purchases for each event. Using tapered candles adds instant elegance to any table, especially when paired with decorative candle holders!
2. DIY floral arrangements are simple and easy to do and can be a fun activity for all the bridesmaids and bride to do together! Using flowers that are in season also saves money as out of season flora will have to be shipped or flown in at higher cost.

RECEPTION:
Why rent out a huge hotel ballroom at exorbitant rates when you can host your reception at home, at a friend's or at a family member's home for free?

1. Keep the food simple! Catering is expensive, but cooking is time-consuming and can be stressful. Think of cheap, quick options that get everyone involved – like a barbecue or a potluck reception. Finger foods are another great option as they can be made and stored in advance so you do not need to stress about making anything on the big day.
2. Shop around for the best wine and champagne prices and keep in mind that buying multiple cases can lower costs as many wine shops offer discounts on bulk purchases. Also consider going with less expensive substitutes- like sparkling wine instead of champagne. For those who prefer beer or other alcoholic beverages, contact local breweries or liquor companies to see if they offer bulk purchase discounts or providing to the wedding by providing free drinks! Many local companies see this as a great opportunity to advertise their brand in the local community.
3. Hiring a band or DJ can become pricey – skip the overpriced music and hook up your mp3 player. This is a guaranteed way to have only and all music that YOU like! Want to make sure someone is in control of the music? Ask a niece or nephew to "DJ" the party with their laptop and your mp3 player! This is a surefire way to avoid the dreaded "Macarena" on your special night!

PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEO:
Wedding photographers / videographers can charge up to thousands per wedding, but you can always find alternatives!

1. Find a photography / film student from a local college – these students will have the training and be developing the skills of the professionals, but will charge half the price! Be sure to ask for samples of previous work (even school projects) to make sure they have a style you like. Alternately, if you know someone with photography / videography skills, ask that they shoot your wedding; it could have their wedding gift to you!
2. Put an ad in the classifieds – use your local resources, newspapers, community board, even Craigslist, to find cheaper alternatives to the big name wedding photographers / videographers.

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Source by Stephen Hove