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With the average cost of a wedding that runs more than $25,000, it is no wonder why many couples-to-be are getting stressed out when it comes to planning their big day. But does it have to be this way?
Definitely, not.
There’s no need to spend a fortune and empty your savings in the bank just to make your wedding is extra special. Remember that your wedding can still be the best even if you only have a small budget. The key is to know a few budget-saving strategies that will make your day memorable.
Check out these 10 tips that will help you cut corners, and still have a perfect dream wedding:
- Plan your budget.
The most important thing that you should do is to plan your budget before you make any purchase. Sit with your fiancé and talk about the things that you think are “must-haves” in your wedding. Then, allocate how much money you want to spend on those things. It’s very crucial to consider your savings, so you won’t end up empty-handed after the wedding day. Make sure that you stick to your budget to avoid overspending.
- Limit your guest list.
We know that it’s tough, especially if you and your fiancé are both friendly or you both come from big families, but one way to reduce your wedding cost is to only invite a limited number of people. Most restaurants and wedding receptions charge per person, so trimming down 10 guests from your list will definitely make a huge savings. Tip: Only invite the most important people to you and your fiancé.
- Consider cheap invitations.
Don’t spend too much on designs and engraves – simple cards with nice prints work just as well. Today, there are many varieties of cheap invitations offered online. If you want to cut your wedding budget, you can take advantage of these offers. And if you’re planning for a casual wedding, you can make your own invitation – just buy printed papers for wedding cards and use your home computer to print the invites.
- Simplify your menu.
One of the biggest expenses at a wedding is the food. The best thing to do is to keep your menu simple. If you’re taking the service of a caterer, make sure to tell them to limit the menu and only prepare the least expensive ones. But when it comes to saving costs for foods, experts recommend to just drop-off the catering, and instead, set-up your own buffet.
- Choose a low-cost location.
You don’t need to book in a grand hotel just to have the best wedding experience. There are many options for a great wedding location for low-cost or no-cost at all. Instead of choosing a hotel, why not just do it at your local park or at a restaurant with a beautiful park? Or better yet, why not just do it at your own backyard?
- Purchase inexpensive gown.
The wedding dress can also be one of the biggest expenses when it comes to planning a wedding. But it is also where you have the option to cut costs extensively. You don’t necessarily have to buy from traditional wedding shops to get the best gown for your big day. Today, there are a lot of options where you can buy cheap and yet beautiful wedding dresses, including department stores and online stores. Or if you really want to save big bucks, you can also try second-hand dresses.
- Ask your talented friends.
Instead of hiring a band or a singer to entertain your guests at your wedding reception, why not just call someone you know who can sing? The best thing about this idea is it’s free. And since they are your friends, having them to play music on your big day can make the celebration much more meaningful.
- D.I.Y. Your wedding decorations.
To avoid spending more money for wedding reception service, you can use your creative skills to design your own party. Ask your friends to help you assemble the decorations and wedding touches. To save more, only purchase inexpensive flowers and decorations.
- Wait for special offers and sales.
Waiting for sales is also a great way to save. Look at different wedding shops for deals they offer. It’s a great opportunity to get a nice dress at a cheaper price. And when it comes to the wedding reception, don’t book during the holiday season. Wedding prices tend to go up during special days.
- Negotiate with your vendors.
Some vendors give discounts and freebies to couples who have a limited budget. Make sure that you talk to them and tell them your situation before you sign up. They key here is to ask them nicely. If you ask them nicely, chances are they are going to give you consideration. Most vendors give lots of gifts to clients they enjoy working with.
Weddings don’t have to be that expensive. With a little planning and strategy, you can have that perfect wedding you want without sacrificing your budget. Jo is Freelance Writer for 8 years now. She writes articles about Health & Fitness, Beauty Tips, Education, Business, Finance, Software, Technology, & Relationship.
great tips.
its definitely all about the planning and the saving!