Wedding Budget Planning Tips
Here are our nine tips for saving money in 2009!
9. Put things in perspective. Sure, your wedding is milestone that you want to remember for the rest of your life. At the same time, that doesn’t have to mean going into debt. If you have to put the wedding off a year to save up a little bit more or you have to scale down the guestlist, it’s okay. It’s more important that you begin your new life together without regrets.
8. Consider gettings married in the off season. Some venues offer reduced rates for Friday or Sunday weddings, as well as weddings on holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) or from November to May. Definitely look into it!
7. Build your own inspiration board. Do you want your wedding to be rustic, vintage, formal, chic…? If you create a theme early on, it’ll be easier to choose favors, invitations, etc. as you go.
6. Shop wisely. Year-round, dollar stores are indispensable sources for wedding incidentals. From paper lanterns to garbage bags, these retailers sell everything cheap. Candles and lights are essential to any wedding’s theme, and dollar stores sell both.
5. Prioritize. Decide which areas of your wedding you’re willing to splurge on, and which you can either do yourself or do without. For my own wedding, I would invest in photography, the venue and the dress. I’d rent tuxes, do without or bring our own alcohol, and diy a bunch of stuff: invitations, flowers, centerpieces, programs, etc.
4. Plan the ceremony first. Yes, even before you book your photographer! Make sure your venue and officiant are available for your date, because otherwise you might end up paying more for a place you don’t like as much.
3. Ask for help. Maybe some family members can help set up on the day of. Ask your bridesmaids if they can help put together your invitations. If you have friends who are music proficients, ask them if they’d be willing to play at your ceremony.
2. Choose your wedding attire carefully. First, try on as many dresses as you can (and tell your bridesmaids to do the same!). You’d be surprised at how different dresses can look on you instead of on the rack. Have a friend or family member take lots of pictures so you can compare them when you get home. If you’d like to save some money, consider getting your bridesmaids’ dresses from a department store. Also, remember that David’s Bridal runs a $99 special several times a year!
1. Be flexible. Always keep an open mind and weigh your options carefully. An idea might come along that originally wasn’t in view of your dream wedding, but if it saves you money and guests will hardly notice, go for it!