Despite the escalating costs of weddings, there are ways to save on a wedding and still have a memorable day. All it takes is a bit of legwork, sacrifice, and creativity.
The guests
Bigger is not necessarily better. A wedding is a celebration of your marriage vows, and does not have to be huge to be important. What better way to celebrate than with your most intimate friends? Limit your guest list to your closest friends, and save on your wedding.
The invitations
Don’t spend too much on invitations. If you want to save on a wedding, the invitations are a good place to keep things simple. Special colors or raised designs can quickly raise the price of your invitations. Use a standard size so that you do not have to spend extra on postage. Also, consider creating your own invitations. Using your computer or an online site, you can create very professional looking invitations for a fraction of the cost.
The flowers
Flowers are often a big expense at a wedding and can be a great opportunity to find savings. First, make sure the florist knows your budget and get his/her suggestions for what can look the best for the lowest price tag. Use in-season flowers. If you get married in a church around Christmas or Easter, the church probably will already be decorated so you won’t need to add much (if any) of your own flowers. Carnations also are very beautiful and economical, and their use can help you to save on a wedding. Consider an outdoor wedding in a garden or naturally pretty setting so that you do not have to buy flowers to decorate.
The reception
A reception provides ample opportunity to save on a wedding. Have a buffet instead of sit-down service for the dinner. Better yet, have heavy hors d’oeuvres for great savings. If serving dinner, use a less expensive entrée such as chicken or serve pasta rather than steak and seafood. Use a small cake for the ceremonial cutting of the cake, but serve a sheet cake to the guests.
Alcohol can easily become one of the biggest costs. To save on a wedding, see where you can cut back here. Instead of serving mixed drinks, just serve wine, beer and sodas. Use champagne only for the toast. Consider purchasing boxed wine, but serving it in carafes set on the table.
The entertainment is another area in which you can save on a wedding. Instead of a live band, use a DJ and recorded music. If you know someone who is in a band, perhaps they can play at your reception as a wedding gift. It also provides them with great exposure.
When trying to save on a wedding, make economical choices based on what your priorities are. Spend more on what is important to you. Find ways of cutting costs on what’s not. Also, do as much yourself as you can -- from the invitations to the food, to even having the wedding at home. Your wedding is sure to be special and memorable, no matter how much money you spend on it.
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