As winter begins to fade away and the official start of spring arrives, it won't be long before wedding season begins. If you're in the process of planning your big day, much of your attention has probably been spent scrutinizing wedding gift ideas, locations, entertainment and wedding guest gifts. It doesn't take much research to realize that the accumulated costs can add up to a major financial investment for even the most moderate party. If your wedding reception's budget is starting to look unmanageable, you might want to consider some of these simple cost-cutting measures that will save you money without sacrificing your wedding's stylish appeal.

Venue
One of the biggest expenses when selecting a destination for your wedding reception is a venue rental fee. According to Elegala.com, you can save a great deal of money by shopping around for sites that feature low or non-existent rental fees. While you'll still have to pay for catering and entertainment at the venue, you'll avoid shelling out additional dollars for your reception. The news source also recommends looking at more casual venues instead of overly-formal options. Casual parties tend to be more fun and affordable than stuffy country clubs and event venues. If you still can't find a location that matches your budget, consider holding the reception at your or a family member's home or backyard.

Save The Date
Another great way to scale back the cost of your wedding is by being flexible with your wedding date. Everyone tries to plan their big day for a weekend in the middle of summer, so these are generally the most expensive dates to book a reception. Check out different venues with different dates in mind - you might find a surprise deal on a weekend that was under-booked. If this still doesn't cut it, consider holding your wedding during autumn or winter, when there are significantly fewer people tying the knot, reports Elegala.com.

Entertainment
While there are plenty of musicians and DJs that make their careers on playing birthday parties, bar mitzvahs and wedding receptions, these entertainers tend to be the most in-demand and expensive in a given area. To find equally talented performers willing to work for a lower fee, turn to college musicians or community music schools and see if anyone is willing to play at your event, according to HappyNews.com.