How can you really create a splash when it comes to your reception? Change up the tradition by serving up some homemade dinner favorites. I know it sounds like a lot to take on, and let’s be honest-it is, but the result is a totally budget savvy (DIY dinner will save you thousands) and completely unique approach to your reception dinner!

When you get married you are combining two families together and introducing a whole new world to each. Why not introduce the guests of your wedding into your family as well with those favorite foods you grew up on. It makes for a far more intimate wedding reception dinner, and I bet your guests will love the chance to indulge in foods that are special to the two of you.

If you and your family are not the best of cooks, check out some recipes and find some brand new favorite dinners! Sites like epicurious.com can inspire you with some amazing new recipes that your guests will surely enjoy.

Caterers can cost $6,000, $10,000 or far more just for a wedding reception dinner. Doing the food yourself is something that may seem scary and stressful, but in the end is so worth it! You could probably do a dinner for around $3,000. The price can’t be beat, and neither can the gesture!

If you make sure to prep ahead of time, it will make the whole thing less stressful. Decide on the menu early, get the marinade’s going, then hire a few wait staff for the day of the wedding to cook and serve the food. This salmon recipe was found under “quick and easy” so you don’t have to slave away in the kitchen for days to create the perfect meal. Recipe at epicurious.com

Amazing free template from Wedding Chicks! This will majorly cute costs on invitations because you print and do them all yourself! I love the simple design and the perfect spring colors!

In this crazy economy, what better time to look at ways to save on wedding costs?  Purchasing a used bridal gown is a great way to cut your costs.

Here are a few other tips for having a wedding on a budget:

1.   Negotiate!  I negotiated down pricing with every vendor I worked with on my wedding–florist, photographer, event site, etc. Ironically, one of the very few things I paid full price on was my bridal gown (thus the idea for this website!)   You would be amazed what you can get if you just ask

2.  BYOB.  Bring your own beer…and all the other drinks.  I saved a lot by using a venue which allowed me to bring my own alcohol and bartender.  The bartender rates were reasonable and we purchased all the drinks from BevMo.  BevMo has an excellent return policy, so everything that was not consumed was returned for a full refund.

3.  Consider having your wedding on a Sunday.  I saved money with many vendors and the venue site by going with a Sunday.  One tip–don’t make the wedding run late in the night.  I don’t think your guests will want to be out late on a Sunday when they have work the next day.  We started ours at 2pm and ended around 7pm, which seemed to work great.