Cheap Wedding Planning

 

Perhaps you’re on a tight budget but still want to have a nice wedding.  Don’t be concerned.  Cheap wedding planning doesn’t have to mean a bland, tasteless wedding.  There are ways to watch those dollars without compromising style.  Here are some tips for cheap wedding planning:

The first place to look when cutting back costs is the guest list.  Lots of people want everyone they’ve ever known to attend the ceremony.  However, with the cost of rentals, centerpieces, wedding favors, and food, this can really add up.  Don’t let your guests bring their kids.  Avoid inviting people you’ve not been in touch with for an extended period of time (such as your best friend from high school who you haven’t heard from in eight years).  And even though you may feel awkward about it, it isn’t necessary to invite every single co-worker.

Whoever you choose to invite, another money-saving tip for cheap wedding planning is to e-mail an invitation instead of paying for fancy stationary.  It will save you the cost of envelopes, invitations, reply cards, and postage. A good time to have the wedding is on a day early in the week.  Saturday is the most popular day, and vendors charge more. 

For wedding attire, search for inexpensive dresses and tuxedos on the Internet.  You may also be able to get your hands on a wedding dress for free if you have a relative (mom, grandma, or sister, aunt, etc.) who has a wedding dress.  On the one hand, they may not want to keep it for themselves for sentimental reasons.  On the other hand, they may consider it an honor to pass down something of great value on to a loved one.

For decorations, if you have the wedding near a holiday, less décor will be required since the sanctuary will already be dressed up.  For reception ornaments, borrow items such as dinnerware, doilies, and such.  Consider getting a small wedding cake and purchasing a sheet cake for guests to eat.  It’s much less expensive.

As far as music goes, play CDs or tapes instead of having a live band.  An alternative would be to have a special friend play songs on the piano or keyboard.

Finally, there’s the honeymoon.  Let’s face it, you’re supposed to be spending a good portion of your time indoors, right?  J  So while Jamaica or Acapulco may sound nice, staying close to home will save you a ton on airfare.  Camping is an inexpensive alternative if both of you are into the great outdoors.

Remember, when it comes to cheap wedding planning, inexpensive doesn’t necessarily mean tacky.  These tips will go a long way towards keeping your big day memorable while keeping you out of debt.