How to Plan a Cheap Wedding

Since the day a girl begins to dream, she pictures her wedding day. It's not until we get older that we realize ... there's money involved. Here are some simple ways to save money, but still get your fairy tale wedding!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook or day planner
• Your budget amount
• Helpful friends
• A little creativity

1. 
    

   The Dress: I know we all have a picture perfect gown in our heads, but they do not have to cost thousands of dollars. David's Bridal and other bridal stores have sales and gowns that can fit any bride's budget and style! Also, have your bridesmaids buy their own dresses! Give them the color choices and let them pick their own dress...if you don't mind a diversity in dress style, it's a great way to save!

2. 
    

   The Flowers: Flowers are a HUGE expense in a wedding. Everyone wants fresh flowers but they are extremely costly! Do not be afraid of silk flower arrangements! They're beautiful and much less expensive! A "steal" on 2 dozen roses in a bouquet is around 135 dollars! FOR ONE BOUQUET!!! 2 dozen silk roses. ..30 bucks! Talk about elegance and savings! Also, don't use real flower pedals for the flower girl...YOU'RE WALKING ON THEM!!! Stick with silk for these FOR SURE!

3. The wedding favors: I'm sorry but who really needs these!? Why spend money on favors that people will either throw away, or let their kids ruin? Total waste of money in my book ... ditch them!

4. The hair: If you do not have someone in the family who is good with hair, try to find someone who is good, but will give you a discount. Have your bridesmaids pay for their own and see if the salon will discount the group!

Tips & Warnings

• DON'T HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER! Come on, you've been dreaming of this day your whole life! GET CREATIVE!
• Use costume jewelry or hand-me-down jewelry! NO ONE WILL BE LOOKING AT EARINGS OR NECKLACE the engagement ring and wedding bands will be all the rage!
• This will be a complete blast!

[sunshine1025]

on 2/25/2009 These are great tips! We also created another list of 75 Cheap Wedding tips that readers might benefit from: http://www.theweddinglens.com/cheap-wedding-tips.

[ReuseItAll]

on 1/3/2009 Great ideas! There are lots of ways to make the day more affordable and not take away from the day. All great tips worth thinking about!

[Butterfli]

on 1/3/2009 There is no reason to go all out in spending and it is more rewarding to do some of the things yourself and let friends help. Also, if the couple is paying for the wedding themselves, it keeps them from beginning their marriage with a big debt. Great article! 5*

[JoyNmyHeart]

on 1/3/2009 Great article on having a cheap wedding. Mine only cost $2000.00. I wore my moms dress so that saved a bundle. 16 years later, we are still together!

[veryirie]

on 1/2/2009 Wow, now those are some great ideas for a cheap wedding. Good tips!