The average American wedding costs almost $29,000, according to The 2008 Wedding Report, a market research publication.
However, many brides want to plan a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.
With careful planning, the savvy bride can find multiple ways to minimize costs.
Schedule an Afternoon Wedding Reception Many budget-conscious brides opt to have their wedding ceremony in the late morning, instead of the afternoon to save as much as 40 percent on reception costs.
Most hotels will provide a three-to-four-course meal at luncheon prices, if your wedding reception is over by 4:00 pm.
Also, since most people do not drink socially during the afternoon, money can be saved by not providing alcoholic beverages.
According to Emily Post, "There is no rule that says alcohol must be served at a wedding.
" Serve the Wedding Cake as Dessert When planning the wedding reception luncheon, ask the hotel event planner if you can serve your wedding cake as the dessert.
This will allow you to add on an extra course as a substitute to their set per-person price, like a soup, sorbet or a salad.
Save even more if family members and close friends offer to make cookies or chocolate-covered strawberries to round out the dessert course.
Utilize the Table Decorations Provided by the Hotel Most hotels provide table decorations at no cost to the bride.
Since they are in the business of event planning, they usually have several options.
Remember to ask the hotel event planner during your initial meeting.
Generally, their stock options may include candles or a hurricane candle lamp on a mirror as a centerpiece.
Candles always provide a nice ambiance to any reception.
Watch for sales at craft stores to purchase silk flower petals to sprinkle around the candles.