Who do we get married for? For ourselves or for the hundreds of guests we are obliged to invite?
Why do we throw lavish weddings? To portray our personalities or to impress our guests?
Well listed below are a few ideas that will allow you to impress your guests, let your personality show and make you Wedding AFFORDABLE!!!!
# 1. Cut down your Guest list:
The more guests you invite, the more your costs will increase. From catering costs, centerpieces, favours and rentals. Specify to single friends they can't bring a date and tell friends with children not to bring the little tykes. I know it seems harsh but look at it this way, you may FINALLY be able to introduce your single friend to the Groom's single best man; and your married friends need a break from parenting once in a while.
# 2. Save on Postage:
Forget the olden days of writing your return address and then licking the sickeningly sweet postage glue for every envelope. Waste of money and precious time. Ask your guests to reply online or by telephone. Not only is it convenient for the guests but a saving grace for you.
# 3. Sample shopping for Wedding Dress and Accessories:
Sample sales generally happen once a year (twice a year if you live in Boston ). You'll get to shop for designer gowns at rock-bottom prices.
Also look into renting your Wedding dress and Accessories. You will only wear it once and then the dress will be packed and stored away. Renting will save you HUNDREDS of dollars.
# 4. Get hitched during the week:
Get married on a weekday or on a Sunday. Friday and Saturday weddings have to be booked well in advance, putting more pressure on the couple to find the location of their dreams before another couple swipes it. There is less demand for weekdays Weddings which in turn would allow more favourable vendor rates.
# 5. Save on Decorations:
Getting married on a major holiday will mean your church is likely to be decorated. This will save you buying flowers for the Church. Also consider a candlelit ceremony, what a great ambiance this creates. Romantic, gorgeous and totally inexpensive.
# 6. Ask for help from Family and Friends:
Pool your family's and friends' resources to cut back on some expenses. Ask your musician cousins who played at the Christmas family dinner last year or what about one of your siblings as the MC (don't exclude them from the Wedding party though). What about asking your friend who is in photography school who will give you a great low rate and some fun freebies. Look into contacting a photography school and find someone whose work you can check out and tell them your budget. You will be surprised what you may find.
# 7. Crafty creations:
Gather your family and friends for a creative afternoon. Everyone wants to be a part of your big day but don't hold it against anyone who can't help out. Figure out how you want to make your centerpieces, favours and invitations first BEFORE inviting everyone over. Too many ideas and suggestions will only confuse you. So get your "creative team" together for an afternoon and set up the assembly line. Make sure you put out snacks and some fun tunes so that it feels like a party and not like work.
# 8. Food and Drink:
Be upfront with your caterer about your budget. Buffets are cheaper than a four-course meal plus it allows for more culinary variety. Ask if you can get an outside vendor for the liquor or if just serving wine and beer is cost-effective and fits your budget. You also have the option of having an open bar only during the cocktail hour then turning it into a cash bar. Don't feel obligated to serve alcohol especially if you and your Groom do not drink, so go dry!
# 9. Online shopping:
With the internet at our fingertips we have so much power. Check out eBay or Craigslist for dresses, accessories, favours, cake-toppers, ring pillows and much, much more. Definitely be aware of shipping times that should not exceed two weeks. If you are able to go look at the items before purchasing then do so. If not, call up the vendor and describe what you're looking for and ask if they either have it or whether their online description matches your own.
# 10. Wedding Invitations:
Forget personal engravings, what about designing and printing your own invitations in the comfort of your home? The Internet can offer many wedding invitation templates or even packs of blank invitations to print yourself. You can also buy packs of printable cards from Staples with lovely designs.
So there were 10 suggestions to get you on your way to saving big money on your Wedding.
Have fun planning your Wedding and remember, it's your day so enjoy every step in creating a memorable day!!
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