How to Plan Large Weddings on a Budget

Weddings can be very expensive events to plan especially if you will be having a large one.  To cut down on wedding costs make sure to choose discounted items and plan for family and friends to help you out in areas where they are able to.

• Choose to plan your wedding during a time when a lot of other weddings are not taking place.  Weddings that are planned in off season times will allow you to get discounts on venues, limousines and tuxedo rentals.


• Look for discounted items that you can purchase for you wedding or ask friends or family if they have items that you can borrow.  Also, you may know of someone who has recently had a wedding and they may have items that they can offer to you.


• Make decorations like center pieces and bouquets to save money.  Decorations can be fun and easy to make especially if you involve family members in the decorating making process.


• Ask a family or friend who will be attending your wedding if they are interested in taking pictures.  Wedding photographers can be very expensive and having someone you know do it can cut out this expense entirely.


• Locate public areas close to your wedding ceremony to hold your reception.  Many parks and gardens will allow you to hold events in areas that are set up for recreational use as long as you set up the date beforehand.


• Choose flowers that are in season to cut down on the cost.  Consider adding greenery and baby's breath to arrangements as well to decrease the amount of flowers that you will need.


• To eliminate the cost of an expensive bakery cake consider using a fake tiered cake for photographs and an inexpensive sheet cake to serve to guests.


• Save money by offering a buffet style meal at your wedding reception.  It can be very expensive to serve guests at tables because extra staff must be hired to carry dishes.