First have to figure out how much money you can spend. If you do not have a good idea about that you will almost always spend too much.
After you how much you can spend, time to create a budget. Most weddings include ceremony and reception sites, food, drinks, cake, officiants, photographers, clothing, entertainment, travel, etc.. Decide which things for you and your partner is the most important before cutting any corners. Have you always dreamed of a wedding on the beach or a great jazz band? Choose the things that you are willing to spend more on, so you can cut back in other areas.
Deciding how many people to invite is very important. The more people you invite, the more money it will cost, period. Has your third grade teacher who you haven't seen in a decade (but who would like to know that you tied the knot) really need to be there?
If the location is not that important for you, there are several other options for reducing costs. You can skip the fancy hotel and a banquet hall.
Food is one of the largest expenditures at a wedding reception. If caviar and lobster is not in your budget, don't worry you can still get a classy party. Many caterers offer less expensive options like an aperitif bar instead of a served meal. If your site requires you to use their catering service, you can always make the food yourself (or get Aunt Ida to do it!) to save a bundle. Many people choose these days for non-traditional times for their weddings to save money. If you do not have your reception at dinner time, won't people expect a meal.
On the same token as the meal, the cost of the wedding cake is a factor. If you want the 5-way Strawberry waterfall cake it will it cost you more. If a cake worthy of a news paper article is not required, then get something smaller/simpler. Just keep in mind that so-called professionals serving sizes is often significantly smaller than what you would expect. A skilled friend or family member can do this. Many are even saving money by having layers of cupcakes instead of a traditional cake.
To save money on invitations you can create them on many websites and saves a ton if you don't choose one of the pre-made wedding options. You also save on shipping your RSVP by using a postcard instead of a traditional letter 10 cent instead of at least 42. In order to save even more money, trying a seal-and-send option in this way there is no cost for an envelope (they look like a plus sign and select only the text in print and fold them ahead of mailing). If you are internet savvy, RSVP friends online with sites like e-vite.
As a traditional white wedding dress is a must, then try to buy it during the low season (summer) to find a deal. If you have less traditional or an informal wedding, you can find some real bargains in January on holiday dresses or even bridesmaid dresses.
Other cost cutting tips include: not hiring a professional to slice and serve the cake, using an iPod rather than a live band, centerpieces and "favors" yourself, create the flower arrangements of flowers, or having an experienced friend take the pictures.
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