Most people who have planned a wedding will tell you just how much of a challenge it can be much of the time. The variety of vendors you will have to talk to and weed through can drive you batty if you let it. Luckily, these tips and tricks are sure to offer insight into the ideal wedding arrangements.

When planning your wedding, think about what type of alcohol serving you want, and what type will be the most cost efficient. If there’s a bar that’s open, it can be expensive, especially the longer it’s open. Ask the venue about their various alcohol service options.

Less Expensive

A wedding dress is a big expense. Perhaps you could look at dresses not considered as wedding dresses. A simpler dress may suit your needs and will be less expensive than a typical wedding dress. Even with some alterations to complete your vision for the dress, it could be less expensive in the end.

Personalize the wedding so that it reflects your personalities, and that of your relationship. Find a theme or topic that reflects your time as a couple.

The photos taken during your wedding are important as you’ll look at these a lot of times during your lifetime. Choose the best photographer you can, even if it costs you extra. You want to be sure that your wedding will be remembered fondly.

Although it’s important to give the wedding DJ a list with songs you want to play at your reception, it is also important to inform him of those you DON’T want played. Perhaps this includes heavy rock, country music or a song that reminds you of an ex. Tell your spouse-to-be so that he knows too.

You want to practice that wedding day aisle walk, especially if you plan to wear heels. If you’re scared of turning your ankle, go with attractive flats instead. Footwear that’s not so sexy is preferable to falling on your bottom on your wedding day!

A midday reception may be the perfect way to cut costs at your wedding. Your guests will drink less alcohol during these hours, which cuts down on your bar needs greatly. Lunch receptions are generally less expensive than evening ones and give you the freedom of having more food choices or taking the money you saved in this area and putting it toward another aspect of your wedding.

Send each guest an online itinerary, so that they know exactly when and where every important event will be. Make sure that you tell people if they need to attend events, like the rehearsal, so that everyone shows up promptly at the correct location.

One way to help remain in budget is to search Craigslist for items or services needed for your wedding. Take along your groom to the first meeting, and ensure there is at least one face-to-face meeting prior to any money being handed over.

If you’re giving your guests multiple meal courses, give them sweets to nibble on in between the courses. Think about sugar roses that enhance your wedding colors.

For couples that enjoy traveling, look for wedding items and decorations that reflect this interest. Save-the-date notices and invitations could be created to resemble tickets, boarding passes, or vintage postcards. Prop open a vintage suitcase and display photos, programs, or favors in it.

If the bride and groom hail from highly divergent cultural backgrounds, honor both sides by planning a wedding ceremony that incorporates one side’s traditions, followed by a reception that includes traditional dishes, rituals, or decor from the other side’s background. This will not only satisfy both sides of the family, but it will also make for an interesting ceremony.

Now that you know more about what you are doing, you can get on with planning your wedding. These tips will help you plan your wedding or someone elses.