What are the best money saving tips for planning a wedding?

I am planning my wedding for next January (2007). My fiance and I are on a very limited budget - I'm a chef/teacher and he is a full-time student planning to graduate this December. I need any money saving suggestions and location ideas (in the Dallas, Rockwall, Hunt, Collin County areas of Texas) anyone might have. I will probably end up doing my own cake unless anyone knows of someone great and cheap, but I don't really want to do my own catering - at this rate we may not even do food. Please help!

I was on a tight budget when I got married and I went with a "Cake and Punch Reception"
menu
cake
punch
cream puffs
nuts
mints
My reception was held at 2pm so I didn't mess with a full meal. I just couldn't afford it. It was a great party and it was held in our church's basement rec hall.

Another thing to consider is the day of the wedding. Some places are more expensive on Saturdays. Maybe consider a Friday night or Sunday wedding. Also, the earlier in the day of the reception, the more casual the food is expected to be. Or, just have a small cookies and cake reception. If you eliminate alcohol, you save a ton of money. But if it is important to you, just limit the selection. My friend bought most of her flowers for her wedding at the dollar store and had a florist put them together - they turned out gorgeous. Think about your family and friends and the kinds of talents they have that may help you and don't be afraid to ask them for help. Also, start shopping asap for your "stuff." I saved a ton of money by shopping ebay for decorations and such and not only did I get great prices, I got things that I would never been able to find in stores in the area where I live. Pick your priorities and spend more money on those things, maybe you value great pictures so you'd want to splurge on the photographer. Remember, just because something is tradition doesn't mean it has to be done. It is your day and don't forget that!

Look online at websites (I am fond of theknot.com) they have tons of great money saving tips. The easiest way to cut costs is to cut people. Think about it, if you cut 5 co-workers thats 10 people (with guests)... my reception is 85 a head, so right there that is 850 bucks saved! Probably closer to 1000 when you consider the other things you save on (favors, programs, etc) per person!

OK!! Here goes. I'm in Texas also and I do understand budgets. As you probable know 30% of you budget is on food so that is where I will begin.
Get you class to do the work as a project. I am serious. It is a great learning tool and your students will feel more connected to you and their career. I use students in my planning business because they get the education the need with real world experience. Especially floral, catering, and decorating. They love to have something to add to their portfolio.
Florals are another money user. I am doing more weddings without florals. I realize that your wedding is in Jan. and that is the highest price time for florals. Everything is being brought in from out of the country or force grown in the states.
If you are looking for a gown IM me. I just closed my bridal salon and have some great gowns for brides and the bridal party. Shoes also.
Cake - get students again unless you really want to make that yourself.
Blessings

Find a place that doesn't have a liquor license. It's much cheaper to bring in your own liquor. Also, you can serve beer and wine only, which is much less expensive than a full bar. I don't recommend making your own cake, as the bride you don't have time that close to your wedding to make a wedding cake. You should be at the church when it's time to set up the cake. Also, you can cut the guest list down, and have a small wedding to save money. good luck

We did a sunset wedding with a dessert buffet $3/person instead of $20/person for a dinner. My uncle and some friends did sunrise with a brunch also cheaper and easier to find a local as it is an unusual time. Buddhist temples often do their own catering so you could find a package deal. Hotels and Inns often have packages for smaller parties. Instead of hiring a photographer have a friend do the formals and print what you want yourself.

I'm working on the same thing, but my wedding is in 30 days. I think I've taken care of almost everything at this point. We live in Rowlett so I understand where you're coming from. I bought my dress on ebay for $125 and I love it. I made our invitations and I can give you some directions on those if you want to email me. rdnkchic2003@yahoo.com. Also, we're having the ceremony and reception at the church. I'm lucky and my grandma is making the cake, but I decided I want a dessert buffet for our 2pm wedding. It's not the time of day to have a full meal. It saves us money and looks great, and is different. A lot of the ladies in my family and at church have offered to help. I'm taking them on it. Advise: dont try to do it all on your own. They'll each make one dessert that's bite size or individual and make about 50 of each. There's about 10 ladies. We found chocolate fountains for $15/each and I'll buy some fruit and cut it up the night before. I also wanted real flowers so I ordered tulips off of the internet. I'm getting 100 tulips, in July (that's almost unheard of) for $140. That's also un-heard of. They will arive via FedEx the day before and I'll make the bouquets and centerpieces the night before. Silk flowers are cheaper and still look nice. (my bachelorette party is the weekend before). We're having the rehearsal dinner at my parents' house or at the church and we'll have briskett and his mom is preparing all the sides. I'm borrowing a lot of things, and I rented a large heart shaped arch and candle aubras for less than $100.

I am currently planning my wedding for July, so I hope I can help. Look for decorations you can use later around the house...that will help, especially if you like candles, etc. See if the place you work at can help with serving dishes and utensils for food. I know the place I work at has an ice maker and we have the go ahead to get as much as ice as we as long as it doesn't run short for the everyday business.

For the flowers, I bought about 35 dollars worth of silks and one of my friends who are in the floral business is going to throw it together on the side for about 50 bucks. They will look just as nice and will last forever.

As for a reception place...maybe someone's house or somewhere that the strings can be pulled to keep the rental cost down. My dad is a member of the club where we are getting married and we got it at half price.

My brother is going to bartend since he has his bartending license and that way people won't have to fend for themselves on mixing drinks and someone will be there to watch for any kids trying to sneak some.

The DJ and photographer are both friends of the family and I got a flat rate for both of them.

My invitations I got at Wal Mart and that saved me alot of money. For 120 invitations it cost me 45 dollars plus whatever ink I used.

The dollar store has some great deals that have helped keep my budget down.

Congrats and good luck!