Weddings are meant to be the happiest day of your life. However, it’s a sad fact that it can also be the most expensive. Having said that, it really doesn’t have to be. In this article, we will be giving you some ideas on how to save money when planning a wedding.
Most weddings have the same things in common. Things like a location for the ceremony and reception, the food and drink, music, someone to conduct the ceremony and of course the decorations you choose to give it that personal touch. These are the things you could spend a small fortune on if you get carried away. They are, however, also the things that you can be smart about and actually save money on. Even before the wedding day celebrations begin, you can save money — from hen party games to engagement party celebrations, there are always ways to cut back.
Read on for some helpful ideas on you can save money when planning a wedding.
Stick to a budget
The first thing you need to do is assess your finances – realistically. Once you have worked out how much you can really afford, set a budget and stick to it. Without a budget in place, things will easily get missed and this is where things can get out of hand. Budget each are of your wedding individually and stick to it.
Be ruthless with your guest list
So the fewer people you have on your guest list, the cheaper it will be — this much is common sense.
Before booking your venue you need to decide who you will invite and then stick to it. Obviously, basic guest lists will be your immediate family and then you can extend the invitations to close family and friends. Think about whether you really want co-workers and distant relatives to join you on your special.
Think about an out-of-season wedding
Whilst Summer weddings are what most people dream of, they can also be the most expensive. Winter weddings can be just as magical with the different seasons – why not embrace the time of year and go for something a bit different?
Do think about the weather though — perhaps opt for an indoor event. The weather is the one thing you can’t control, but do assist in this as much as you can by keeping everyone indoors so they keep warm and dry for the duration of your day.
Make your own invitations and favours
There are so many quirky wedding favour ideas out there that you don’t have to break the bank buying. Invitations too — they don’t have to be an added expense to a day that is already costing you a lot of money. Do your research and this is the one area you can cut the cost, and maybe decide on something unique that you’ve never seen before.
Save money on food and alcohol
Any caterer you hire needs to be based on the budget you have available, the number of people on your guest list and what kind of services they offer. A lot of them will provide all of the dinner and glassware, so make sure this is taken into consideration.
If you really want to save a bit of extra money, you could get prepared food from a supermarket or restaurant. High street stores sell some incredible wedding cakes these days — this alone could save you in the region of £200 alone.
Music doesn’t have to be expensive!
Every couple will have a good idea about what kind of music they want to be played at their wedding reception. Whether this is a live band or a DJ, always ask family and friends if they know anyone. This would be a great way to save some money if you can get some entertainment with a ‘mates rates’ fee.
How about renting ‘the dress’?
Of course, every bride has to have ‘the dress’. But you don’t have to buy it, you can always rent a wedding dress. Wedding dresses don’t always come cheap so this is one way where you could really save yourself a few hundred pounds. More often than not, wedding dresses are left hanging in a wardrobe or are bundled into a box and stored in the loft for years to come. So, does it really matter if you rent one? You’ll still have the photos and the video footage and of course the memories to last a lifetime. Think long and hard about this one.
So there we have just a few tips and ideas that could really go a long way in helping you save money when planning a wedding. Do you have any other ideas? Add them in the comments so that other readers can benefit.
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