Cheap Ideas for Planning a Wedding
You can save on wedding costs without compromising your special day. While you don't want a "cheap" wedding, you may not want to break your parents' bank---or your own. With a little extra planning, your money can go further and no one will even notice anything was different.
Other People Are Reading
-
Trim the Guest List
-
By inviting a small group of people, you can share your wedding day with your closest family and friends and save money. A smaller group will mean more opportunity to mingle with all the guests, while saving on the added costs of food, tables and decorations.
Borrow Items and Services
-
You can save a lot by borrowing from family and friends. Many people will have items from weddings of their own children. You may be able to borrow tables, chairs, tablecloths, decorations, vases, serving dishes and more. Involve family and friends in the wedding set-up, decorating and clean-up afterward. If a family member has a special skill (photography, decorating, catering), ask her if she will offer her services for your wedding.
-
Plan for Outdoors
-
If weather permits, consider having an outdoor wedding and/or reception to save costs of renting a place. Outdoor weddings are increasing in popularity not only for economical reasons, but also because many couples prefer a fun and relaxing atmosphere outside.
Make Your Own Announcements
-
Plan to design and print your own announcements. Local copy stores will have nice white paper that is inexpensive. Print the announcements either at the copy store or at home on your own printer. Purchase blank labels to print guests' addresses for mailing. Have family or friends help you stuff the envelopes.
Simplify Your Music Choices
-
Although a huge band may sound appealing, typically wedding bands and DJs are going to be expensive. Consider hiring a local band or singer that is just starting out. Often they will charge less, and may be more likely to be available for your wedding day. You might also choose your own music. You and your fiance can pick songs that are special to you and burn them to a CD or iPod to hook up to speakers for playing at the reception.
Keep the Menu Simple
-
An appetizer, salad, entree and wedding cake is plenty. Serve water along with the punch. Consider having family make some of the food. Purchase plastic or paper dinnerware from a wholesale store. Wedding cakes made by a professional bakery can be expensive. A regular round cake or sheet cake from a grocery store will taste the same and cost less. If you still want a tiered wedding cake, order a small one or have one made out of foam. No one will know the difference and they'll just eat the sheet cake.
Choose Flowers in Season
-
Work with your local florist to choose flowers that are in season to save on cost. Consider having family help with arranging the flower bouquets and decor for the wedding. Reuse the flowers from the wedding ceremony for the reception centerpieces or on the cake.
Have Guests Take Photos
-
Save on photography during the reception by providing each table with a disposable camera. Guests can take pictures during the night and capture moments that otherwise may have been missed. You'll still have your professional photos from when the photographer was at the wedding and reception, but will avoid the added cost of the photographer staying all evening.
Shop for Dress Deals
-
Shop the sales to find the best deal on your dress. Many places will have the same or a similar dress at a lower price than high-end boutiques. You may consider renting the dress to save on cost. It's nice to have for memory's sake, but you probably won't ever wear it again.
Bridesmaids Choose Own Dresses
-
Rather than purchasing matching bridesmaid's dresses, save on cost by telling them the wedding colors so they can pick out their own. Many bridesmaids will prefer a dress they choose, rather than one picked out for them that they might never wear again.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
