Saying ‘I do’ is a momentous occasion and nothing compares to getting married when you’re head-over-heels in love. Unfortunately, the stress of planning a fantastic day can sometimes be overwhelming.
But rest assured: whether it’s luxury or keeping things on a budget, your union with your special someone should shine bright no matter how big (or small) the ceremony may be – there are neither bells nor whistles required for true love after all. Here are 8 top tips to help you plan a beautiful, memorable wedding on a tight budget.
Contents
- Research and compare shops and services
- Choose an affordable venue
- Create a list
- Plan how much you’re willing to spend
- Consider DIY decorations
- Draft an initial guest list
- Book early for lower prices
- Use friends and family resources
1. Research and compare shops and services
Before you start spending, do some research and comparison shopping online. Thousands of suppliers offer everything from flowers to catering services. Doing your due diligence will help you find the best deals. Look at different venues, compare prices and packages offered, and read reviews from previous customers.
This will help ensure that you get the best value for your money. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and families who know where to find the best deals online.
2. Choose an affordable venue
Venues can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, so choose one within your budget. Consider sites like resorts, country clubs, or parks and beaches for outdoor weddings, or look for a small restaurant or reception hall for indoor venues.
Keep in mind that larger venues will cost more than smaller ones. But if you plan and book in advance, you might get discounts or special deals.
3. Create a list
An essential part of planning any event is having a list of things to do. This goes double when it comes time to plan your wedding. Having a list handy will keep you organized.
It helps keep track of costs associated with each item and which items need priority attention before moving on to others on the list. Remember that while having a lot of ideas is great, it’s better not to go overboard trying to create the perfect wedding—keep it simple.
4. Plan how much you’re willing to spend
Spending on the wedding relies on how much the couple plans to shell out. The key to a hassle-free and smooth-flowing wedding is knowing exactly how much you can afford to spend.
Assess your savings, your partner’s share, and how much your parents can contribute to the wedding. But it’s not wise to spend every penny in your savings account just to have a grand wedding. Be practical by spending only on what’s needed and saving some for future use.
5. Consider DIY decorations
Another great way to save money on decorations is by getting creative with DIY projects. Search online for fun craft ideas (check out Pinterest), which can provide unique touches without costing too much money (think paper lanterns or tissue paper pom-poms).
Plus, this idea allows everyone involved in the wedding—from family to friends—to join in on the fun while helping out with costs.
6. Draft an initial guest list
Nothing has a greater impact on the wedding budget than the guest count. The number of guests can make or break your wedding budget. The more people attending the wedding, the bigger the budget.
Everything from the catering and cake to souvenirs and venue rental rely on how many guests are coming to your wedding. If you want a realistic budget, the bride and groom need to make an initial guest list, and both can decide who to invite.
7. Book early for lower prices
When planning any type of event (especially a wedding), it’s always important to plan ahead as much as possible. Booking early usually means lower prices. Make sure you book vendors such as photographers, make-up artists, and bands several months before your big day so they can fit you into their schedules at a reasonable rate.
Try booking during off-seasons. Some suppliers offer discounted prices during certain times of the year when there isn’t as much demand for their services.
8. Use friends and family resources
Don’t forget about friends and family either. Ask around if anyone has talents or resources that could be used towards making your dream wedding come true.
Perhaps someone is talented in hair and make-up, or somebody knows how to bake cakes – every little bit helps when it comes down to crunch time, financially speaking. Also, don’t be afraid to ask people who are willing- use those connections wisely.
Wedding planning is more challenging than it looks. It involves perseverance, patience, lots of energy, and practicality. If you want to plan a wedding on a budget, these tips will help you out.
Are you getting married? Do you have more ideas on how to make your dream wedding a reality? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.