The expense of weddings have been on the rise in the last few years and it is not uncomon for couples to drop anywhere from $25,000- $100,000 dollars for their special day. While that may not seem like much for some out there who are wealthy for the rest of us that is a lot of money to go into debt over for just one day.
There are ways to plan a wedding that is nice, classy and very affordable. Here are a few how to’s and tips to keep the wedding cost low but not sacrifcing the beauty and elegance of your speical day.
Off Season Weddings:
Many times getting married during the off season is a great way to save some money and for weddings being planned in a quicker time limit it’s easier to get a hall and church during the off season then during the wedding seasons. The off season is usally from October to May. There are beautiful themes and ideas that can be done during off season weddings. Like a fall or winter theme.
Cut The guests:
Often times the bigger expense in a wedding is the guest list being to big. Remember this is you and your partners special day so keep the guest list to immediate family and those that are close to you both. If one or both your familes are large it’s ok to keep the reception to famiy only. When compiling you guest list make a first draft of everyone you both want, remember when writing your list make sure it’s just you and your partner. This will keep all other opinions from conflicting with your own. After the first draft is done count them up and see if it’s still to large go through it again, keep going through it until you can come up with a number that is reasonable and affordable to your budget.
Find A Venu:
Finding a venu for the reception is another hard task when planning a wedding. Off season weddings will have an easier time finding a venu and often they are cheaper during this time of year. To make it even more affordable try looking for a venu that is different and inexpensive. If you belong to a church often times you can rent for little or no money the basement or gym. If you have a big enough home try having the reception there. It takes a ltitle creativity to find a venu that is inexpensive but it can be done. Most venu’s offer catering so check with you favorite hall or resturant and get some quotes on how much they charge to cater.
Food:
Remember when deciding on what food to have at your wedding that you consider the prices. Ultimatly stake, fish, veal and such are more expensive then chicken. Try having instead of six coures maybe only have four. This will all help cut back on prices. Also when hiring a caterer make sure you find out what is included in their price. You should find out if they will be giving you attendants to serve or be behind the buffett. They should tell you if they will provide the dishes and clean up afterwards. This is all important when discussing the contract with the company. Also for saving a little money consider having a buffett instead of a sit down this uses less servers so it will save you some money and the guests can help themselves to what they want.
Pictures and Videos:
I have found that a lot of the money in weddings has gone to photographers and videographers. Consider when saving money maybe cutting out the videographer or even photographer. If you have someone in your fmaily that has a video camera consider asking if they would be able to shoot the wedding for you just the ceremony and a ltitle bit at the reception is all you need. If there is a professional photographer in the family or a student of photography consider having them shoot your photos look for ways to save. You can even phone colleges that offer professional photography couruses and see if they can recommend some of their last year students to you.
Decorations:
I have found that less is more in weddings so really all you need for nice deocrations are the flowers which can be bought, or if you live near a beautiful wild flower patch consider picking some and arranging them. To save money instead of having the florist arrange your bouquet and other pieces, buy the flowers seperatly and if there is someone you know who is good at arranging having them over and do it yourself. It’s a little more work but it can save money in the end.
The wedding party:
Another big expense is the wedding party. Whether it be due to all the expenses of buying their attire or having ot buy them a thank you gift it can add up and fast. The bigger your wedding party the more expensive the wedding cost. Try cutting your wedding party if you can down to just a best man and maid of honor and maybe a flower girl. Having a smaller wedding party will save your lots of money. Also it is proper ettiquete to request that your brides maides buy their own dresses, whether it’s from a store or tailer made.
Your wedding attire.
The bride and groom attire are the most important since they are the center of attention. When buying a bridal gown there are many stores that offer sales at certin times of years. When you see a bridal sale pop in and see what they have. The simpler the dress the less expensive. You can even try ebay as I have seen people list beautiful gowns tehre for inexpensive prices. Check online, check any and every store that houses bridal or prom ware. Many times I’ve seen a bride find a white prom dress on sale and then for a little extra money they have taken it to a dress maker and had it jazzed up with pearls or rhinestones, add a vail and no one ever knew that it wasn’t a wedding gown to beign with and often times the actual dress only costed under 200$.
Tip
If finding a minister is hard and costly, have your ceremony at city hall during the week so that you have gotten your license and then you can have a reception later on, or even have a retired minister or minister in training marry you at the church for a lot less. This way you still have your church ceremony but the legal stuff is all done!
Tip
To keep reception expenses low instead of inviting the whole family to the wedding make it just the couples. When writing on the invation word it: To Mr. And Mrs. (last name) that way it ensures that insead of four or five mouths to feed it’s only two.
Tip
Make your own wedding invatations. There are so many programs out there for the computer to help you create your own wedding invatations. All you’ll need is to buy fancy paper and some evelopes and that’s it. You can even get really creative and hand make them all yourself especially if it’s a really small wedding.
Tip
When buying bridal jewlery keep in mind that there are many discount costume jewlery stors out there. Even some mall costume jewelery stores or booths. You can find some great stuff there for very cheap, and it only really has to last you the day.
