Setting a Budget: Decide how much you can spend on the necessary items, not for the delightful themed extras. A few dollars here and there can add up over time.
Prioritize to spend more on things truly matter to you and cut on things that are not as important.
Do a Timeline: By giving yourself ample time to plan, you will have ample time to select for the best offers. Plus, if you have a credit card that accumulates airline miles or points for travel, have time to use this card so you can use the rewards to cut prices on your honeymoon travel.
Shop for Wedding Package: Try to get a all in one package that covers all you need for your ROM, pre-wedding photography and actual day photography. Getting everything from one store will save you time and money then engaging separately. Wedding package should consists of the your make ups & hairdos for your ROM, pre-wedding photography and actual day. Car decor are also included.
Let Bridesmaids Wear Their Own Dresses: Try to coordinate by having the same color for the bridesmaids, not necessarily to be a new one, or something from their closets.
Buy Discount Shoes: Adding the word wedding to anything and the price goes up exponentially. Shoes are no exception. Try getting your shoes at a discount shoe store. Be comfortable and save money!
Borrow from Friends and Relatives: Make your wedding ensemble more special by wearing items you havve borrowed from family and friends. Wearing special jewelry, veils, or for men, cufflinks, and give your outfit a more personal and meaningful touch.
Make Your Own Accessories: One way to save a hefty chunk of change is to make some of your wedding accessories. Some fancier veils can cost almost as much as the dress itself, but with a little creativity you can make one yourself. Also consider making the pillows for your ring bearers as well. Accessories can be some of the most expensive parts of a wedding, so anything that you can do yourself will save some money.
Check your Guestlists: A small wedding party can cut the overall cost of the wedding, as you will need flowers, food, smaller banquet etc. Also making sure your guests attendance is important as any vacant seat will be waste of money.
Avoid Peak Seasons: The peak wedding season is between May and September. High prices and less availability might be a problem you face, booking during peak season might be around a year before your wedding date. Opt for a off-peak season instead, it will save some bucks.
Consider Alternate Transportation: Consider an alternate means of transportation as a way to save money. Borrow an antique car from a friend or relative, just be creative.
Have a Mid-week Wedding: Most weddings are held on Saturdays, but you can save quite a bit of money by having your wedding midweek. The fact is all hotels take friday, saturday & sundays as weekends, do remember.
Share Costs: Check with the venue of your wedding to see if there are any other weddings that day. If there are, try checking with the other brides and grooms to see if you can possibly share some of the decoration costs.
Make Your Own Favors: If you want to give guests a little take away gift and still not spend a fortune, make the favors yourself. You can tie them into your wedding theme or make them very personal to you and your guests.
Make Your Own Wedding CD: Instead of hiring a band to play as you walk down the aisle, you can make your own wedding CD of your favorite songs or ones that have special meaning for you and your spouse to be.
Opt for a Buffet: Sometimes buffets can be cheaper than sit down meals. Consult with a caterer to see if this might be a better option. Buffets can be an easier way to please potentially picky guests instead of having to offer a wide variety of dinner choices.
Getting your Own Wine: Limiting a traditional open bar to a few hours or to a few choices can really cut costs. Depending on the local laws and the rules at your reception hall, if you are able to purchase the liquor yourself you might save more.
A wedding is an occasion for celebration, not for stressing out over finances and small details. Having a beautiful wedding is to make you & your spouse's special day personal and special, not expensive. And just think, the money you save on your wedding can be used to take a wonderful honeymoon or to put a down payment on a new house. Of course, you might discover that an elopement is the least expensive way to get hitched. (I am not encouraging though)
The point is to have a proper planning. And not a load of debts after an eleborate wedding.
Do keep us posted if you have any comments.
