Ten Great Ideas for Planning a Wedding on a Shoestring Budget

Articles on Weddings | Topics: weddings, wedding

by Carolina O'Neil

With the ever-rising cost of weddings, many people find it hard to put together a ceremony with a strict budget in mind. It is indeed possible to assemble a wedding with a shoestring budget, though. When planning, keep the word "budget" in the back of your mind. This will help carry you through the seemingly endless array of tasks to be completed prior to the big day without spending a fortune. Here are some tips to keep the penny count down while still making a moment to remember for a lifetime.

Ceremony

As you may already know, the use of an indoor venue such as a church or hall will undoubtedly cost you money. The church will require a set amount in order to reserve its space for the time you ask for. Generally you must already be a member of that church to be wed in it. Halls or other large indoor venues will ask for a deposit, to cover any unforeseen accidents and they could alter the cost due to the size of the wedding including the party and the guest list. There are however, many options to make this portion of the day cost effective yet still wonderful. If you are marrying in a warm month, there are very nice parks with beautiful surroundings to make it appealing to the eye. Many have very nice gardens, as well, so the options could be vast as to where you are situated for the ceremony. If the wedding will take place in a cooler month, you could consider doing it in the bride's parent's home. This will undoubtedly strike a warm note with the parents and all the while remaining cost efficient.

Flowers

Many flowers are seasonal, so the cost rises and falls according to the season they are sought. One could try to keep an open-mind and remember that budget is the operative word in this situation. What you really want may not be practical for the wallet. There are many flowers however, that resemble one another, and getting another flower at a lower cost that closely resembles what you want, could be a penny saver, as well. Always go with a package, as expenditures rise quickly with single items.

Photographer

The price of saving the moment on film can unfortunately be astronomical. With so many photographers available, finding just the right one could easily be overwhelming. If you know of anyone whom is decent with a camera, then why not give it a go? You may at that point, even know of several people and can capture many angles simultaneously. You may find many people willing and able to do this for you. It is also acceptable to get a trusted friend to video tape your ceremony and reception for little cost.

Attire

It is not a must to shell out $5,000 for a wedding gown for it to be beautiful. There are many bridal factory outlets in just about every major city in America. Gowns from these establishments can and many times do start at $99. These gems are a must to at least investigate. Many women have found suitable gowns from these very places and they can be found online. For the groom, there are places that do the exact same thing as the bridal factory outlets. Many times however, the gent does not wish to keep the tuxedo, as it will most likely not be worn again. In this case rental will be the best bet, and will still be cost effective.

Hair and make-up

Either way you slice it, this area may not have much wiggle room. It is indeed not a horrible cost to have your hair done professionally. However, if you do not want to spend the money, find a friend or family member that is good with hair and nails to help you out.

Reception and Catering

Historical Quote

When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not sit down at the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited by your host...But when you are invited, go and sit down at the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, Friend, move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.

—Bible: New Testament, Luke 14:8,10.

In the warm months, backyard receptions are wonderful and quaint, space permitting. If you need more space and require an indoor setting, you can find halls such as the legions. They ask a minimal deposit and allow you to decide what and how much food to get. As far as the catering is concerned, many local grocery stores have large platters available and can accommodate several people. If you are planning a warm meal, they also have cheap catering services that for the price will definitely give a needed touch.

Music and Entertainment

DJs can indeed run a substantial buck for their services, and many times are not very reliable. If you happen to know anyone whom has a "rockin" stereo system and they would be willing to transport it for the event, this could be extremely cost efficient. It will allow you to save for the simple touches, such as renting smoke and/or bubble machines.

Decorating

This could easily be done with the help of some very sweet friends, and can save you a bunch. A simple stop at the party favor shop can work wonders on a small hall to liven it up for the evening of fun.

Transportation

Transportation is another issue that may be tricky, as finding appropriate method of travel to the ceremony for the bride should really not be done in cousin Bobby's pickup truck. If you can find it in your pocket after all the saving you have made, perhaps just rent a limo for the trip to the venue, as this will be relatively cheap. Not having the driver wait, only to be driven to the airport is a cost not needed. You could have arrangement with a guest or a parent to transport you and you new spouse in their vehicle as you would already have changed into your going away attire anyhow.

Honeymoon

This is by all means an elective choice to save or not save on. You could decide you have saved enough and want that special trip together. Or you could go cost effective and keep it simple and quaint. Try an inn or bed and breakfast in a neighboring state.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Ten Great Ideas for Planning a Wedding on a Shoestring Budget" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by FamilyBabyKids.com.

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