Wedding Ceremony - How to Save Money on Your Outdoor Ceremony

You can save a great deal of money by hosting an outdoor wedding ceremony in a beautiful park, at the beach, on a hilltop, or even in your backyard. The only downside to hosting an outdoor ceremony is the potential for poor weather conditions.

Following are tips for saving money on your outdoor wedding ceremony:

• Have the service in your backyard.
• Choose an open public forum that does not generally have a great deal of people trying to access it (get the necessary permits beforehand).
• Opt for an ordained minister rather than a priest, which is less expensive. Just be sure to check that whoever you choose can legally perform wedding ceremonies in your area.
• Forego the chairs and have the guests stand as long as you host a short ceremony. A nice white or themed linen on the ground for guests to stand on is an elegant touch.
• Opt for a portable arch because it is easy to transport and very elegant.
• Think of a fun wedding theme. Outdoor ceremonies open the door to many themes that can greatly reduce the cost of your wedding and reception. Hawaiian themes and beach themes can help you save money on formal wear, for example, because people having an outdoor wedding are often dressed casually.
• Save on travel. Outdoor ceremonies can immediately switch from ceremony to reception which saves money on travel fees, such as limos.

If you decide to plan an outdoor wedding ceremony, be sure to have a contingency plan in the event of poor weather conditions, such as the ability to set up a weather tent or to move the event indoors.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At MyGuidesUSA.com (http://www.myguidesusa.com), you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life’s major events. Whether you’re planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you’ll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com. Find wedding planning tips and resources at http://www.myguidesusa.com/weddings