How to Plan an Affordable Wedding That Does Not Look Cheap

Some people spend thousands and thousands of dollars on their dream weddings. For some people, that works well. However, that kind of wedding planning is not for everyone. With some effort, you can plan an affordable wedding which will be just as enjoyable as a wedding that costs thousands of dollars more. Your affordable wedding can be wonderful, and what's even more wonderful is that it won't cost a fortune.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. First and foremost, limit your guest list. Each person you invite to your wedding will cost a fee. So, limit your guests and limit your fees. Of course, this may be difficult if you have a large family and lots of friends, but it definitely can be done.

2. Print your own invitations, or buy premade invitations which you can print on. Computer programs, such as Microsoft Publisher, allow you to design invitations. Purchase some card stock and make your own invitations. Or, buy premade invitations at a store like Target. You can put those in your printer and print your information directly onto them. They'll look completely professional, but cost a whole lot less than invitations that are purchased preprinted.

3. Choose a venue with reasonable prices. If you choose a restaurant, rather than a traditional wedding venue, you may get a better deal. And, you can still create a dance floor in any restaurants, so you will not miss out on things like the traditional wedding dance.

4. Bargain down the price at the wedding venue of your choosing. You may have to take away some of the "extras" that the venue offers, but who cares? Limit or take away the cocktail hour for significant savings. If dessert comes with your wedding package, stick with just cake for dessert, rather than a dessert bar, and you may also see significant savings.
   
   Even if you want to keep the whole wedding package, bargain down the price. Most places are willing to work with you to bring down the price of your wedding a reasonable amount.

5. Have your wedding on a Sunday, or even a Friday night. At many wedding venues, Saturday is the most expensive day to have a wedding. Fridays are significantly less expensive. If you have many out of town guests who will have to travel anyway, a Friday night wedding may be an excellent idea.

6. Book a four hour wedding instead of a five hour wedding. If that's not enough time, you can keep the afterparty going at your house or at a bar or restaurant. In those places, people can have fun without costing you a fortune. One less hour at the wedding reception can save you money on your deejay and photographer, among other things.

7. Choose a venue that allows you to supply your own bartender and alcohol. Bringing your own drinks will save you a ton of money since you can buy the drinks in bulk beforehand. Aside from that, you'll get to keep any extra drinks, so nothing will go to waste.

8. Choose inexpensive buffet options or menu choices. Skip the surf and turf in favor of chicken, pasta and vegetable dishes. As long as the food is good, people will be happy. It doesn't have to be expensive to be good.

9. Buy a dress that is on sale, used or rented. Scour the sale racks at local bridal boutiques for a great deal. Visit the David's Bridal $99 sale. Shop at local stores for great prices. You can also search Craigslist or consignment boutiques for gently worn dresses. If you have such a place near year, visit a bridal store that lets you rent your dress. You can find your dream dress for next to nothing, as long as you're willing to return it.

10. Skip the unnecessary flowers. All a bride really needs is her bouquet. Bridesmaids do not need bouquets. Corsages are not necessary. Keep your flowers limited for major savings.

11. Use DJs and photographers who are new to their trades. They may be inexperienced, but that does not mean that they aren't great at what they do. Choosing affordable services will go a long way in planning an inexpensive wedding.

12. Purchase inexpensive centerpieces and party favors. Candles make lovely centerpieces and party favors, and are incredibly affordable, especially when purchased in bulk. Other options for centerpieces are vases with inexpensive or fake flowers or picture frames with pictures of the bride and groom. Inexpensive wedding favors include decorative bags of candy or Christmas tree ornaments.

13. Give your bridesmaids small gifts. They are involved in your wedding because they love you, not because of what you can give them. A small, meaningful, affordable gift is just as nice as an elaborate gift.

14. Do your own hair, nails and makeup. If you can't do it yourself, ask a bridesmaid or family member to help. These services are expensive, so why pay if you can do just as nice of a job on your own?

15. Purchase inexpensive thank you cards at any store. The thank you cards do not have to be personalized, because the important part is what you write inside of them.

[edieness]

on 7/7/2009 Great tips on How to Plan an Affordable Wedding That Does Not Look Cheap.