Having your dream wedding does not mean that you have to spend a fortune.
Here are some tips to save money for your wedding:
- Budget. Know how much you are willing to spend and know your priorities. Create a wedding budget that suits your financial status and saves you money in the long run.
- Wedding guest lists. Just make a lists of people to whom you really want to share that special day. Avoid feeling pressures to invite all your colleagues. The more guests you have, the higher the cost will be.
- Wedding invitations.You can design and print your own invitations to cut down the cost. But if you don’t have enough time to do it, why not check some bookstores that sell cheaper but nice invitations, regular printed invites work just well.
- wedding dresses. It may be tempting to have your wedding gown designed by famous designers. But if you want to cut down the cost, you can have a designer looking attire at a low cost with the help of some magazines, look for an ideal picture of the gown and shop in places other than bridal boutiques that can give you similar designs too.
- The reception. Consider having a home reception instead of having it in a restaurant, or hotel. This tip will really help to cut down the cost.
- Keep the menu simple. There are still ways to save without sacrificing the food. Opt for a brunch or late afternoon jazz reception, in this way you save on food and labor.
- Keep the flowers and decorations simple. Consider decorating with balloons instead of flowers. But if you still want to have a beautiful bouquet and centerpieces, other flowers can be just as pretty but less expensive. Ask friends blessed with creative and artistic hands to help you.
- Music. Good music sets the mood of the wedding but overpaying for it doesn't. Borrow or rent a good sound system, you can organize your cd selections and iPods, or just request a friend to sing or to be the disk jockey for the event.
- Photographs and videos. Ask some friends or colleagues to find good photo- graphers at reasonable costs. You can also put disposable cameras around the reception for guests to use it. It cost less than hiring a photographer and sometimes returns some of the most interesting shots.
- Wedding planners Wedding coordinators are a great source for ideas and advice. A good consultant can actually help to save your money in the long run by keeping you from making the mistakes that add up to wasted dollars. This is a must for larger weddings.
With these helpful tips, you can still have a beautiful but cheap wedding. Always remember that in planning for your wedding, you also have to keep in mind the "Life" after the wedding. If you are thinking of a bright future ahead, you might want to get much savings as you can.