So many aspects of your wedding are a price per guest, so limiting your guest list, as difficult as this may be, is your first step in saving your budget. Sit down with your partner and make your MUST Be There list: the list of people that when you imagine your celebration, they are in the front row with bells on. How long is that list? If it leaves a little room for additional guests, then great! Start adding in additional friends or relatives. If it doesn't, then that's ok! 

Another way to cut down on guests is to keep your wedding Adults Only. Did you know some vendors count children the same as adults? Check with your caterer to see if they offer a kid's meal option if you do want children to attend. 

If you're worried about upsetting family or friends that didn't get an invite- blame the budget! Politely tell them that while you love them and wish you could invite everyone, there just isn't room in your budget. They will understand!   

Baxter's Creative Events

Shopping around is vital to cutting costs, but there are things to keep in mind when checking out multiple vendors and venues:

Time- Comparing prices of different vendors is time consuming, especially if you're scheduling meetings with each vendor. Obviously with venues you want to go to the venue and see what they have to offer. And that all takes time, especially when you're working a full time job. Give yourself plenty of time so you don't feel stressed. 

Price vs. Quality- Try not to sacrifice the quality of your vendors over price. It's tempting to go with the vendor that is giving you the best price, but are they also giving you what you want? Think of the things that are most important to you- whether that's food or music, and spend a little more there and save on other areas. It's better to have a few amazing vendors and details then a lot of so-so ones.

There are lots of things you can DIY for your wedding to cut costs. You can create signs yourself or have a friend or family member make yummy desserts for a dessert table. But it's important to keep in mind that sometimes DIY adds up in costs. By the time you buy all of the items for a DIY centerpiece to save on flowers, does it equal the cost of the flowers? Save yourself time, money, and stress by letting a pro handle it!

DIY Network has a great list of some details to DIY and what to leave to the pros! They suggest leaving the music, flowers, photos, and food to the pros and we couldn't agree more. Check it out here.