Your wedding shouldn’t be defined by how tight your purse strings are but these ideas can be helpful in planning your wedding.
10. Don’t do a destination wedding
As amazing it may be, unless you’re able to pay for the airfare for everyone, it will put your friends and relatives under a significant financial strain. Have your wedding somewhere that is significant for you and your spouse and easy for your guests to attend.
9. Get a handmade gown
Often off the rack dresses may cost way more than what they’re worth. Alterations may even cost more than the gown itself! Finding the right dressmaker, you can get your dream dress and save lots of money. You’ll get to pick the style, fabric and cost; and it’ll fit you like a glove!
8. Book Early
Being organized will help you plan your budget easier and save the money of paying extra for last minute bookings and availabilities.
7. Choose What’s Important
Choose a budget and decide on what you want to splurge on and what you don’t. Knowing that you can’t splurge on everything will make your planning less stressful and allow you to stay on your budget.
6. Ebay (and Amazon) is your friend
Planning early and having your theme decided will allow you to use the internet to your advantage. Bridal stores can often have sub-par, overpriced decorations. Do your research and keep an eye out for deals online that isn’t available in your region. Remember it takes time for things to ship so order early!
5. A Relic from Time Past
I’m not talking about the invitations itself but all the other things that come along with the invites. Why do you need a second envelope or that shiny, transparent tissue? If you’re really on a budget, does it need to be embossed? The small difference in price can be deceiving. Sure, it’s only two dollars but multiply that by 200 and you have a significant price to pay for stationary you “have to have.”
4. DIY
Labor is a large part of most costs. Reduce your costs by doing it yourself and asking friends or relatives for help. Setting the reception up and arranging flowers for centerpieces can be pretty hefty costs.
3. Think about the bar
Does it need to be open the whole time or for a limited time? Limiting to certain types of drinks can cut costs. Another money saving tip is instead of having a bottle of wine at each table, remember not all guests will like wine or will finish that bottle at their table. Instead have a few and get it served. You could also do a non-traditional toast that is sans purchasing champagne for every guest.
2. Call in favors
We usually have some member of our entourage (also known as family or friends) that has some special and admirable skill. Is there someone who loves taking photographs as a hobby at every family event? Get that budding professional out there to work for you. Likewise, do you know anyone that has culinary skill? Get the cake from there! Knowing that this isn’t the case 100% of the time, you can take the “know somebody who knows somebody” tactic. If your best friend’s old college buddy opened up a cake shop, maybe they can call in a favor for you.
and finally…
1. Keep it Intimate
I can’t stress this enough! The easiest way to save money is to cut the guest list. If you have a more intimate ceremony, your costs are slashed. You may, however, be more tempted to spend that money on other areas of your wedding. (“Hey, there are only 30 people! Bring out the filet mignon!”) And you know what? It’s your wedding, and you are absolutely entitled.
Here’s to money-saving tips and love-inspiring marriages.
Related posts:
- Wedding Economics: a break-down of what you will spend
- Top 10 Low-Budget Ideas for Weddings
- Plan with Weddingful
- If you would like to splurge for your wedding, here’s how.
- Soirée One Day Sale!
Tags: DIY, handmade gowns, money saving, small weddings
