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These days, as for every large expense, couples are considering putting away their wedding until the economy turns around. But no matter that the average American wedding is gauged at upwards of $ 30,000 (estimate for 2009 by the Association of America) – phew – it is still possible to have a great wedding for a lot less. And, this wedding can still be catered, with music and tons of fun!

Here are 5 ways to lower your reception expenses

• Choose an "off" day
• Down size the day
• Dress down the look
• Limit the booze
• Have both live and recorded music

A couple needs to plan carefully and be prepared to make trade-offs. For example, forget about a Saturday evening reception and shoot for a Friday or Sunday or even a weekday affair. At most venues, Saturdays are not only booked further in advance but they are generally more expensive than any other day of the week. You will also find that caterers, DJs, photographers and other professionals may charge less for their services and be more available on these other days.

While you can find a venue that allows self catering, you do not need to be this frugal and have your guests "work" on your wedding day. Why not plan a brunch or lunch reception? These formats are going to cost a lot less than a plated or even a buffet dinner.

You can still opt for real linens and dishes but your setting does not need to be formal – good quality disposables will look great as well and you can be "green" with compositions. The people are coming to share your commitment and will not mind your choice of table settings.

Another large budget item at a reception is the alcohol. Limit your alcohol offerings to beer and wine, or even better, just serve a champagne toast at the key moment of the reception. Offer virgin mixed drinks during the reception. This will still be fun for you and your guests – non-alcoholic pina coladas, punches and frosted drinks are still a step up from plain soft drinks but will save much on your bar total.

A number of years ago there was a catch phrase in commercials – "is it live or is it Memorex" alluding to the Memorex brand of recording tape which was supposedly as crisp and clear as a live presentation. Now we have CDs, iPods, and music on computers. Why not spring for an hour of live music before and during your ceremony from a harpist, violinist, bagpiper or guitarist. This will class up your wedding ceremony and be well remembered by you and your guests.

Then, with your well-constructed play-list on your iPod or MP3 player and someone to DJ your reception music, you will have great dance music and cake cutting music for the relatively small cost of renting a sound system.

I can not quantify what effect any one of these 5 steps will have on your wedding outlay but each of them will save you at least hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. Go ahead! Plan your wedding permanently a tough economy. Just know what your "must-haves" are, and ratchet down the rest.

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Source by Mindy Makuta