Planning ahead
The first thing you should remember is to plan ahead: don’t leave it all to the last minute! Planning arrangements ahead allows you to focus on the wedding day and enjoy your moments as much as you can. Try grabbing as many favorable vendor offers given in advance as possible. Booking these things weeks before saves money.
Choosing the wedding day
Don’t go for the obvious days such as Saturdays and Sundays for your wedding day, but instead select working days. On weekends the rates of catering companies and wedding venues are all at their peak, and you will be able to save a considerable amount of money by choosing a week day for the ceremony and reception.
Number of invites
Adjust your guest list to your budget. Invite your relatives, only those cousins who are really close to you, and the friends you cannot miss. Don’t invite everybody you know and their whole family! With kids, you and your partner’s immediate family members will be enough for a party.
Selection of location
Choose a place with a discounted offer, or go for an historical building or a garden around the church. You will not have to add much decor to these places as the buildings themselves will provide the ambiance, and the rental rates will be lower too. Other than that, if you know somebody with a house with a big garden, ask them for a favor by hosting your wedding there.
Saving money on drinks
Cut short on the variety of alcohol and go for one or two types only. Serve beer with wine and add in one cocktail in beautiful colors: this will surely save you money!
Low budget food
Another trick is to have a barbecue in the back yard of the venue for the wedding dinner. Adding on pizzas and some less formal food will save you lots and will surely be popular among the guests, turning everything into a party.
Decorations
Don’t go for expensive floral arrangements. Add in more greenery and buy flowers that are in season. Pick only one or two types of flowers and arrange the bouquets on your own instead of hiring someone.
Selecting the bridal dress
There are many online websites that sell low-cost bridal dresses these days. You will be able to pick and choose, and get your dream dress for a very low price.
Sending invitations
Instead of spending your time and money inviting friends by posting invitation cards, make a call to them and then send an email invitation.
Music system
Great music is a must at weddings! You can save money by inviting a DJ instead of a band to do the job, or else you can be the DJ yourself. Put your favorite numbers on an iPod and play them at your reception.
Cake and desserts
Cake is also a must for weddings, but it can be expensive. So, put out a small but beautiful one for your cutting ceremony, and get a plain and simple cake layered with icing to serve to your guests. You can save lots of money and can make your wedding look brilliant and extravagant just by both planning ahead and thinking wisely before making decisions about your wedding and reception.
