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Let’s face it, everyone has a budget.  Some are just larger than others.  I have put together some ideas that I know will help you with your  wedding or party budget no matter the size. 

1. Choose a location that allows you to hire an off-premises caterer instead of going with a Hotel.  Off-premises caterers are generally less expensive in comparison.
2. Choose a location that provides tables,chairs and linens when possible.
3. Pick a reception site that fits your guest count.  Too big is just as bad as too small.  A place that handles 200 isn’t suitable for 50.  Everything will look and feel too spread out and you will need to spend more on  event decorations to make the space feel intimate.
4. If you need to provide chairs for your event, choose the Samsonite folding chairs instead of the wooden folding chairs to save money.
5. Have your event or wedding any day other than Friday or Saturday.  Many venues as well as other event professionals will give you a price break on days other than traditional Fridays and Saturday.
6. Have your event at a time other than meal times and keep the time down to a minimum.
7. Buy your liquor wholesale if possible.  It is so much less expensive to bring in your own liquor. just be sure to check with your venue and caterer.  In some states only a licended provider can bring in liquor or serve liquor.  Its best to know ahead of time what your state allows.

1. Avoid expensive menu items such as lobster, shrimp or beef tenderloin.  If you just have to have the lobster, choose dishes that use only a bit of that ingredient.
2. Choose foods that are in season.
3. Choose to have a buffet; it is the least expensive way to serve your guests.
4. Appetizers are usually as much if not more than a dinner because there is so much more labor involved in making little bite size appetizers.
5. If you must have a formal sit down dinner (the most expensive way to go) avoid having too many courses.  A nice salad, main course and a dessert should suffice.
6. If you are on a tight budget, limit your guest list. (this really should be #1)
7. Keep the bar beverages simple, the more spirits you provide, the more mixers, ice and glassware are needed.  If the budget is really tight do not serve bar beverages at all.  Offer iced tea and coffee.
8. If you want to serve Champagne you will need 2 glasses per person.  Instead of offering plain
   Champagne, offer a Mimosa or some other drink what has champagne as an ingredient, it definitely makes the champagne go farther.
9. Keep the food selections simple. 
10. Linens may be a necessity, but stick to the simple standard poly-cotton color choices and stay away from expensive specialty linens.  If the budget is really tight, choose linens that don’t go all the way to the floor, shorter linens can save you money.
11. Provide seating for half of the guests expected.  Not only will this save money, it creates a more fun environment since it forces the guests to mingle.
12. Make your flower arrangements work double duty.  If you are expected to give gifts to any one, give the table centerpieces as gifts as the guests leave.  Order only flowers that are in season or choose flowers that make a big splash and float one bloom in an attractive bowl of water, add a few candles and you have a centerpiece.
13. When shopping for invitations avoid the larger and or odd size invitations.  They require extra postage, which adds up quickly.
14. Splurge wisely. Figure out what’s most important to you.  Flowers? Food? Music? Beverages?  Lock in those costs first, that way you will feel as if you’re splurging on what’s most important and you can cut costs in areas that are not as important to you.
15. Keep an eye on the details.  It’s more often the small things, like providing chilled towels or paper fans for a summertime event, that people remember most – a lot more than an expensive menu or flashy 12 piece band.
16. Create a timeline and stick to it.  This will keep you from going over budget since most vendors quote their estimates for blocks of time.  It will blow any budget if the party lasts even an hour over the estimated time when you consider the venue, caterer, photographer and D.J.