Venue, Venue, Venue...

Most of your wedding budget will be spent on your venue so plan accordingly. You can save yourself a lot of money by simply asking around. Your friends or family might just know about that special mansion or winery with a beautiful back yard, or the unique little bed & breakfast with an enclosed garden. Big or small wedding, picking a venue is the most important decision you'll have to make. Shopping around for that perfect location can be a very daunting task. However, if you just ask, you'll be surprised how much people know. Online, IntimateWeddings.com has a great venue finder for your city. You can even choose the venue type. Whether you are looking for a gallery, a farm, a museum, or a hotel, you'll be able to find it here. And remember, the best way to save money, is to have your ceremony and the reception at the same venue.

You can even have a garden wedding at a friends house, or in your own backyard. Picking the perfect location for your ceremony will save you money on decorations. Use mother nature as your decorator. Pick a botanical garden or an idyllic park next to a body of water, and voila, your wedding photos will have the perfect backdrop. Not to mention, it will be a wedding people will remember.

For outdoor wedding receptions, PartySavvy has beautiful tents you can rent, which can be decorated to your liking.

Also consider colleges and universities. Many have chapels and beautiful rooms for your reception. It'll give you a chance to add that personal touch, if you choose the university you attended. Remember to book early though.

More Venue tips to come.

Idyllic setup at a winery...

Decorated tent next to a pool...



State park wedding