10 Ways to Save Thousands on Your Wedding
Worried that your perfect wedding will
break the bank? Here are 10 ways to have a fabulous wedding, even on a small
budget. Remember...it's not how much you spend, but how you spend it!
As a young girl, you probably dreamed of having a
picture-perfect fairy tale wedding. You planned and practiced and just waited
for Prince Charming to come along and sweep you off your feet. He finally did,
and now it's time to turn that dream wedding into a reality. But, yikes! When
did weddings get so expensive? During all of that childhood wedding dreaming,
money was never an object (because really, is there even money in Fairly Tale
Land? If there is, it probably grows on trees). But don't despair. By using
some (or all) of the tips below, you can create a wedding that's tasteful and
elegant, even on a small budget.
1. Budget Bluffing
Set a budget that's slightly smaller than you can actually
afford. There are always last-minute expenses that must be met, but if you keep
the bulk of your expenses within your predetermined smaller budget, you'll be
able to pay for the unexpected costs that pop up.
2. Choose your Battles
Decide what's most important to you, those one or two things
you won't compromise on, whether it be your wedding gown, photographer,
invitations or cake. After accounting for this must-have, adjust your budget
accordingly and try to keep the remainder of your expenses within it.
3. Say it Simply
Invitations can easily cost hundreds, if not thousands, of
dollars. Luckily, it's become quite popular to make your own invitations. The
availability of supplies at scrapbooking stores, specialty paper shops and mass
retailers makes it easy to find the materials you need. Today's "homemade"
invitations look every bit as elegant as those engraved by a printer, but save
you lots of money. Also, for less formal weddings, you can have guests call or
email their RSVPs to you, eliminating the need for RSVP cards and their
matching stamped envelopes. (Just think: if you send out 100 invitations,
you're saving $41 in postage alone.)
4. Who's Who
Sure, it's tempting to invite your second cousin's third
grade teacher, but it will cost you. One of the most effective ways you can cut
back on invitation and reception expenses is to cut your guest list. Limit your
guest list to close friends and family, not people you haven't seen or talked
to since 2nd grade.
5. Creative Shopping
Dollar stores, thrift stores and garage sales can provide a
wealth of low-cost wedding and reception decorations...and they look like they
cost full price! Strands of lights, faux florals, linens, balloons and more can
be found for extraordinarily low prices at these stores. Be sure to look after
holidays, as this is when items such as these go on clearance or are donated to
thrift stores.
6. To Updo or not to Updo? That is the question.
Does everyone in your wedding party really have to get their
hair and makeup done by Mr. Christophe at that exclusive salon? Probably not.
If you feel you need a special updo, by all means, go for it. After all, you're
the bride. Otherwise, have your bridal party do their own hair and makeup.
Chances are, it will turn out better anyway, since they know what works for
them. You'll avoid ending up with bridesmaids that look like very formal clowns
with shellacked hair, and save some money, too.
7. Time is on your side.
Consider having your wedding early afternoon. There's less
demand for that time slot, but most importantly, you can get away with serving
just cake and punch or small finger foods at the reception. The occasion will
seem more intimate, and your guests won't necessarily be expecting a meal
(since the reception doesn't fall during a mealtime). Best of all, you'll save
thousands!
8. For Everything There is a Season...
...but it might be more cost-effective to get married during
the off-season. Spring and summer are the most popular wedding seasons, and
prices for venues rise accordingly. Choosing a fall or winter wedding not only
gives you beautiful decorating themes to work with, but also offers more
affordable venue options.
9. Party On
Sure, anyone can have a beautiful reception in the ball room
of an exclusive hotel. But with a little creativity (think strands of lights,
faux ficus trees, candles, etc.,) even the local lodge can be transformed into
a beautiful reception location. Remember, the lights are usually dimmed, and
your guests are there to celebrate with you, not critique the crystal
chandeliers (or lack thereof). Choosing a more affordable reception location
will leave you with more money to spend on food, drinks and decorations - or
even your new life together.
10. All Dressed Up
If you're like most brides, you already have a picture of
your perfect wedding gown in your head. But if you're really interested in
saving money, keep your options open. You might be surprised by how much you
like other (translation: less expensive) styles of dresses once you try them
on. Plus, less-expensive dresses can often be uniquely embellished and still
cost less than the whole Cinderella-type dress. You may also want to check out
consignment stores. The wedding gowns you find there have only been worn once,
or in some cases, never. You'll save a bundle on a beautiful gown that you'll
wear just once, and no one will be the wiser.
Whether you try one or try them all, using the money-saving
tips above will help you avoid a mountain of debt as you and Prince Charming
embark on your happily ever after.
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