In these tough economic times, we are all looking for new ways to "tighten our belt" and weddings are no exception!! As special and unique and precious as they are to us, they do cost MONEY!

Therefore, I have some new fresh ideas on ways to plan that special event without selling off the family farm!!

I found a great article from the denverchannel.com website that lists 18 tips on planning weddings within a fixed budget.

Here are a few of them:

1. Plan ahead -- it takes time to find deals and in turn save money. Do your research, shop and compare.

2. Instead of a full, seat-down dinner, host a late morning or early afternoon ceremony followed by a lunch reception or a cocktail party.

3. Host weddings on "off peak" days, like Thursday, Friday or Sunday.

4. Ask for discounts, or added value. If you are hosting your wedding at a resort see if they will offer you a complimentary hotel suite upgrade on the night of your wedding, or a complimentary couples massage.

5. If you are going to do a dinner, opt for a buffet, rather than seated serving.

6. Get creative on your ceremony and reception locations. Public parks, state parks, museums and state or privately owned locations often have great rates.

7. Host a beer & wine bar instead of liqour. Give each table a bottle of wine, then guests can pay for additional alcoholic beverages.

To read the whole article, go to The denverchannel.com

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