held.  Of course, the date might be your most important decision.

 

Traditionally, couples tie the knot on a Saturday.  If you really want to save some cash, consider having your ceremony on a Thursday or Friday.  How about having a Sunday service on a holiday weekend?  You’ll find that there are many more open dates on these days and you’ll ultimately realize more savings by booking on these less traditional time frames.  Many reception locations will offer a discount for an off day. If they don t offer it, ask for it.

 

Also, you may want to consider an early marriage and an early reception.  An 11:00 marriage with a reception immediately following can realize great savings as most guests will have already had lunch before your ceremony and the reception will most likely be over by dinner, so all you’ll have to provide is some light finger foods to tide over those rumbling tummies!

 

Additional savings may be realized by having your wedding in the months of November through April. These months are less busy for most wedding related services and locations. Again, ask for a discount for being off-season.

 

You need to decide how many attendants you will have so you can bestow the honor on them early enough! They can save the date and help you plan!  Traditionally, the bridesmaids are responsible for their own wedding attire, but the bride usually has the final say on what they wear.  Be mindful of your attendants’ financial situation and don’t choose that $500 satin chiffon number.  Remember, you’re trying to throw a wedding on a budget.  Let them save some cash as well!  We’ll have some suggestions later on in this book for attendant attire, so keep that in the back of your mind!