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Step 1
Plan a budget and stick to it. I had a budget of $10,000 and managed to pull it off. If there is anything extra you want that goes over budget, don't get it. Fine, if you HAVE to have that only one extra thing, look sad and ask your parents or future in-laws. But just one extra!
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Step 2
Get invitations on Ebay. There are many skilled professionals that will give you want you need at a very low price. My company sent me a copy of the invitation to make sure they were correct, allowed me to choose fonts, graphics and the results were amazing. I also bought a sculptural cake topper on Ebay.
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Step 3
Pick a venue that offers complete packages. I was about to give up on the idea of having my wedding at a hall. I didn't even know this existed but it does. I didn't want to be bogged down with individual vendors. Ariana Waterfall in Long Island was my venue and they offered me a complete package with dj, cocktail hour, bar, flowers, cake, photographer, videographer, the runner, ice sculptures, honestly the list is endless!
Everything was PERFECT! These types of venues are growing in popularity so look for one in your local neighborhood. -
Step 4
Make the something borrowed be your dress. I was blessed enough to have a friend GIVE me her wedding dress! All I had to pay for were a few alterations and coincidentally it was the style I wanted. Score!
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Step 5
Walmart has GREAT wedding related items. I purchased a unity candle, cake cutter and other items for my ceremony here!
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Step 6
Wedding favors can be very expensive and most of the time, the guests don't really need extra trinkets. Instead of favors my husband and I made donations to our favorite charities in our guests' names and had donation cards printed up (that the Ebay invitation company happily made as well!) and placed them at the tables at the wedding. Our guests thought it was a neat idea.
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Step 7
The venue had provided flowers for my wedding, but I had to buy my own bouquet. Now, the florists will try to convince you to get a big bouquet, but I like smaller ones. They put the emphasis on you and your dress! Plus even small ones are very heavy! So go small and you'll save money (and your wrists).
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Step 8
Have your wedding in the afternoon and on a Sunday. It's less expensive that way. I was a little worried about my guests being unhappy that it wasn't a night wedding on a Friday or Saturday but sorry guys, I was the one footing the bill here! And people will have fun regardless!
Comments
econ476 said
on 8/13/2009 Many people, including myself, think it's nice to have a wedding if you can afford one. I worked hard and saved my money to have both a wedding and a house! And my guests gave me generous gifts that allowed me to get the money back. In return, we had a beautiful day of friends, family and love. That is what a wedding is all about. This is article is meant for those who would like to plan a wedding.
econ476 said
on 1/29/2009 It sure is! Especially if you look at the American average.