How To Plan A Cheap Wedding

It is worth remembering for anyone planning to get married that weddings these days are very expensive; despite problems elsewhere, 25 billion dollars are spent each year on weddings with the average costing around 25,000 dollars; organizing an enormous event like this when you are on a tight budget may seem an enormous task but it is possible; carried out properly, the majority of guests will not even realize they have attended a 'cheap wedding'. By using some imaginative ideas, money can be saved; which should make for an exciting, memorable day without the financial pain.

Cheap Hand Made Gown

A hand made wedding dress which is the norm these days comes at a cost; other options are available, including buying a previously owned dress. Selling previously owned wedding dresses is an area which is becoming more popular; when a bride-to-be realizes she can have a quality handmade dress for half the cost of a new one or even renting it for the day, this begins to make sense.

Wedding Reception Preparations

Controlling costs especially on the reception is probably the hardest part; if you want a cheap wedding, this is where you may have to start, firstly by reducing the number on the guest list. Try and keep your guest list to a minimum: ask yourself if you really need to invite family members you haven't seen for years; instead, opt for a three course meal or a hot and cold buffet.

Although it is nice to hold the wedding reception in a beautiful hotel, this can be another huge expense but alternatives exist; there are many clubs that would be perfectly suitable or even the home of a good friend or relative that is large enough.

Wedding Pictures

Although many photographers are employed for the entire day, this isn't really necessary; the majority of guests are more than happy to take photos on behalf of the couple, and they will be 'natural' shots as well! You could, if you are brave, dispense with the services of a photographer completely; a friend or relative who is a keen photographer might be happy to do this for you!

Cheaper Original Invitations

If you're on a budget and looking for less expensive wedding stationery items, then you might like to consider print-at-home stationery; there are many online stationers that will offer this service free of charge and all you pay for is the paper and envelopes. With the correct programs, all the work can be checked fully before it is printed out; this means that often costly errors and adjustments that are often required in the early stages of the work are not made.

Wedding Flowers

Flowers can be another expensive outlay especially with the alternatives on offer; why not buy wholesale flowers, or pick flowers from your garden and buy plain gold or white gold bands as these are the least costly. Many people have friends who are very capable cooks and love to bake so why not let them bake a two or three tier wedding cake; this can be made from sponge or even a chocolate cake which tends to be favorite amongst people these days.

The Wedding Limousine

Lastly, instead of a limousine why not rent a car or borrow a luxury car from a friend or relative; most will be pleased to help.

Remember, a cheap wedding does not necessarily mean a bad wedding; just think of how much you will have saved!

By: mariane

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Maria Mbura publisher of Cheap Wedding Invitations and Wedding website.