Do you dream of having a grand, upscale wedding but are operating on a beer budget? Don’t stress – it’s more achievable than you may think! You can organise your dream wedding without taking up a second job or plunging into debt.
The key to accomplishing this is understanding your priorities. Define what matters most to you in your wedding, and then decide where to allocate more resources, both financial and creative energy, while saving on less significant aspects. This might include areas like table settings, transportation, and so on. Here are some tips on how you can reduce costs without compromising on your vision:
1. Do away with the wedding videographer: Realistically, how often will you rewatch your wedding video? While they make for a nice keepsake, they can be lengthy and do not necessarily capture everything you’d want to remember. Investing in a good professional photographer may be a better choice. If having a videographer is high on your priority list, then consider cost-efficient options like film students, early-career professionals or even talented friends or relatives.
2. Trim wedding attire costs: There’s no doubt that brides want to shine on their big day. This doesn’t mean you need to splurge on an extravagant designer dress. Consider sales at bridal stores or online platforms like eBay or Craigslist. Always factor in extra costs such as shipping or dry cleaning. Look to buy second-hand dresses from recent brides who now find no use for them. Savings can also be achieved on shoes, jewellery, and veils – details that rarely attract much attention. Wearing borrowed jewellery might even add sentimental value to your ensemble.
Grooms typically have it easier, with many tuxedo hiring stores offering a free rental with five paying groomsmen suits. It’s a thoughtful gift from the groomsmen, with no guilt attached.
3. Trimming the guest list: It may feel uncomfortable at first, but cutting down your guest list by even twenty to fifty people could yield significant savings. Prioritise close friends and family members, while trimming colleagues, distant relatives and friends who you haven’t recently connected with. Even a smaller wedding party can help you reduce costs. If you still find it difficult to downsize, consider inviting some guests only to the ceremony but not the reception.
4. Reduce meal costs: As long as the food served tastes good, the cost per plate won’t likely be remembered by your guests. Poultry dishes can be less expensive than steak or seafood. You might also consider buffet-style meals or, if possible, holding a lunch or dessert-only reception. Hiring younger, less experienced servers can also provide significant savings.
5. Minimize alcohol expenditure: An open bar is not mandatory. Offering just one glass of champagne for toasting can substantially cut costs. Limiting drink options, or even introducing a custom cocktail for the evening, can be a creative and budget-friendly approach.
Bear in mind, having a fabulous wedding doesn’t require a king’s ransom. Even following a few of these suggestions could result in notable savings. Doing thorough research, obtaining multiple quotes from different providers, and enlisting skilled friends or family will help keep costs under control. Ultimately, remember the most important part of any wedding, regardless of the budget – it’s all about love, not cash expenditures.
