PART I: Ways to Keep Your Wedding Wonderfully Inexpensive

June 4, 2008 By Tisha (Kulak) Tolar

Planning a wedding is like a second job in itself but for many, the costs associated with a wedding are already outrageous. Now that everything is going up in prices, a wedding may seem like just another luxury.

Here are some simple tips and ideas to have the wedding of your dreams, with money left over.

1. Use the DIY Method - Relying less on the professional, costly services of professionals, and more on the talents of yourself, your spouse-to-be and family and friends can save you a lot of cash. Have the girls over to help assemble wedding favors and ask you aunts to cook something for the reception. Involving your family and friends will not only be more cost-efficient, it will also be a special time to spend with others before your new life begins.

2. Timing is Everything - Many brides dream of a summer wedding but choosing a less busy time of the year can save you thousands. January, February, and November are traditionally less busy times of the year and wedding vendors may be happy to cut you a break so they can stay in business. For the bride who insists on a summer soiree chose to have the ceremony on any day but Saturday. The other days of the week are not as busy for vendors and may earn you a discount.

3. Trim the Guest List - While creating a wedding list is time-consuming and nerve-wracking, it doesn’t have to kill your budget. Consider the amount of people invited times the amount the caterer charges for each plate of food. When you find a figure you can live with, you will have a good number to keep in mind when finalizing your list. If you are catering the affair on your own, consider alternatives to a sit down dinner, such as a outdoor cookout reception with less expensive food choices.

4. Drop the DJ - Have a friend with a good ear for music? Ask them to monitor the sound system and play your own collection of CD’s. You may also be able to find a high school student to help out for a much smaller fee.

5. Picture This - A professional photographer can cost big bucks. Before hiring a professional service, think about people you know who have a knack for taking quality pictures and offer to pay for the film if they would take the pictures at the rehearsal, wedding, and reception. If there is a college or local art school in your area, call the career service department of the school and ask for a recommendation. Many students would be thrilled to do the work simply to have portfolio materials.

Posted in budgeting, entertainment, family, frugality in motion, lifestyle, marriage, saving money

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