by Nicole of mywedding.com

Today’s downward-spiraling economy has everyone taking a second look at spending habits – including wedding spending. If you find yourself needing to tighten your wedding budget, below are ten ways to help you do it.

1. Send electronic invites. Did you know that through your mywedding.com website you can send group emails to your entire wedding guest list? This is handy if you’re thinking of going completely paperless and inviting guests over the Internet. Not only will you save money on invitations and postage, you’ll save a few trees as well.
2. Invite less people. When planning a budget wedding, the most dramatic way to cut costs is to whittle away at the guest list. Invite only very close friends and family members. Make an objective cut-off rule to help justify leaving certain people out. Celebrate at a later date with those who don’t “make the cut” by hosting a simple potluck or BBQ.
3. Look for a free venue. Free and low-cost venues are plenty. If you’re planning a summer wedding, consider getting married on the beach or at a local park. Utilize a friend’s beautiful backyard garden or host the event at your own house. Put your creative cap on and think outside of the church. However, many churches are relatively inexpensive – so shop around and compare prices.
4. Enjoy a long engagement. The longer you are engaged, the longer you have to save up for your wedding. Set aside an agreed upon amount each month until you reach your goal. Paying cash for your wedding will help you start off on the right foot at a married couple.
5. Don’t get married on Saturday. Saturday is the most popular and the most expensive day to tie the knot. Consider a Friday night gala or a Sunday morning brunch.
6. Coincide with a holiday. Many venues decorate for the holidays-especially Christmas. You’ll save on decorations and flowers if you choose your venue wisely.
7. Serve a simple meal. Instead of a four course gourmet meal, consider serving simple food, buffet style. One idea is to offer a pasta bar. Pasta is an inexpensive dinner that almost everyone loves.
8. Set a budget and stick to it. Consider applying the envelope method of budgeting (to your wedding planning. When the money is gone from a particular category-it’s gone. Again, paying cash for your wedding will save you many headaches down the road. Starting your marriage off as debt-free as possible is a good thing.
9. Use your iPod. Instead of hiring a DJ, make your own wedding playlist on your iPod for the reception. Make sure to have a friend monitor this for you to make sure everything runs smoothly.
10. Negotitate with your vendors. It never hurts to ask your vendors if they can work within your particular price range. The worst they can say is no. You may be surprised at how many prices are not actually set in stone. You may be able to afford that DJ after all–just ask if he can work with you on the price.