1. Keep the Ceremony Realistic
When you consider that the average wedding costs over $20,000, you may be thinking that there’s no way you can afford the day of your dreams. You may not be able to go all out, but there are lots of ways to pare down your costs and have a gorgeous wedding. Here are ten ideas for saving money, allowing you to afford a beautiful day on a budget.
If hotel ballrooms and country clubs are out of your budget, think of the less expensive, creative alternatives. These could include gardens, parks, beaches, or – cheapest of all – someone’s home or backyard. And don’t forget the creative choices that may reflect your personal story: the college campus where you met; the mountaintop where he proposed; your favorite restaurant.
2. Pare down the Guest List
The fewer guests you invite, the less you’ll spend on invitations, postage, rented tables and chairs, food and wedding favors. Plus, having a short guest lists means you can easily accommodate invitees at a home or backyard wedding. Limiting your guests to family and close friends with still make your day meaningful and will cost a lot less.
I take you to be my best friend, my faithful partner, and my one true love. I promise to encourage you, inspire you and love you truly through good times and bad. I will forever be there to laugh with you, to lift you up when you are down and to love you unconditionally through all of our adventures in life together.
3. Choose Low-Cost (Or free) Invitations
For invitations, save the dates and thank yous, try shopping online rather than in specialty boutiques. If you’re crafty, you can make your own! You’ll save money by eliminating engraving and fancy enclosures, and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind design.
If you’re a child of the digital age, you may just want to keep it simple by setting up a wedding Web site and take RSVPs online.
4. Dress for Less
Next, do a search on eBay or Craig’s List – you might be surprised at what you will find. (However, make sure you have accurate measurements before you whip out your credit card). Shop sample sales, consignment shops, outlets, or online (search for “cheap” or “used” wedding dresses) and don’t eliminate prom and cocktail dress as options.
5. Reduce Food Costs
Sit-down dinners are extremely expensive, so you might jettison that banquet in favor of something else. Serve a signature cocktail with a variety of appetizers so guest can mix and mingle at food stations. Plus, a wedding where people can get up and walk around can be more fun and feel less formal. An all-dessert reception is also very popular for late-afternoon weddings, and can feature all your favorites, from cream puffs to cheesecake.
John Norton30 July, 2015
Have an artistic friend make your bouquets out of seasonal flowers bought at the wholesale or farmer’s market. Long-stemmed Gerbera daisies and some greenery tied with a bow are colorful and beautiful.
Jessica Johnson30 July, 2015
You don’t have to hire a decorator to make your reception space shine. Use a vases, pitchers, or jars from thrift stores as centerpieces and fill them with garden flowers and greenery. The mix-and-match look is one-of-a-kind and definitely a hot trend.
George Matthews31 July, 2015
Champagne is expensive and can up the cost of your reception, especially if you plan on serving it all night. Forego the champagne toast and serve only wine or beer – plus at least one non-alcoholic drink – instead.