Planning your wedding ceremony can be joyous but a financial nightmare for years. You want to impress and take good care of your guests, but you also want to avoid years of debt. While there are benefits to using the services of talented professional caterers, florists, photographers and Brooklyn limo companies, you can cut some corners without feeling like you’re missing out. Here are some of the smartest tips we’ve heard for saving big on your New York-area wedding?

1) SKIP THE DESIGNER DRESS

Wedding dresses can often make up a pretty big portion of a wedding budget, and it’s an area you can likely cut back significantly without feeling the pinch. Check out Nordstroms or Macy’s for a simple white cocktail or evening gown that’s not likely going to cost more than a thousand. Go for a minimalist look or have a crafty friend add sequins, feathers or any number of other details.

Committed to the idea of a designer gown? Check out sites like OnceWed for used wedding dresses. If you’re feeling a little wary, remember they weren’t likely worn for more than a few hours and even the most expensive dry-cleaning will leave you saving thousands off the original price.

2. BUY YOUR OWN WINE

Serving wine and champagne? While we can’t emphasize enough just how important it is to check with your venue about their alcohol policy, ask if you can’t bring in your own wine or champagne. Buying cases online from Wine Library or your neighborhood grocery store can save hundreds, if not thousands, depending on the size of your guest list.

3. ENLIST YOUR FRIENDS

Many wedding experts caution against using inexperienced chefs to cater your wedding. It’s true that even the best cook might not be able to easily replicate her famous lasagna for a group of 300. If your friends are still begging to help, consider asking them to assist with an hour or two of set-up or decorations.

4. SOURCE YOUR CHEFS

It’s no secret that the biggest portion of a wedding budget is typically dedicated to the reception, and costs per head can range between $30 and $150 for a plated dinner. If you’re still looking at venues, try and find someone that will allow you to choose your own caterer instead of their dedicated staff. Even hiring an independent company can save thousands, especially if you’ve got a big guest list. Rumor has it the Galapagos Art Space and The Bell House both allow brides to pick their own caterers.

5. SKIP THE MEAT?

It’s definitely an edgy choice and it might not go over very well with some of your more traditional relatives, but remember your big day is ultimately about you and your future hubby. Some vegetarian and vegan brides nationwide have discovered that they can showcase their favorite meatless dishes at their reception, saving thousands of dollars in the meantime. By requesting elegant vegetarian dishes, you could save more than $10 per guest, depending on your caterer’s policies!

6. MAKE SIMPLE FAVORS

Remember what you received at the last wedding you went to? Chances are, you probably didn’t get much use out of it. Even though monogrammed shot glasses or coffee mugs are a nice touch, your guests won’t mind if you cut costs by distributing individually packaged candy or cookies instead!

7. LIMIT THE ALCOHOL

Hosting an open bar can also quickly hike the cost of your reception. You can cut back without disappointing or seeming cheap. Can you reduce the hours your open bar is available to guests? Could you institute a policy of free wine but cash hard alcohol? Think of ways to compromise to treat your guests without going broke in Brooklyn!

8. GET ALL-INCLUSIVE QUOTES

For brides who are trying to avoid going broke, getting all-inclusive quotes from your wedding vendors can be your best bet. Make sure your Brooklyn wedding limo service, caterer, and florist don’t include any hidden fees in the contract. Are there any terms you should be wary of? Anything that sounds like “base rate.”

Executive Limo Service of Long Island, New York is an industry leader in providing personalized transportation solutions for your upcoming Brooklyn wedding. With a diverse fleet of sedans, SUVs, limousines and motor coaches and a staff of highly-trained, professional Chauffeurs, we provide exceptional service 24/7, 365 days a year. Please contact us for additional information on solutions, service, and availability.

Image Credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net/stuartmiles