Q: How can we save money on our wedding reception costs? We don't want to cut out any guests if possible, but feeding all those people can get expensive!

A: I know people go to a wedding primarily to see a couple they love and admire exchange vows and promise to love one another forever. It's not about the food (for most people-though I will admit, I do love a good wedding cake). Still, when guests attend a wedding and know they're also attending a reception afterwards, eating is on their minds.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, christine balderas

You don't have to go broke feeding your guests, especially if it's difficult for you to trim your guest list. Here are some ways you can save on reception costs:

* Serve a buffet instead of a four-course dinner
* If you serve alcohol during a pre-dinner appetizer course, stop the alcohol during dinner
* Or don't serve alcohol at all; I know this idea is foreign to some people, but alcohol isn't mandatory
* Serve chicken instead of steak
* Have a cupcake cake instead of an expensive many-tiered confection
* Choose one or two favors instead of four or five

Remember, however, this is your day. If there are aspects important to you, keep those; just be aware that you'll have to trim in other areas that aren't as much of a priority.