With the average cost of a 150-guest wedding fast approaching $30,000, savvy couples are embracing the idea of wedding sponsorship to defray their wedding costs. They have become intrigued with the idea of receiving complimentary goods and services for simply giving the sponsoring businesses recognition for their contributions. "We’ve found that there are couples who can afford to pay for their dream wedding, but still seek wedding sponsorship. They do so because they want to save a ton of money and they’re aware of the benefit to the sponsoring companies," says S. Owens, wedding retailer and author of A Sponsored Wedding: The Complete Guide to Having Your Dream Wedding For a Song. "It just makes good sense."

Those who have never attended a sponsored wedding are under the impression that there will be corporate banners and logos strewn about the ceremony and reception sites similar to those displayed during a professional sporting event. "The acknowledgment that you give to your sponsors doesn’t have to be nearly as in-your-face as a TV commercial. There are ways to effectively yet subtlely promote your sponsors to maintain the dignity and intimacy of your wedding", says Owens. "It's also important to keep in mind that you're not asking for a handout from sponsors. Couples who have the most success in securing sponsors are aware of the benefit to the sponsoring companies and emphasize the benefits in every contact with the company."

If set up properly, sponsorship can actually give your wedding "star status". Your guests may wonder what connections you have that made the sponsors want to do this for you. Sponsors historically desire to connect themselves with attractive events. A perfect example of this is the "sponsoring" of couture evening gowns on the Oscars Red Carpet. Designers provide gowns to A-list actresses with the hope that the actresses’ answer to the question, "Who are you wearing?" will keep the designers’ names on the minds of their target market.

It's important to keep in mind that a sponsored wedding is not a corporate event nor is it a commercial starring the newlywed couple. It's a way to save thousands of dollars on your dream wedding by simply acknowledging those who provided products and services. In a non-sponsored wedding, if guests are impressed with certain elements of your wedding, they'll ask about the vendors or request contact information. You can provide that information without them asking and benefit from it as well.