What are the most expensive wedding costs?

[iloveweddings]

The biggest cost factor for any wedding is NOT the ceremony...it's the reception. That will amount to about 1/2 your budget.

Biggest costs obviously are the venue and the food and beverages.

Ways to cut down is to have a small wedding, which you say you cannot. The next thing would be to cut out all the "extras." I think it's silly to have a videographer and to have favors. Those are the two things that you can cut completely out.

Next, cost compare everything. Remember that invites get tossed. Don't spend a lot on these. You can buy beautiful kits at craft stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby and even at Office Max, Target, and Walmart. You simply format them yourself and print them out. Many have extra "embellishments" like ribbons, etc. They are really beautiful. That is a big cost savings.

I would NOT scrimp on the photographer. Many couples have been burned by having "Uncle Tom" do the photography. Hire a professional and look at examples of his/her work prior to booking them.

You can save on a cake by going to a large grocery store that has a bakery. Ditto for flowers. Many large grocery stores also have in-store florists. You may get a "deal" if you book the cake and the flowers at the same place. Just an idea.

Go with simple centerpieces for the tables. A low bowl with a few floating candles and some "vase gems" at the bottom is not only elegant, but very inexpensive. You can set it on a mirror for extra shine if you want.