How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget

The wedding is an anticipated event of your life. Most people want to make it very memorable. But a memorable wedding can be so expensive- you have to allocate a minimum of $25,000 for a US wedding. With the current global economic crisis you would probably prefer to spend less on a one-day wedding event. Creating a wedding plan helps to allow flexibility and give you enough time to attain your goal of an inexpensive wedding budget. The first thing you should do before anything else is to discuss it with your partner. Remember that this is a special day for the both of you and the decisions should show consent of the both of you. The important parts of your wedding list are the ceremony, reception, flowers, the entourage dresses and accessories, the videography and photography, wedding cakes, wedding cake toppers, the wedding music, the wedding ring, wedding centerpieces, souvenirs/gifts, unique wedding invitations, and the transportation.

Wedding Ceremony

Most wedding ceremonies are done in the church but some prefer a different venue. If you are bound by your religion and are required to follow church wedding only, your expenses may include; decorations of the altar, the fee for the officiant and the fee for the wedding singer. You can save on the altar decorations depending on the season. You can opt to using simple decorations like white laces for bows and put only few on the front rows just enough to reserve the seats for your important guests. Seasonal flowers are more affordable instead of buying expensive ones. You may also do the arrangement on your own to save some money instead of buying arranged flowers. As for your officiant, some states allow almost anyone to apply for just a minimal fee. You can ask your friend or relatives to marry you to save for the fees. Pre-recorded music can be used instead of hiring live wedding singer.

Reception

Remember that the biggest share of your budget is the wedding food. A good reception serves the variety of foods that are healthy and fits the guests’ palate. You wouldn’t want to serve exotic food that only you can eat. Simple foods are less expensive and are less risky to serve. The best way to trim down your cost is to limit your guests to close relatives and friends. Next, decide on the time of the reception, normally the weektimes, winter, Friday and Sunday are the cheapest to book. You should avoid peak holiday periods to get the most reasonable prices. Consider also a late breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or cocktail party reception because they are shorter in length and the fare is lighter - which means lighter also on your budget.

Wedding Flowers

The flower accentuates your wedding event. You can choose to use fresh cut flowers which are in season and choose arrangements accordingly or you can also do it on your own. Let the bridesmaids carry simple or even single flowers If you would like a larger bouquet. You can use candles, glass bowls with stones, or silk flowers and arrange your centerpieces ahead of time. You can trim your floral budget in half or more if you do a little planning in advance.

Wedding Dresses and Accessories

Your wedding gown should not cost you a lot even if you want to wear gold wedding shoes. If your wedding is a little informal consider buying evening gowns and cocktail dresses. You can also look for sample sales, vintage and rental shops, using your mother’s gown or consignment. Also, allocate a budget for alterations which can cost several hundred dollars depending on the needs to alter. For your entourage, you can consider renting in bulk, this way you can get a big discount. Your wedding accessories can be borrowed from a relative or a close friend. There are several sites that provide information on creating your own wedding ring which could save you a big budget and makes a personalize effect at the same time.

Wedding Music

When you inquire about the reception you can also check on the sound system and if it can hook up to stereo or MP3 player. You can measure the length of each parts of your wedding will be and create a playlist to play the right music accompaniment. Also, consider hiring a DJ instead of a band. They are more affordable and can adapt to a variety of musical types.

Bridal Car

If you know a friend with a nice car, you can ask them a favor of driving you to your wedding day. If you intend to rent a limousine, search for a best price offer and their offered wedding packages. Never hire it for the whole day because you will just be spending money on the driver who will just wait around.

Wedding Photography and Videography

Several ways can be done to reduce high costs of photography and videography service. You can hire students majoring in Photography or reduce the time you hire a photographer or create the wedding album yourself. You can even ask a relative or friend to video your wedding.

Wedding Invitations

The best way to save on invitation is to print your own. You can shop for invitation kits that are affordable and presentable at the same time. Just prepare content ahead of time and run some samples before printing it on your stationary.

Wedding Souvenirs

The souvenirs you give to your gusts serve as your way of thanking them and they are not supposed to be expensive. Cookies or cakes can be your option and you can print your pictures and attach it to your favors. Bridal gifts should be something that is useful and can be kept like picture frames, decors and display items. If you are in a tight budget, you can consider skipping out this area.

Finally, whether your budget is large or small remember that wedding planning is stressful. Find time to relax and breathe, enjoy every moment and never forget that whatever happens, it is not the material things that matter in your wedding but the people in the event who shares with you.