Even couples with a small amount to spend can have a fabulous day. It all depends on paying attention to detail, and spending money on the things that matter. Here are a few tips for creating a one-of-a-kind wedding without breaking the bank.
Determine Hot Buttons
Every couple has a “hot button,” or things that are really important to them. For some couples, it’s the food served at their wedding. They want to make sure everyone has a great meal with lots of different choices. For others, flowers may be important. Still others are very concerned about music and dancing.
While every couple wants their day to go off without a hitch, the hot button areas have more weight and importance than the other parts of the wedding. Couples should discuss which items are the ones they care most about. Identifying the hot buttons will allow couples to justify expenses a bit more easily.
Trim the Guest List
Couples on a budget should not feel bad about limiting their invite list. Keeping a wedding on budget is more important than getting into debt because of the guilt of not inviting someone. Couples can gently explain to coworkers, acquaintances, and distance relatives that they are welcome to come to the post-dinner reception to help celebrate their day.
Reuse Flowers
One great way to have beautiful flowers at both the church and reception is to reuse them. Hang bouquets on the end of pews and then have the florist or a friend transport them to the reception hall after the ceremony. Take each bouquet and place it on the reception hall tables.
Bridesmaid bouquets can also go on the table for decoration. Use silver vases and place each bouquet in the vase during dinner. This gives the girls a place to hold their bouquets while they dance and mingle all night, and also helps decorate the reception hall. At the end of the night the girls can still take their bouquets home, while the bride gets the benefit of having beautiful flowers on each table.
Make Wedding Favors and Programs by Hand
Creative brides can make the wedding favors, programs, or even some of the decorations. It pays to enlist the help of bridesmaids, family, friends, and even the groom to help keep costs down.
Barter
In a slow economy, more and more businesses have bartered in exchange for payment. Couples with friends who are photographers, cooks, or even waiters may be able to benefit from bartering in exchange for services at their wedding. When bartering, it’s important to reciprocate with an equal amount of service or product.
Ask for Favors as Gifts
If couples have a talented friend or relative that could help out with the making of dresses, filming the ceremony, or acting as D.J. for the night, they may be able to ask for the services as a gift. Or, perhaps they can get some money off the cost of service by offering to return the favor. Couples should not overstep their boundaries with friends and relatives, but if there is a logical trade option, they should consider it.
It’s important to remember that the wedding ceremony and reception really are just two small pieces of what will hopefully be a very long marriage. Couples should remember that even if parts of their wedding day are not as lavish as they would have wished in an ideal world, the important thing is spending the day surrounded by friends and family that wish them well.
Cherie Burbach - Cherie Burbach writes about dating, relationships, health, sports, and lifestyle. She's the author of eleven books and ebooks.
Join the Conversation