How can I save money on my wedding?

I am going to print my own invitations, make my own bouquet, and make our guest gifts..what else can I do to save money? PLEASE: No smart ass remarks like "don't get married" Please help :)

Public Comments

1. Snaggers= main food use disposable cups dinnerware
2. Do it outdoors eg at the beach/park so you can save on hiring a venue. Cut out one of the courses at the reception. Make your own table decorations for the reception. Hire the reception venue during non-peak periods so you aren't paying full price. Consider buying a second hand wedding dress. Got a family member who's good at cooking? Ask them to make the wedding cake instead of giving you a wedding present.
3. you can make your own centerpieces, and buy flowers in bulk instead of in a florist. If you don't have a cake, you can buy a simple white ( or any other color) one of 2 tier cake, but not say its for a wedding, because they will increase the price, and you can decorate it yourself with ribbon, or flowers or however you want.
4. Continue making things by your self. That's the easiest one. Cut the band and play your songs off of an iPod. Cut the guest list to the bare minimum of people you want there. If you really don't like someone and don't really want to see them there, don't invite them. Party stores work just as well as websites designed for wedding decor. Don't let them fool you with their fancy website design. Just go to a store that sells decorations. I'm sure there is more, but I can't exactly think of any. But I have a great website that has everything for brides, and loads of DIY stuff on it. The website is a bit offbeat though, I must warn you: http://offbeatbride.ning.com/
5. Borrow what you can! Ebay is great place to get petals in bulk and other smaller items. Always ask if you can get a discount, there is nothing wrong with asking. Get what you can on clearance (like white Christmas lights are classy but safer then candles) Buy in bulk when possible, tealights are done like this more then any other candle. Sign up for coupons for all of your favorite craft stores. Buy those Terracotta pots and paint them as you choose and grow simple hearty flowers in them or use silk flowers. Grow what fruits you can. Do a finger food buffet instead of a sit down meal. Go to places like Goodwill to get vases. Use the Dollar store and the dollar tree when possible. I've gotten all of my silk flowers from sales and a store that's going out of business. ALWAYS be on the look out for a deal, keep your eyes open for inspiration. They often mark up things when they put the word "wedding" on it, so look for common things. Good Luck and congratulations
6. 1. To save money on the alcohol bill, try having your waiters walk around and offer your guests their choice of wine, rather than leaving open bottles of wine at every table. Leaving open bottles of wine on every table, may save time, but often results in a lot of wasted wine that you still have to pay for. You can also have wine served in carafes rather than bottles. This way you can buy the much larger bottles which are less expensive than the table size bottles. Let your guests pay for heavier alcoholic drinks themselves via an available bar 2. When it comes to the bridal gown shops in your area, pick one and stick with that same bridal shop. You may find that some if not many bridal gown shops, as well as tuxedo shops offer discounts or rewards if you use their services to dress your entire party. When you go to a shop to check them out, ask them if they offer any discounts in such a case, or ask them if they have a special "rewards and discounts program". This will also save you the time and trouble of shopping around. Do make sure you're comfortable with that business first, and that you've checked references prior to committing yourself to any one bridal gown shop, or tuxedo shop 3. Consider making some of your decorations yourself. Check your local party supply, and ask a clerk for ideas and tips. You'll be amazed at how much money you will save, and you just might find it a fun thing to do. Have a special day set aside when you, your relatives, and friends can get together and make center pieces, party favors, etc. Using candy as part of wedding favors is always a treat for your guests, and if you buy candy in bulk you'll save money. 4. Don't get carried away with your guest list. Keep it limited to close relatives and friends. To avoid unexpected guests, be sure to make it clear in your invitations that seating is limited to names listed. If you want an adult only wedding (no children are going to be there), don't feel apologetic for making that clear in your invitations either. Your true friends and caring family will make other arrangements for their children, and will refrain from extending extra invitations themselves.
7. If your really trying to save up on money.. You could ask everyone in your entourage to help pay and/or rent their own tux and gowns... That will save you LOTS! Also, if you plan to have the reception at a hotel, maybe having the wedding at the hotel will be cheaper too.. Cause the more you do business with one person, the cheaper they add... Well usually... :)