How to Plan an Extravagant Wedding on a Budget

You've always dreamed of an extravagant wedding, but you didn't realize how much a wedding can cost until you started planning your own! With your budget, you may be sadly waving goodbye to that five-course meal in an elegant ballroom and instead be planning a lovely cook-out in your parents' backyard! But you can plan an extravagant wedding on a budget if you just follow these tips for cutting corners.

Instructions

1. Make a list of your priorities. Before becoming overwhelmed by elegant weddings you see in magazines, sit down and list the items that are important to you. Have you always dreamed of thousands of flowers everywhere, or is your dress more important to you? Everyone has different priorities of what makes an extravagant wedding, so decide what is best for you and cut down in the areas that are less important.

2. Do your research. You would be surprised at the costs you can cut just by taking the time to price different vendors.

3. Do it yourself. With today's technology, it's very easy to create your own custom-made save-the-date announcements and invitations. You can also create your own favors, such as boxes of homemade mints or other candies, and design your own bridal party gifts.

4. Check out the cheaper venues. You may have always dreamed of hosting your wedding reception in a beautiful ballroom, but reserving a hotel ballroom isn't exactly inexpensive! Look around your town and check into other options that can be just as elegant. If you're marrying in the spring or summer, check your local park to see if there is an open-aired pavilion that you can decorate appropriately.

   You may also want to check places that tend to be closed to the public on the weekends or during certain seasons; the managers may be more able to work with you for a cheaper price.

5. Tap into your friends' talents. Everyone knows someone who has some sort of talent. Do you know a good baker, musician or wedding planner? You would be surprised how many people are willing to offer you their services in lieu of a wedding present! Plus, knowing people who love you are handling the important details will probably help you feel more at ease.

6. Shop wholesale. You will be amazed how much money you can save just by buying your flowers or ordering your chicken from a wholesale company. Buying in bulk can actually help you cut costs! Also, shop the outlets for bridesmaid dresses and your wedding dress. You may be surprised to find styles that you weren't able to find anywhere else.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose the things that you absolutely have to have for your wedding and eliminate some of the things that don't matter as much to you.

• Keep track of your receipts as you go along, so you don't go over budget.

• Don't allow vendors to push you into making a decision before you're ready.

• Don't allow yourself to become stressed if you can't find the deal you want; consider cutting some money from another area of your budget instead.