Need tips on how to have a wedding on a budget? Many couples spend more money on their wedding day than they do on their first year of mortgage payments. Okay, that may be a stretch for some, but not for everyone. In an economy where money is tight, every couple could use some money saving wedding tips to help stretch their wedding budgets. By utilizing the following wedding planning tips, couples will have more money to spend on their lives together, maybe even on that down payment for their first house. Here are seven tips on how to have a wedding on a budget.
Tip # 1: How to Find Discounted Wedding Dresses
The wedding dress is often one of the larger expenses to curtail in keeping a wedding on budget, but it doesn’t have to be. If you really want to save money on your wedding, and your mom or grandmother would love for you to wear their old wedding dress, try it on. Vintage style clothing is really in vogue these days, and Mom’s dress just might be the perfect fit. Many brides opt for a more casual wedding and choose a nice dress that can be worn in the future for other occasions. Buying such a dress is practical and costs much less than most wedding dresses. If you are dead set on having your very own wedding dress, shop around, especially online. Online stores are competitive, and can offer major sales on wedding dresses that can’t often be found in physical stores. Bebe Promo Code Bridal can save you up to an additional 75% off on their gorgeous wedding dresses and accessories.
Choices of Wedding Dresses
Killrbeez, (CC BY-ND 2.0), via Flickr
Tip #2: Go Cheap on Wedding Shoes and Accessories
As far as accessories go, think about who will even see your shoes. I have known many brides to take advantage of this fact and purchase inexpensive white (or other colored) shoes or even comfortable flats to wear under their long wedding dresses. Jewelry is another area in which to save money. Ever hear the wedding saying of having “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”? Borrow classic pearls or other vintage jewelry from Mom or another relative or friend. It could give a unique look to the wedding day attire while costing nothing.
Tip #3: Free Wedding Invitations
These days, handwritten invitations are not necessarily required. Many savvy computer users are opting to email invitations to save postage and even set up events on Facebook to which invited guests can respond. Free wedding invitations are definitely a way to save and keep your wedding on a budget.
Tip #4: Cheap Wedding Supplies and Decorations
Save on wedding supplies by shopping at dollar stores. Pick up cheap colored napkins, paper plates, cups, and plastic ware. Often, these stores stock a number of inexpensive decorations, such as silk flowers, streamers, and balloons. Finding items to suit your style at discount stores will save literally hundreds of dollars on wedding supplies. Instead of flowers everywhere, you might consider fresh flowers from someone’s garden used sparingly to give the wedding a simple and personal touch. Using potted plants to freshen up the area could be a cheaper and unique option, as well.
Decorate with daisies and simple wedding favors.
Joe Shlabotnik, (CC BY 2.0), via Flickr
Tip #5: Cheap Wedding Favor Ideas
Want some cheap wedding favor ideas for the guests? Purchase candles, small photo frames, or bagged candies for a token of your appreciation. If you want to go online for these, American Bridal Promo Codes can help you save on wedding supplies, including party favors for as low as 86 cents! Now, that’s a way to have a wedding on a budget, for sure!
Tip #6: Save on Wedding Cakes and Food
Having a wedding doesn’t mean that the happy couple has to feed everyone who attends. Planning the wedding in the afternoon instead of around lunch or dinnertime will not require that a meal be served. Serving guests can run into hundreds, even thousands, of dollars very quickly. For the afternoon, just have the traditional wedding cake and a few side items, such as mixed nuts and mints. Since wedding cake from a bakery can run into a big expense, consider having someone you know make a nice cake. Many brides are now opting for cupcakes, too, which could be even easier than decorating a fancy cake. Find an easy punch recipe to mix up, and the food for the reception is ready—and cheap!
Strawberry Wedding Cake
RobertDouglass, (CC BY 2.0), via Flickr
Tip #7: Save on Wedding Photos
Couples have been known to spend thousands of dollars on wedding photos. While one wedding picture may be displayed in a frame in the couple’s home, the rest are usually stuck in an album that few people ever see. Check around to see if you can find someone who does photography on the side. Sure, you want quality photos, so ask for samples and hire someone with a good portfolio and reputation. Using these wedding photography tips by hiring a part-time photographer or one just starting out can save another thousand or more on your wedding budget.
Tip #8: How to Have a Wedding Reception on a Budget
The wedding reception is important to allow friends and families to mingle and celebrate. If all that is planned is to mingle and have cake, the planning is simple. If live music and dancing is the plan, then it’s all going to cost more. Shop around for local bands and DJ pricing. If you know someone who can play the type of music you want, whether live or electronically, then you can save even more money. Limit how long the reception is to last. The longer it goes on, the more appetizers you will need to have available. And, remember, if you serve alcohol, make sure it’s a cash bar for your guests.
Wedding Reception Outdoors with Dancing
Davosmith, (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Flickr
Planning a wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many ideas out there on how to have a wedding on a budget. These money saving wedding tips can save thousands of dollars and allow you to have a beautiful wedding while on a tight budget. Use these wedding planning tips to save that wedding budget for the honeymoon!
