The first thing many people think of when getting engaged is what kind of wedding to have. Weddings are terrific occasions for bringing family and friends together, but they also require a great deal of planning and work. Here is some advice to help your wedding run smoothly.

Consider your different options to find the right type of alcohol for your wedding. If there’s a bar that’s open, it can be expensive, especially the longer it’s open. Check with your venue to find out the alcohol options they have for you to choose from.

If you prefer to handle the refreshments and foods on your own, save money by shopping at wholesalers, such as Sam’s Club and Costco. When you shop this way, you can buy your food cheaper than at regular retailers. Also, ask family or friends to help offset the cost of the food.

Your wedding dress could be one of the most expensive items included in your wedding, but there are ways to save money on this purchase. When you are shopping, try getting a dress that might not be traditionally thought of as one made for a wedding. A bridesmaid dress could fit your needs and would not be as expensive as an actual wedding dress. Even if this dress is not perfect and you need some adjustments made to make it your dream dress, it could still run you quite a bit less then an actual wedding dress.

See if you can use a loved one’s property for your big day. If you know anyone with a large enough backyard, you can save a lot of money on your wedding. Pay them in advance to do this for you.

Don’t forget the small stuff when decorating. Use the same ribbon that you use for the bouquet in the centerpieces. The little details like this help you pull all of the various aspects of the wedding together into one coordinated event.

If you feel as though it is wasteful to pay hundreds of dollars for a cake that will have a lot left over, consider a smaller bakery to create a smaller cake that will cost less and be more personal. There are some bakers who are able to prepare elegant cupcakes that contain less than 100 calories each. They can also use healthy ingredients like fruit fillings, no-calorie sweeteners, and even meringue toppings.

For any stylish and fashion forward bride, there is always the option to add some flare to a bouquet with a splash of diamonds, rhinestones or Swarovski crystals. Doing this isn’t difficult. It works with adhesive crystals, costume jewelry, and expensive antique jewelry. Make sure that the stones of your choice coordinate well with your ensemble; have consistency in your arrangement of colors, size and cut.

While wedding planning is hard, it’s worth it. Remember, this is a monumental celebration in your life, so it’s important to enjoy your big day. Apply the advice here to make your own wedding planning as smooth as possible.