Amazing Weddings on a Budget

Weddings are big business. According to a survey by “The Knot” website the average cost of a wedding is currently around $31,213. If you married in Manhattan that jumped to $76,328.
And these costs do not even include a honeymoon.
There are many reasons why a couple might not want to spend that amount on their wedding.
The most obvious reason being they simply don’t have that much money. For a young couple this is often the case.
But that’s not the only reason.
They might not want the bride’s parents to take on debt to pay for a wedding.
They may want to purchase a home and choose to spend their money on a down payment instead of a one time event.
They may prefer a spectacular honeymoon instead of a fancy wedding.
This might be a second wedding and they don’t want to have another extravaganza.
If you’re planning a wedding there are many good reasons you may choose to trim the costs of your big day.
But how do you do you plan a budget wedding that doesn’t look tacky?
1. Decide your priorities. Do you want a fancy venue? Are you crazy about an expensive dress you saw? Do you want to invite everyone you know? Is it imperative you have a three course sit down dinner with an open bar for your reception? Choose the things you feel you can’t live without so you can cut back in other areas.
2. An easy way to cut costs is to trim your guest list. Must you invite the mailman and the boss you worked for five years ago? Is it imperative that the cousins you haven’t seen in a decade share your special event? Trim the lists to family that you’re close to and friends you currently spend time with.
3. Consider different venue options. A small church is often inexpensive but you may have to relocate to somewhere else for the reception. A venue, such a hotel, where you can have the ceremony and then the reception close by may save you money in the long run.
An outside wedding at your parents or at a local park can make a beautiful setting for a low cost. But you do need a backup plan in case of rain.
Historical buildings are becoming popular wedding venues.
Even vintage movie theaters can create a unique ambience for a wedding.
Weigh all your local options carefully.
4. Decorations. Depending on the venue you choose you may be able to cut down on expensive decorations. A beach or garden wedding is already in a beautiful setting. You don’t need to add much.
Consider using a few fresh flowers and then filling in the rest with silk flowers.
5. There’s no law that says you must have a fancy sit down dinner for your wedding. Try something out of the ordinary. If you use a theater venue have a popcorn machine and retro candy.
A country venue goes well with a BBQ dinner.
Don’t feel forced to have an open bar. You may save yourself a lot of embarrassment if your crazy uncle Bob shows up.
6. Enlist the help of your creative friends. If you have a friend who loves baking they may be willing to make you a cake at a fraction of the cost. Cupcakes are also growing in popularity for weddings. They allow you to have a variety of different choices in flavors.
A friend with a flare for decorating may help you create a stunning setting with some silk flowers and some white twinkle lights.
7. One of the biggest expenses of any wedding is the bride’s dress. Consider shopping at one of the used dress shops online. Since a wedding dress is only worn once it’s not like it’s going to be worn out. There are even some places that rent wedding dresses. I know you think you want to keep your wedding gown forever, but be honest with yourself, what will you do with it later?
If you want to have a new dress, consider talking to a local seamstress. Surprisingly, having a dress made is sometimes cheaper than buying from one of the big name stores.
The main thing to decide is: Do you want your wedding to be elegant, creative, unique or fun? Don’t let others dictate what you “must do” on your day.
Let your day be a reflection of you as a couple.