The traditional wedding reception sit-down meal for a cast of hundreds has become passe for a while, but particularly now in these challenged times. It's just considered vulgar and kind of naff. Intimate gatherings of family and truly close friends are becoming the most popular and chic way to celebrate a wedding. Rambling speeches, mind-numbingly boring wedding bands, and three or more courses of blah food just makes the whole event a chore for most of your guests. Save your money and your face by checking out some tips for a stylish wedding without sacrificing your future finances and friendships. 

• We all know about the weekday wedding trick – cheaper. However, most people (if they're lucky) have jobs, and it's really just a big inconvenience all-round. Look into hosting a weekend lunch, or evening party, instead, and take a leaf out of the book of tradition by heading off on your honeymoon afterwards – that will signal the party is over. Alternatively, you could host a party after your return for all those who couldn't attend or weren't on the wedding list, if you are keeping the occasion intimate.
  
• Hire a DJ instead of a band – cheaper and you can be sure not to be embarassed by any dodgy covers or bad impressions by wannabe pop stars. Make sure that your DJ also has appropriate background music for dining.
  
• If you have an open bar, you may be horribly surprised by how your nearest and dearest will order every cocktail at your expense. Make the bar beer and a signature drink or Champagne (prosecco, cava or sparkling wine are great alternatives and are basically the same thing - just not from Champagne, France). Opting for Kir Royales or Bellinis will ensure that your stock of chosen fizz lasts longer.
  
• The traditional sit-down dinner can be very costly, and the food very ordinary. Modern weddings are now increasingly opting for a chic and elegant cocktail party after dark, with canape style savoury and sweet foods, and either a small jazz trio, guitarist and/or DJ.
  
• The fad for 3-D invitations, filled with annoying and messy confetti,  instructions, wedding lists, maps, even CDs and DVDS, has outdone itself on measures of the insane and over-the-top. Hate to tell you, but most people throw your invitation onto the mantleplace, if they're organised, or mostly likely stick it in a draw and forget about it. Save your money and design your own for a fraction of the price. Log on to .www.vistaprint.ie You will find a great variety of templates, images, fonts and colours that you can upload to make your own unique design, and have printed in bulk for very little money, including the postage delivery.
   

Written by :

Leanne de Cerbo