Everyone is on a budget for their wedding celebration, especially with the economy these days. When planning a wedding it is hard to know where to spend money and where you can skimp.  Here are some of my best tips to maximize any budget…


Save on your wedding shoes…
I know, you probably don’t want to hear this!  Brides often think that this is the one time they should be in head to toe couture and go out and splurge on those Louboutins or Stuart Weitzman shoes, but spending the money that you would save on shoes and spending it towards favors or a novelty item will make your wedding memorable for everyone. Try a cookie/candy station with “happily ever after” themed bags for your guests to enjoy on their way home or an old fashioned photo booth. Both of these cost as much as a nice pair of kicks and will add some flare to your party. With your gorgeous smile, and sparkling jewelry, your shoes will hardly be seen, so just make sure that they are something that you like, match, and are most importantly…you can dance in all night in!


Save on your hair piece…
Swarovski crystal hairpieces can run a few hundred dollars and although they are lovely, the same look can be achieved with some fresh blooms from your florist.  She can make you a few tiny hair flowers for as little as twenty dollars. You can either clip them into your hair to form a cluster, or tuck into a few select spot throughout your hair.  The extra bonus to this ultra feminine look is that you will smell divine all evening!


Save on reception décor…
Most coordinators and brides debate about what to do about the dance floor.  However, when you walk into the room and it is all decorated, a huge piece of brown wood doesn’t really provide that elegant look you were going for.  Have a lightening company do an allover gobo of flowers or your initials to minimize the wood look and maximize elegance.  Colored seamless dance floors can run a few thousand dollars, while light gobos cost only a few hundred.


Save on flowers…
Flowers add elegance and grace to any event and I am always thrilled to see what new and innovative things florists are doing at weddings.  When thinking about your reception room, think of it as a total effect.  Up lighting is a unique way to make your room pop that adds individuality and style to your reception and costs a fraction of what flowers cost.  By using up lights around the perimeter of your room, you can choose smaller, less expensive floral arrangements and make your room appear more cohesive.