Weddings are considered to be the most expensive event of your life, but it doesn’t have to be that way; you don’t need to be in debt just because you said “I do.” With a few budgeting tips, you can actually plan your dream wedding without burning a hole in your pocket. Below are some tips on how to have your dream wedding on a budget.
Plan your budget beforehand
The first thing you need to do with your partner is plan your budget. Prioritize what’s most important to you in the wedding and what can be left out. Decide on who will pay for what and include your families so everything is clear from the start. Start saving up the minute you get engaged, and pick a date that is off-season. The extra money saved will help with the honeymoon.
Save up on wedding attire and bands
Who said wedding bands have to be gold? Trendy wedding bands made out of tungsten and titanium are actually making a splash in the wedding industry. Jewelry designers in Innovato Design offer the most creative and artistic titanium or tungsten wedding bands. They’re highly affordable, durable and come in a variety of colors and designs. When it comes to the dress and tuxedo, save some money and buy ‘off the rack’ or on sale instead of going custom made. It’s cheaper to go to the salon for your hair instead of having a stylist come out to the venue and you can also do your own makeup or ask a talented friend to do it for you. Beauty at a bargain!
Stray away from traditional venues
Your venue doesn’t need to be a fancy hall in a hotel, pick a non-traditional venue like a barn or any outdoor venue; they’re affordable and offer gorgeous views. Limit your wedding to one venue only instead of ceremony and reception at different venues. Your guests will be happy they won’t have to move around a lot.
Photography and Music
We all want memories saved of the biggest events of our lives. Consider start-up photographers/videographer or photographers with a wedding side gig instead of a professional one. They’re affordable and your photos will still look beautiful. Hiring a band or Dj can be expensive as well, you can look up a start-up DJ or have your friend play some nice tunes.
Go full DIY
Wedding invitations can be costly. Consider making them with your partner or your bridesmaids and make a day out of it. It will look more personal and it’s affordable. An electronic invitation will also save you the hassle of effort and money. Another thing you can go full DIY on is the wedding favors and centerpieces. There are many tiny trinkets or edible favor ideas that are cute and affordable. Get crafty with simple and rustic ideas for centerpieces as well.
Minimize embellishments
Less is more, you don’t need to go overboard with the ceremony decorations. Choose one flower type and make small and pretty bouquets instead of overly-decorated grand ones. You can also decorate your ceremony with greenery or trinkets that are not floral. Order a two-tiered cake with simple fillings and design, instead of the exotic flavors and extravagant sugar decorations.
Catering and drinks
Skip the three-course meal for a less extravagant, but classy option of serving a cocktail style reception with appetizers and shared platters. This will allow your guests to mingle and save you the trouble of seating arrangements. Book a venue that has the option of bringing your own drinks to save a few extra bucks. Or limit the drink option at your bar and skip out on the fancy cocktails for basic beer and wine.
With these few budgeting tips, you can have the dream wedding you wanted without breaking the bank. It won’t look cheap, but will give a personal vibe. Your wedding will be simple, pretty and rustic. At the end of the day, you’ll only remember how much fun you had with your family and friends and you won’t care for the little things. It’s making memories that count.
