You are not alone. With prices for wedding preparations going up (just as for everything else,) it is understandable that you might want to save a dollar or two when possible. These simple tips will help you keep your budget on track and to enjoy your very special day with style but with no financial stress.
Evaluate your priorities:
Think of the elements of your wedding that you and your fiancée cannot live without and cut out expenese on other frills. Focusing on the must haves will help you prioritize, in which case you can splurge a little bit. Are you in love with a peony bouquet? It is possible as long as you reduce your photography expense. Is your husband’s biggest dream to go to Jamaica for your honeymoon? Cutting down on your catering costs will allot you extra frill money for your dream vacation to Jamaica. It is all a matter of balance.
Host your wedding in a non-traditional day.
Normally, most of the wedding in the United States are held on Saturdays. Think outside the box and have a wedding on an off day: Friday, Sunday and even a week day if you are comfortable with that choice. Venues charge higher rates for Saturday weddings because they are in demand but willing to accommodate the day of your wedding will help you save.
Reduce the number of guests:
This is easier said than done. However, when making the guest list, focus on those whom their presence is really important to have attend your wedding. It is useful if you make a list with all of the people you would want to invite and then separate them in an A – List and a B – List and even a C-List. If it is hard to minimize the guest list, think of people you can invite to a dinner party after the wedding to celebrate instead of the wedding.
Go with less expensive substitutes.
Think of DIY some aspects of the weddings. Instead of having a super expensive invitations, make your own. You will be able to get impressive results if you work with the right computer programs and spend the time designing. You can also try to make your own wedding bouquets and wedding flower arrangements. Some companies online, such as Fiftyflowers.com will provide DIY packages which will have reduced prices for wedding flower combos. This way, you can get exactly what you need at the fraction of the cost.
Recycle
Think about things you already own and that will compliment your wedding decoration. For example, if you love a certain flower vase you have, use it to decorate a table in the reception. The same example could be applied to glasses, silverware, lamps, candles, ribbons, DIY supplies etc.
Be confident before you spend.
Sometimes brides that are planning their wedding for a long time buy items they think are going to be useful for a specific purpose. Then they decide to change some aspect of their wedding and the products bought become useless. Be strong and don’t let yourself spend without an appropriate planning. If you are not too sure about a specific item you are about to purchase, then do not get it; chances are you will not use it.
Keep yourself tied to your budget.
Temptation is big. There are so many nice things that you could buy for your special day. However, be very realistic and focused when shopping for your wedding items. If you have an specific amount of money assigned for the dress, keep it within your budget. Sometimes brides think that going a few dollars beyond the price tag won’t hurt their plans, but consider that again. Those small amounts will add up and soon you will be way over your budget. This will cause a financial stress at the end which could be spared. If, on the other hand, you have some dollars left from items you have already spent on, you can use them towards other wedding costs.
Rely on family and friends.
Costs can be greatly reduced if you can get some help from families and friends. If your cousin is a photographer on his spare time, he might be able to take your bridal portrait. If your grandma used to be a florist back in the day, then get her to help making your wedding flowers. Even if you do not have anyone that is a pro at certain wedding necessities, don’t worry, they are always handy when stress knocks your door. Quick note to self, if you ask a friend or a family member to help, make sure you invite them to the wedding.
