Without a doubt, weddings will always be wonderful events which celebrate the union of two people. Most couples initially start out by planning a small intimate occasion but somehow find themselves spending more than what they have planned for due to a host of miscellaneous unexpected items not included in the couple’s original checklist. If you’re planning a wedding, here are some ways you can cut down the costs of your wedding without sacrificing wedding essentials such as good photography services, and the bridal gown.
Keep it Small
You don’t have to invite everyone you know and chat with to your wedding. It’s all right for your wedding list to comprise only of immediate family and close friends. You don’t have to invite your boss or your workmates, or classmates you had lunch with when you were at school. Admittedly, your family might request that you invite some of their friends but, you should not feel obligated to do so. In case this happens, decline nicely and offer to meet up with that person separately on another occasion instead.
Avoid the High Season
Although it is romantic to get married on Valentine’s Day, or June or in Winter (Christmastime), it can be quite expensive. A lot of events (not just weddings) occur during these periods so you’re most likely to be competing to secure the services of suppliers. By getting married on quieter months, you’ll have more options and suppliers will be eager for your business – you might be able to get a better deal with your suppliers.
By avoiding the high season, you reduce the chances of paying more for your floral decorations. The cost of flowers during February and May are usually higher than any other time of the year because of the demands for Valentine’s as well as Mother’s Day. Other cost saving tips include picking flowers that are in season during the time you get married; and limiting the floral decorations to the minimum. There really is no need to bedeck the whole church with flowers. Although it would look good, your guests will not notice what blooms you have on display – their eyes will be on you anyway.
Pick Your Food
Food is one of the biggest expense in any wedding. If you want to minimize your cost, choose a simple menu instead of picking an elaborate selection. Consider a self-serve buffet instead of getting food attendants to wait on your guests. Not only will you cut down on costs, you will give your guests opportunities to interact and chat with one another as they help themselves to some nibbles.
Consider buying the liquor yourself, instead of asking your caterer to provide it. As for the cake, you can still get a three-tiered bridal cake but have faux bases for the lower two layers. Another option is to choose a smaller version of your dream wedding cake and get a sheet cake in the same kind and flavor as your main wedding cake which can be cut in small pieces in the kitchen and served to your guests.
Use Available Resources
Another way you can cut down on costs is to identify the skill sets of your friends and relatives. If you know someone who is artistically inclined, you can request him (or her) to design your wedding invitations; you can ask school choirs to perform the songs during your wedding; on your hen night (bridal shower), instead of having a dinner out, have a little working party and have your friends help make the party favors.
As for party favors, try no to splurge on cute tokens or figurines that will either end up in a drawer or the rubbish bin. Opt for something that can be used again, such as candles or paperweights; or something edible, such as small pieces of chocolates or candies wrapped in the same color as your wedding motif.
Talk to Other Brides
The best way to minimize wedding costs is to talk – talk to wedding consultants and ask for advice. Wedding consultants can make life easier for you by acting on your behalf. They’ll source out the best suppliers and present you with the best value for money. They also have a wide network of suppliers and may be able to recommend someone you haven’t thought of. Another tip is to talk to other brides and ask them how they reduced the cost of their respective weddings. They have gone through the same experience and can tell you what aspects of the wedding is worth spending on, and which ones can be done without.