Ten ways to beat the budget

1. When meeting with florist ask about flowers that are in season as they tend to be less expensive.

2. Some wedding reception facilities will give you a deal if you get married on a Sunday. They usually are booked for Saturday and if they are already set up for a wedding on Saturday.

3. Same thing with Limo services, Sundays are not big days for weddings. Also, if you just need a dramatic entrance sometimes you can just ret by the hour if they are not booked.

4. If you have a friend that is a baker, ask them if they would consider making the cake for you. I have done this for a few people and I decorate with just fresh flowers matching the wedding colors, it can sometimes be more beautiful, less is more.

5. If you have a computer you can buy invitations at your local paper outlets and print them yourself and save a few hundred bucks. They also tend to be lighter weight so you will save on postage as well.

6. Have a wedding favour making party with your bridesmaids and friends, rather than having them made.

7. Think about getting married in the morning and having a brunch, afternoon tea, or luncheon. Dinner fare is much more expensive and people tend to drink less.

8. Opt for the off season, if you are willing to plan for a less busy season you have more leverage on bargaining for a better price.

9. Have a photographer only take formal pictures during and right after the ceremony and have family and friends take the candid shots at the reception and put them on disc for you to print yourself.

10. The gown is a huge expense and if you don’t mind you can find beautiful pre-loved gowns. Alterations can be outrageous too so if you know someone who sews call in the favors.