Angie's LIST Guide to
Wedding planning

Some advice before you start shopping for the perfect wedding gown:

Don’t let it break your bank. The bride is the centerpiece, not the dress. Determine the wedding budget and allocate only a fraction to the dress.

Respect the salesperson. You’ll get better service if you’re honest about your budget, rather than wasting time trying on dresses you can’t afford and dresses that don’t fit. Making an appointment will help you get focused attention. Try to shop during the week; Saturdays are busy days for bridal shops.

Leave your ego at home. Don’t be offended if the salesperson has you try on a size 12 when you're a size 4. Bridal gowns tend to run small and almost always need to be tailored.

Research is important. You’ve read the magazines and watched the shows. Now call around and shop online to see what’s available; bridal shops are a rated on Angie’s List, among many other wedding-related categories. If you’re treated rudely on the phone, don’t expect better treatment in person. Determine store policies regarding bankruptcy, fire and other factors that might force the store to close or your gown to be damaged, lost or unavailable. Be cautious of any bridal shop going out of business, though you might find a good deal.

Avoid added pressure. Trying on 50 dresses in one long day could turn anyone into a “bridezilla.” Set aside an afternoon or two. Give yourself time to focus. Take notes.

Don’t forget your shoes. Whether it’s in the shopping or alteration phase, be sure you have your wedding shoes so you have a full picture.

Don’t bring an entourage. Sales people cringe when they have to battle too many bridesmaids’ opinions. Bring your mother or a trusted friend to help facilitate a good decision, not try to force a quick one.

Don’t pay in full. If your dress needs to be tailored, pay the minimum deposit with a credit card and stretch out the rest of the payments until you can take the dress with you. Using a credit card allows you to file a claim dispute if necessary.

Don’t wait. If you’re ordering your dress, give the shop a dress delivery date that is two to four weeks earlier than your actual date and be sure it’s recorded correctly in the store. Ask what happens if the dress doesn’t arrive by the projected date. Ask who pays for expedited delivery should it become necessary. After you’ve placed your order, call the shop every five weeks to make sure they’re on top of things. If you’re having an off-the-rack dress tailored in the same shop, be sure it will be finished well before the wedding date.

Plan for alterations. Most wedding dresses need to be altered, and that can add to the cost. Be sure your seamstress is qualified and experienced. Check reviews on Angie’s List, where alteration is a rated category.

The average American wedding costs nearly $30,000, according to theknot.com. Here are areas where you might be able to stretch your budget:

Guest list. If you haven’t seen someone, even a relative, in more than a year, consider whether you must extend an invitation. At $100 a person, taking 10 guests off the list saves $1,000.

Wedding date. Pick a day other than Saturday. For example, Friday or Sunday food and beverage minimums are considerably less. If planning a destination wedding, consider marrying on a Wednesday or Thursday.

Venue. Have the wedding at a location that has a caterer, chairs, tables, silverware, glassware and table linens. If you rent a space and have to bring in everything, it can add up quickly.

Wedding dress. Consignment boutiques and department stores may offer deeply discounted dresses. Don’t be afraid to ask to see samples that have been in inventory for a long time. If you find one you like, ask for the best price.

Men’s outfits. Forgo tuxedos in favor of similarly colored suits or themed outfits.

Favors. They’re not necessary, and in most cases are tossed out at the end of the night.

Flowers. Pick flowers that are in season with your wedding. Choose blooms that are open and fuller; this will cut down on the amount needed. Re-use ceremony flowers at the reception. Large dramatic centerpieces can cost $500 or more; consider varying centerpieces, such as florals for a third of the tables, candles for another third and a smaller combination of flowers and candles for those remaining.

Cake. Wedding cakes can range from multi-tiered fantasy confections to iced Styrofoam imposters that look great but save money when guests are served less-pricier slices out of the reception hall kitchen. Cupcakes are a popular option, as well, and can be arranged in towers. Another option that might save on floral costs: serve small centerpiece cakes at each table.

Food. Provide one main entrée rather than multiple choices. Offer two or three hors d’oeuvres, rather than five or seven. Offer a plated meal rather than a buffet, which can cost more per person because the caterer may fear running out of food.

Drink. Provide beer kegs rather than individual bottles. A $350 keg provides about 160 glasses, compared to $815 for 160 bottles.

Invitations. Design them yourself, or omit engravings and decorative linings.

Lighting. Instead of expensive centerpieces or linens, light walls in dramatic colors or illuminate points of interest such as windows or columns.

Go with a pro. Consider hiring a professional wedding planner. They typically know the best professionals for the budget and will negotiate discounts or complimentary upgrades.