Wedding Budget Tips: 5 Ways To Cut The Cost Of Your Big Day

Want to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank? There are plenty of ways to save. Here are five basic wedding budget tips to get you thinking.

1) Reception Time The best way to help your wedding budget? Be mindful of your venue and the time. Pick a morning brunch, afternoon party or cocktail soiree instead. It's likely that guests will consume less alcohol if the occasion is during the day. If you're set on an evening event, try a buffet or family style meal where the cost per plate isn't as high as a plated sit-down dinner.

2) Alternative Season June through September is peak season for weddings in Canada, so consider a celebration in the off-season to save -- just make sure it doesn't conflict with holiday party season. Get inspiring ideas from our slideshow on weddings by month.

3) Package Deals Find a venue that will do everything for you instead of hiring separate services that could add up with charges and tips. And ensure to watch out for extra fees at venues, all those little extras can make you go over your wedding budget.

4) Discount Dresses If you're not into buying used or vintage, keep your ear to the ground for sample sales and trunk shows where you can save up to 70 percent on gowns by subscribing to designer and boutique mailing lists.

5) Budget Priorities The most important part about having a wedding budget is sticking to it! If there are things you must have then put those at the top of your priority list and save on other aspects.