As you plan your wedding, you will find that around every corner lies another opportunity for a costly add-on or upgrade.
Many brides are quick to nod yes to every seemingly fabulous idea and little extra presented to them.
Hey - when you're spending upwards of $30,000 - what's another $300? It's an easy conclusion to make when swept up in the chaotic sea of wedding planning.
But if you're on a budget, the easiest way to stick to it is to just say no.
For what seems now like an idea that you absolutely cannot forgo will eventually wind up as just another unnoticed wedding detail that buried you further into wedding-induced debt.
Here are some popular wedding details and extras that you can live without, and neither you nor your guests will be the wiser: The Champagne Toast Almost every reception site offers to pass a champagne toast to all of your guests for a $200-$400 fee.
Don't do it - it's a waste.
Many of your guests will simply take a sip and set the glass down - or not take a sip at all.
It's best to allow your guests to simply toast with the drink of their choice when the toasts are made.
The Champagne/Chocolate Fountain Fountains, especially chocolate fountains, have been the rage for the last few years.
If you have your heart set on one - fine.
But if not - this is another extraneous wedding extra.
Your guests aren't going to search your reception site for the chocolate fountain.
Really, they won't.
The Groom's Cake The groom's cake is a southern tradition that has recently been spotted at wedding receptions throughout the country (we all remember the armadillo cake from Steel Magnolias).
No one ever runs out of wedding cake at a reception, so why have two cakes? If you're on a tight budget, lose the groom's cake.
The Tossing Bouquet Having your florist create an additional bridal bouquet for the bouquet toss has become the norm, but this can tack on an additional $50-$100 to your floral bill.
Instead, have a friend or family member pick up some flowers from your local grocery store for a mere $5-$10.
The Extra Hour Almost every reception site has an upfront overtime fee, and the venue's event coordinator will casually mention that your reception can go an extra hour for, say, $200.
Wedding guests are usually ready to call it a night after 4 hours - let them.