7. Reception Site - Try to choose a Reception Site where you can bring in your own caterer. Most Hotels and Restaurants have a rule about bringing in your own food except for the Wedding Cake. Again consider your City’s Recreational Buildings. Or perhaps a family member or friend has a wonderful backyard that you can use. The trick here is to make sure the venue will seat the amount of people on your guest list and that you can make it look as magical as you envision.  I would recommend a little research, but if you are able to bring in your own caterer, you can really help your budget.

8. Catering - Speaking of the caterer, one way to save some money is to go for an ethnic cuisine instead of the Prime Rib Carving Station.  Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Hawaiian…..all of these are tasty and satisfying for your guests and less expensive than the traditional chicken, beef and fish dishes normally served.  You can actually build a theme around the menu if it is appropriate. Sometimes, your local favorite restaurant will cater the food for you. It doesn’t hurt to ask.  The main point here is to always check over the contracts before you sign and know what you are contracting for!

9. Photographers - There are some very talented photographers out there.  And this might be an area where you can justify spending a lot of money and you should designate a large chunk of your budget for the photographer if you desire.  These are the photos that you will be looking at when you are both old and still in love.  However, if you are really looking to spend less, you can do it here.  Photographers usually offer packages that include nice albums. When you find a photographer you really like, (yes, please look at their work!), ask if they have ‘a la carte’ pricing. If they only take the photos and give them to you, you can create your own album.  Perhaps you can hire them for fewer hours than their package states.  Don’t be afraid to negotiate for what you want.  And here is a big tip - look at a local Photography School or College for a second year photography student.  They will be less expensive and could be extraordinarily talented.  Make sure you ask to see their work. And try to get them to take engagement photos before you sign a contract, to make sure they can capture yours and your fiancé’s personality on camera.

10. Wedding Planners - Don’t load up on the Bridal Magazines!  Yes, look at them for ideas of colors and décor, but Bridal Magazines can lead you down the road to spending more money than you budgeted for. All of the high end gown designers, resorts, florists, photographers, etc advertise in the magazines.  If you are prudent, you will be able to find the same quality at a lower cost just by checking around locally.  And don’t forget to consider a Professional Wedding Consultant or Coordinator.  Their job is to help you save money and keep your budget on track.

Your Wedding day should be magical and remarkable.  You are creating the memory of a lifetime. This is your Dream Wedding and you can create your Dream Wedding on a budget. It just takes a little planning, but it can be done!

Joan was interviewed on Champagne Sundays online radio show on January 11, 2009. To listen to the entire, unedited show, please click here. To listen to Joan's interview, please double click on the Play Button below.