What can we cut back on, budget is out of control

We are paying for the entire wedding ourselves, and it's already outragously priced. We have all the vendors, my dress and the honeymoon. What are some things we can cut back on?

> I got this out of the Martha Stewart wedding
> magazine. Rather than the traditional book with

Hi there - we're paying for our wedding ourselves as well. But if you've already signed contracts with your vendors & purchased your dress, you might have missed the big opportunity to save in ways that would have significantly cut your budget.

If you haven't signed your contracts...some things to consider....Have it Nov-Mar. Everyone's prices from the caterer to the photographer tend to be lower b/c they're not very popular months. We're getting married the last sat. in March and have saved 10-20% on our major items as a result....Reduce the size of your wedding party. The more people, the more you'll spend on flowers, bouquets, gifts, transportation, etc (I only have a maid of honor but have included my family in the procession and my friends in the mass so everyone is included without the extra cost of buying a brides maid dress.).....Get 1 limo for you to get to the church and to take both of you to the reception. Everyone will need their own cars to get home from the reception place anyway....Do not give out favors or make them yourself...Make your own invites (see www.paperdirect.com - ck out the vellum products...very nice) & don't use response cards (have them call you - you'll save on postage & printing - besides, most people throw the invites away)...Find a photographer that will give you the proofs as well as your album, that way you'll have all your photos and can make your own album...have a dj instead of a band...don't decorate the church. most churches have flower arrangements on the altar anyway...

I planned our wedding in under 2 months & got 3 quotes for every major contract...Engagement was Sept 99.....I purchased 2 books that were very helpful - Bridal Bargains by Denise & Alan Fields and Weddings for Dummies. Its only 100 people but it is a sizable event. Bridal Bargains was key b/c it highlighted each of the bridal designers and rated them based upon price, quality and delivery.

> The suggestions that people have are great!
> We are on a VERY tight budget also and are trying
> to find ways to save money on the wedding. We