How to create a beautiful reception on a budgetThe wedding reception is the most expensive part of any wedding. The reception is based on two fees: the cost of the food per person and the cost of the venue. This is generally broken down to one cost per person. This is the cost that you will then need to base your guest list on. When the cost of the reception is thirty pounds per person and you invite one hundred people then the cost for the reception will only be around three thousand pounds. When the cost per person is fifty pounds and you invite fifty guests the cost for the reception will be only be approximately two thousand five hundred pounds. These are great prices and depending on where you live you can possibly get the cost down this low. This may be a challenge is you live in a major city. However, you can always find a way to get the price that you can afford per person. Here are some suggestions on how to dig up the very best possible prices on a reception. You can call local restaurants and ask them if they have a space that they will section off for your wedding reception. They will be able to give you a price based on the selection of items that you pull off of their regular menu. For example, you can select one type of salad and two different plates (the invitation to the reception will allow the guest to select their preference) along with two side dishes and a desert. You can ask for a small area to be created for the first dance. The restaurant will usually cater to your needs and may even have the wedding cake be a part of the cost. Having your wedding reception at a restaurant will save you money on some other items as well, for example, you will not need an MC. You will simply have the quiet restaurant music in the background until the first dance. You can get a wedding reception at a local restaurant to cost less than twenty pounds a plate. Be sure to ask for prices on buffet as well, the cost difference may make this option worth considering. You can also create a beautiful and cheap reception by having the reception in a garden. You will of course need to find an attractive looking and available garden. You can have loved ones bring dishes and deserts. This will remove the bulk of the cost of the wedding reception. You will then need to rent tables and chairs unless a local church that you or a loved one are affiliated with will loan you some. You can rent plates, eating utensils and linens or you can purchase disposable items for an easy cleanup and an even cheaper cost. Such a reception could get the cost per person down to four or five dollars per person. There are several ways to save money on your reception and to get a cheap reception without losing the quality and beauty of the special day. Another hidden expense can be found in horderves and drinks. Be sure to compare the cost of these items before you determine if there will be an open bar or one or two hours of horderves before the dinner starts. Saving money on a reception takes planning and preparation along with a good dose of creativity, a cheap reception can still be beautiful, romantic and all that you have been dreaming of. Source: www.countywedding .co.uk

Wonderful HoneymoonsOnce the stress of the wedding itself is out of the way, it’s time to look forward to a relaxing honeymoon. Unfortunately for many couples the honeymoon needs to be on a budget – particularly if the wedding itself has been an expensive one. Luckily if you find yourself in this situation it doesn’t have to lead to a disappointing honeymoon; you can still have a great time if you think creatively beforehand. First of all remember that you don’t have to break the bank to have a sensational honeymoon. There are lots of destinations and possibilities for having a wonderful time without having to attach a huge price tag to it. Try and set a budget for your honeymoon in advance so you know what your limitations are, and then think about the type of holiday you would like to have. Once you have that budget in mind, think about where you would like to go. Do you have a particular country or destination in mind? Don’t worry too much about your budget at the moment; simply make a list of possibilities and then you can figure out how you can make your ideas into reality. When you find somewhere you like start looking round at the different types of accommodation that are available. You can save a lot of money here if you are careful. For example a five star room might be nice and luxurious, but how much time will you actually be spending in it? If you want to be out and about and experiencing what the area has to offer, downgrade to a three or four star room. This alone can save you a lot of money. You could also bring down the cost of your accommodation by opting for self catering or half board instead of full board. This is actually a really good idea as it means you are free to eat wherever and whenever you like. And you don’t have to worry about getting up early for breakfast either – you can lie in if you want! Don’t automatically go for a package either. You can often get cheaper prices by being prepared to do some of the legwork yourself. For example look for your flights first and then find suitable accommodation to stay in. It isn’t that hard to do and if you have plenty of time you can make some good savings this way. Of course if you really want to splash out and enjoy the finest honeymoon you can afford, you could always go for a one week break instead of stretching your money out to pay for two weeks. Not everyone will like this idea but you may prefer it to having to cut down in other ways. In the end you can look for discounts, find bargain rooms, stay in less tourist centred places and find lots of other ways to cut down on costs. All those tiny savings you make will add up to a significant saving all in all. Source: www.countywedding .co.uk

Barter!In general the initially quoted price for wedding services will be high. Keep this in mind and don't be afraid to barter. Tell them outright that you don't intend to spend that much and you will be surprised at the accomodations they can make rather than lose a sale.Don't Go OverboardIt's not a good idea to go over your budget or go into debt in order to pay off your wedding. Beginning a married life together is a difficult transition as it is, and having a debt because of your wedding only adds to the financial problems.Changing the DayIf you're on a tight budget, consider having your wedding anytime but on a Saturday evening. Saturday nights are generally the most expensive when it comes to banquet halls, catering, etc. You'll save a lot by having the wedding on another evening or even during the morning or afternoon.Dress Cost-CuttersIf you don't have a big dress budget, consider renting a dress from stores that also carry rental tuxedos, etc. This is a good, practical option if you're not sentimental and don't mind not keeping the dress you're married in.Mum's the WordIf you *really* need to save money and aren't afraid of a little sneakiness, you can do many things (flowers, banquet halls, etc.) and without mentioning the word 'wedding' can save a bundle. Prices go way up when flowers are 'wedding flowers' as opposed to 'party flowers' or 'reunion flowers.'Shoe SavingsTo save money for the guys' attire, have them wear their own dress shoes instead of renting them from the tuxedo store. It will cost less and they'll be more comfortable.Cutting Back on AttireIf you want to save money all around on attire, have the groom and ushers wear their own clothing---- dark suits work well for both informal and more formal weddings.Cheap Months to MarryThe rate of couples getting married goes *way* down in the winter. With the exception of December (all those holiday weddings!), November through March aren't big wedding months---you'll spend less money if you get married during the off-season.Foregoing FlowersIf you're strapped for cash, try cutting out all but the most important flowers (such as the bride's bouquet) and using candles instead. They cost less and give weddings an incredibly romantic atmosphere.Think Green!To save money on your flowers, try using more greenery than blooms in your church arrangments or garlands on archways, trellises, etc. Ferns and vines are both inexpensive and easy to obtain, sometimes for free!Cutting Centerpiece CostsInstead of using costly flower arrangments for reception centerpieces, substitute potted flowers or flowers grown in baskets lined with moss---if you plan in advance, you can even grow them yourself!Dress for LessYou can get excellent prices for a brand-new dress if you buy one from a bride who ended up not getting married. Check the web, local newspapers and consignment shops for never-worn gowns at good prices.Cutting the (Cake) CostsIf your cake budget is tight, consider eliminating some or all of the following, which usually add to the expense of the cake: fruit fillings, fondant icing, handmade sugar flowers, deep (rather than pastel) colours, unique shapes.Bridesmaids on a BudgetIf you really want those designer bridesmaids' dresses that cost £300+, see if you can get a seamstress to copy the design. Often the cost will be just half of the designer gowns.Runaway RunnerUnless your church provides it for free, consider skipping purchasing a runner. They're often slippery, easily torn and can cause people to trip.To Market, To MarketOn a really tight flower budget? Have your florist do a 'market' special, where she goes on the day of/before your wedding and uses whatever's on special/sale for that day.Quickie Cost Cutters: Guest ListLooking for places to cut costs? A good place to start is the guest list---you may need to face up to the reality of having a so-so wedding with everyone and his brother invited, or the wedding you really want with fewer guests. Close friends and family are usually shoo-ins, but do you really need to invite all of your dad's friends from university? Unless your parents are footing the entire bill, try to keep guests to the 'must-haves.'Quickie Cost Cutters: FoodLooking for a quick way of cutting costs? Try changing the reception from dinner to a brunch, an evening cocktail party or dessert reception---it can take a sizeable chunk off of your reception total.Limit the MaidsIf you're on a tight budget, try to limit the number of attendants. It will reduce your flower bill (bridesmaid's bouquets can be very expensive), the number of attendant gifts that you'll have to purchase and the the cost of a bridesmaid dinner and the rehearsal dinner.Vendors and BudgetsTo stick tight to your budget, before you meet with a vendor, get a rough idea of their price range and don't meet with that vendor if you know that they're out of your price range. When you do meet with the vendor, tell them your budget up front so they can help you pick from options that will stay within your budget. Source: : www.lifetips.com

Keeping the venue costs down.When it comes to selecting the perfect wedding venue, most people think of the two main options – a church or a registry office. But there are other options available to you as well. And this is why it pays to spend some time thinking about where you would like to get married. The first issue to consider is whether you want your wedding ceremony and your reception to be in the same place or not. Some people like the convenience of getting hitched and then celebrating the fact without having to go from one venue to another in the process. In contrast though, others prefer to stay in the same place for the whole day. It means they don’t have to worry about travelling quite so much – and when the wedding ceremony is over the celebrations can begin immediately! Obviously if you want to get married in a church, your reception will have to be held somewhere else. What type of location would you like to go to? If you want something quite basic – or your budget is quite tight – then perhaps a local hall would be the best fit. People have even taken over their local pub for the evening in some cases. If you would prefer something a little more upmarket then think about a stately home or formal venue or hotel nearby. These will be a lot more expensive but they are also likely to be able to offer more services. Incidentally, always make sure they can cater for all your requirements before you book any venue for definite. Some offer specific wedding reception packages and if this is the case always ask for a brochure or written details of what they can and cannot offer. One advantage of picking somewhere like a hotel or stately home is that you can often stay the night as well. This could be perfect if you aren’t heading off on your honeymoon until the next day. Special deals may be available for members of the wedding party, so ask if this is the case. Find out how far in advance such rooms would need to be reserved as well. Of course there are more unusual places to celebrate your nuptials. There is a music hall in London which can be rented out for wedding celebrations, and plenty of manors, abbeys and even haunted houses you could choose from if you wish. A lot will depend on which venues are reasonably close to you. If you want to get married further afield however, the whole country is your oyster. In either case both you and your partner should get together and discuss any ideas you have had so far. You might find you settle on just the place together – or perhaps one of you will suggest something extremely unusual the other person hadn’t thought of. Wherever you end up celebrating your wedding, make sure it is memorable for all the right reasons. Find out all you need to know upfront, and then make sure you book the venue in plenty of time. Source: www.countywedding .co.uk

Saving Money On Your WeddingDo you have plans to get married this year or next? Then, I am sure you are having a hard time thinking about sticking to your wedding budget without sacrificing quality. Well, budget is one of the major considerations in planning a wedding. Everything must fit the budget perfectly and be organised to ensure a perfect day! Do you think weddings can be very costly? Well, there is some truth to this idea especially if you are dreaming an extravagant one. However, you can make things a little easier by considering the following money saving tips.Save Up For Many Months Or Even a Year Before Your WeddingThis is the most practical thing to do, always save well ahead of your wedding. Don’t decide to get married and have it a week or a month after for you will have a hard time making your budget fit your wedding plans. It is best if you list down the needed materials that will eat up your wedding cost with their corresponding budget, add them up and target a certain amount so as to have a perfectly budgeted wedding well before the date. With this approach, you will have less worry with regards to money matters before your wedding.Get married On a WeekdayThere is no surprise that weddings on Fridays and Saturdays are more expensive compared to other days during the week. The venue and accommodation is likely to cost you a premium amount over midweek weddings. So why not have a midweek wedding and spend any money saved on other wedding items?Consider Renting a Wedding GownBrowse any wedding magazine and you will see just how expensive wedding gowns actually are. However, have you considered renting, rather than buying a wedding gown? It will be cleaned in advance and will look as good as new. Let’s be practical. You will only wear the dress once and spending thousands of pounds that could be used elsewhere may not the best choice. You could use wedding gown of your mom’s or sister’s with a few adjustments. You can still have your preferred wedding gown design without spending too much and brides can still look beautiful and elegant with rented gowns. You just need to work with your make up and jewellery. Renting a car will also save you a little on your budget. Shop around and try to find the best car hire company in your area to the most practical budget. Don’t go for the cheapest option, if something seems too good to be true….it probably is! Instead choose a wedding car hire company that offers a great service but at a reasonable price.Find a Reasonably Priced Wedding VenueIt will be best if you limit your guests to your close friends and family as this will keep your costs down. Try to find a reception venue that will hold the number of guests you wish to attend, will serve good food and also has a wedding coordinator to guide you through the big day! A word of warning though, there may be a reason why the cheapest option is so cheap….never book the venue or services based solely on price!Create and send a Personalised Wedding InvitationYou can print your own wedding invitations. Many online companies allow you to design your own personalised invitation online, with different designs and specific wording to suit. Do-it-yourself invitations will save you a lot on your budget compared to placing orders with a more traditional wedding stationery company. Source: www.countywedding .co.uk

Budgeting!Weddings can cost thousands of pounds. It can be difficult to stick to even the most generous of budgets, so it is vital to make sure you stick to it if money is tight. The first task is to make sure you keep track of everything. If you don’t make notes you will find it extremely difficult to keep up with what you are spending. You might think you have made significant savings in several areas, but when everything is added together you might get a shock. You will also find it easier to stick to whatever budget you have if you give yourself as much time as is possible to organise the wedding itself. The shorter the time span you have available, the more likely you are to panic buy. Time is as much a pressure as budget, and trying to do too much in too short a time can be a very expensive way of planning a wedding. You should also get into the habit of shopping around for everything. You may well fall in love with the first wedding dress you see, but there is almost certainly going to be something even better which could come in at a much lower price. Make notes, take phone numbers and details – but walk away. Give yourself time to break out of that impulse buying mode and your budget will thank you for it. You can also think about using the services of friends and family to keep your costs down. The success of this method depends on who you know and what they can do. For example, do you have someone in the family who is a hairdresser? If you do it will save you the cost of hiring a hairdresser on the day. The same applies to anyone who is good enough at baking cakes to provide your wedding cake for you. You may still have to pay them, but you will probably get a much better rate than you would from a traditional shop. It is also important to remember that if you spend a significant amount of your budget on one specific thing, it will greatly reduce the amount you have to spend on other parts of your wedding. Think about the areas where you can reduce costs a lot. You can make your own wedding favours for example, buying everything individually to make up into boxes or bags yourself instead of buying them all ready made. Many things can be made cheaper if you are willing to spend a little more time instead of money to get them just right. And remember that enlisting the help of family and friends to help with specific tasks will also help you to keep those costs down. Sticking to a budget isn’t easy, but it can be an exciting challenge. You just need to be sure you approach it with the right frame of mind. Source: www.countywedding .co.uk

Who's paying for what...Money is an important aspect of every wedding. It doesn’t matter whether you decide to have a secret wedding at a registry office with two witnesses, or a full blown church wedding with every single family member. You still have to think of the cost. Traditionally speaking, it falls to the father of the bride to pay for most of the things required at a wedding. But nowadays many couples decide they would prefer to pay for things themselves. This could be for a variety of reasons. For example it could be that the bride’s father cannot afford to foot the cost of an extravagant wedding. So even though it flouts tradition it is not surprising that many couples foot the bill themselves. Whatever you decide to do it is important to make sure that you are up front about money and about what everything will cost. If the bride and groom to be want to follow with tradition they will need to discuss this with the bride’s parents to see whether they are able to follow through on this. If they cannot then alternative arrangements need to be made. Of course it could be that the bride’s parents are willing to contribute towards the cost of the wedding, but not in any traditional sense. They may simply give the couple a sum of money to put towards the wedding itself. Alternatively they may agree to take care of the celebrations afterwards and pay for all the food and drink, but everything else must be taken care of by the bride and groom. In reality modern times call for modern decisions, so don’t worry too much about having to do things the way they were done years ago. Just because it is tradition for the bride’s father to pay for the flowers, it doesn’t mean this has to be the case. Similarly you might choose to follow tradition for some aspects of the wedding and not others. The main point here is that it is your wedding and you must decide and agree on who will pay for what. If you and your partner want to pay for everything yourselves you can do so. Indeed some couples opt for this so they can take control of their wedding. Some eager parents decide that if they are paying for something they get to choose what it will be and how the wedding will progress. And this may be in direct contrast to what the couple wants. As you can see, honesty and transparency are the best things to keep in mind at all times. If a relative wants to contribute to the wedding they can do so, but they must be clear on what the bride and groom want. If you think that someone might take over because they are contributing, you need to be clear with them and even turn down their kind offer if need be. Sometimes this is the only way to protect your wedding from turning into something you don’t want. Source: www.countywedding .co.uk