Even if the economy hasn't affected you too much, it is still human nature - for most of us, anyway - to get the best value for everything we buy.  The same holds true for the wedding costs.  Before you know it, adding up all the parts of the wedding can blow your budget out the door.   

Since the Reception is usually THE most costly part of any wedding, here are some tips to help you negotiate the best possible deal and still get what you want. 

You must be flexible - in order to get the best deal, you must be willing to be somewhat flexible on some aspects of the event plans. 

Everything's Negotiable.  Say that with me -- everything's negotiable.  When you speak with the venue of your choice, you need to ask them this question:  "how can i get the best possible discount off your normal prices?"  They may surprise you with what they say.  If they do not offer any discounts whatsoever, time to look elsewhere.  

Here are the top ways to get huge discounts.:

1. Your event is within 90 days - many venues book dates a year or more out.  If you can pull your event together within 90 days, chances are there is at least one "unsold" day at several local venues.  They are often willing to discount these days heavily.

2. Friday nights or Sundays - as you might guess, Saturday nights are premium times for weddings.  If you can accept a Friday or Sunday you might save 10-15% or more.   TIP:  Many other wedding professionals such as DJ's, photographers, florists, etc. may offer discounts for these days as well -- you have to ask!!  Weekdays are even better if you can imagine... 

3. Afternoon event - if you can hold a 2pm ceremony, the reception will start at 2:30, which is after lunch and before dinner.  This means, your guests will not be expecting a huge meal. Food is usually the largest expense of any reception.  If you do an afternoon event, finger snacks are perfectly acceptable (along with wedding cake, of course.)

4. Pay in cash, or pay up front - If you can do this, often a venue will take 5% or more off the final tab for your upfront payment.  Make sure you have a clear understanding of their cancellation and refund policy.  Many times there are no refunds.  (Wedding insurance may be a good idea.)

5. Scale down your Guest List - It is absolutely not necessary to invite mom's friends from work whom you've never met.  Remember it is going to cost you in the neighborhood of $80 per person, USUALLY MORE, for each of these guests you invite.  Keep the guest list to close friends and family, send the rest of them announcements.

6. Be willing to walk - you should narrow your venue choices down to 2 or 3, then start bargaining.  Make sure you pay attention closely to what is included, add everything up, and look at the final tab.  (Pay CLOSE attention to gratuity fees and service charges which can be as high as 25% over and above the "price list")  Be willing to walk away from one venue if another offers a substantially better deal.  Be willing to take one venue's deal to another and ask if they will beat it.  You are more likely to get this kind of bargaining power at a venue that is independently owned, versus a chain hotel.

7. Ask them for freebies - many times venues have certain things (that normally cost) that they can throw in for free if they already have the equipment.  Examples would be, Audio Visual Rentals, Chocolate Fountains, Chair covers, extra decorations, etc.  If they feel they need to throw something in to get your business, they most likely will.

Bargaining with the venue will not "cheapen" your event in any way.  Nobody but you and your family (and your wallet) will be the wiser.    It will allow you to spend money on important lasting things, like your photography and videography - remember that is all you have left after the big day is done, make sure you hire professionals.