I hope that the articles I find for "brides to be" on how to save some money and have a not-so-expensive wedding are helpful. This article came from Suite101.com and was written by Naomi Rockler-Gladen.
Cheap Wedding Venue Ideas
Money Saving Tips on Inexpensive Ceremony and Reception Locations
Even if you don't get married at the most lavish place in town, you can still have a spectacular wedding. Here are some money saving tips on how to find a wedding venue.
So, you've found the person you want to marry-- now, the question is where? When it comes to your wedding planning budget, choosing the right wedding venue can make a big difference in how much you spend. Here are some tips on how to choose a ceremony or reception location that will save you money.
Wedding Date Considerations
First of all, you can often save a bundle simply by getting married during a less popular time period! Weddings that fall on a Saturday--either during the afternoon or at night-- quite frequently are more expensive than weddings on any other day. For an alternative time that's often convenient for your guests, consider a Sunday afternoon wedding.
In addition, you can sometimes save money by getting married during a less popular month. January, February, March, and November are considered "off-season" months (at least if you live in the Northern hemisphere). The warmer months are much more popular, as is December, especially around Christmas. And keep in mind that while a February wedding can be cheaper, prices may spike around Valentine's Day.
Ceremony and Reception Combination
Another money saving wedding venue tip: hold the ceremony and reception at the same location. This can save you quite a bit of money on rental and decoration fees, as well as the cost of transporting the wedding party from one site to another. If you want to get married in a church, synagogue, or other religious facility, consider having the reception in a room in that building.
Community Center Buildings
Many communities of all sizes have a center that the public can rent for events such as weddings. Many couples overlook these locations because they think the facilities will be expensive or unattractive. However, community centers usually rent out for reasonable prices and can be quite the undiscovered gems.
University Facilities
Many colleges and universities have chapels and lovely rooms that can be used for weddings and receptions. Rental rates at universities can be quite reasonable, and alumni may be eligible for discounts. For a couple who met in college, this can be a sentimental option.
Home Weddings
You know that home wedding from Father of the Bride that cost over $100,000? Ignore that. If someone in your family has a large enough home and is willing to let you use it, think of the money you can save in rental costs. Don't worry if no one in your family owns a grand estate-- a large and cozy house will do, especially if you pay for a professional cleaning ahead of time. And you can still hire and caterer and decorator. A home wedding doesn't mean that your aunts will have to make casseroles.
Parks
A wedding is a community park can be surprisingly inexpensive. Look for smaller parks that aren't the most popular ones in town, and you may find yourself with a gorgeous and affordable place to get married. Of course, you'll want to find a backup location in case of bad weather.
OK....so I went to put the deposit on my reception venue on Monday. I had printed out the application form from their site, filled it out, and had my Mr. write out a check for me to give to them. Well, when I handed it in, Sara....the gal that was helping me.....told me that the hourly rates on the application had gone up. So instead of $90/hr, it is now $110/hr. Doesn't sound like much, but when you're a bride "Shooting For A $3,000 Wedding", an extra $100 is A LOT! OK, OK.....it's not THAT much. But it still stung when she told me that.
