Cost Cutting Tips For A Budget Wedding

It’s true that a wedding day is an extra special event, perhaps a
once in a lifetime occasion.  However, the same could be said of
your first honeymoon.   These are memories that will never be
replaced or forgotten.  Yet, what frequently happens among
newlyweds is that they spend so much money planning the wedding
ceremony and other preliminaries, that they skimp on the honeymoon
vacation.  Why not balance the engagement, the wedding and the
honeymoon so that each phase of this new marriage can be
celebrated properly?

The engagement phase of a couple to be should be a highly personal
one.  This is a time of inner celebration, and of all things to
skimp on, the engagement is the least of evils.  Save money by
taking personal photos during the engagement (or digital photos if
you have a new camera).  Don’t pay for professional engagement
photos since they are a rather pricey trend.  Theoretically
speaking, you could try and skimp on the engagement ring and or
wedding ring, but could you really get away with it?  It’s best if
you devote some funds to these treasures, but try and take it easy
on the wedding ceremony and wedding reception.

For starters, don’t feel obligated to buy a new wedding dress.  
Even a modest wedding dress could cost you hundreds of dollars,
and though it makes for a pretty picture, this is going to be the
most minimally used expense of the entire marriage to come.  Many
couples have found great deals on bride rental dresses or even
used dresses off of auction sites like EBay.  Online shoppers have
stated that they have purchased quality dresses at about 50% off
of retail price. Even veils can cost a lot of money these days, so
why not make your own veil and put flowers in the bride’s hair as
a cost-saving alternative?

The most important tip that can be given to is put more money in
reserve and spend less money on the wedding reception.  Literally
thousands of dollars can be saved by asking friends to make
favors, have guests bring dishes and ask a friend to perform the
ceremony.  Even if you don’t have a preacher friend on call, you
can still ask someone you know to be a deputy marriage
commissioner for a day.  One modern trick to save on reception
costs is to hold the event in mid-daytime, like around two or
three PM.  When you hold the wedding at a neutral time, then
guests won’t expect a heavy dinner or a full lunch.  Just brunch
snacks and deserts will suffice and everyone can better focus on
the matter at hand.

Obviously, music is one area that inflates your budget quickly.  
Couples who are trying to cut on cost have found benefits in
hiring only one musician to play a keyboard, or perhaps use no
live music at all.  You don’t have to hire a live band when you
can hire a DJ or create your own selection of songs and have
friends gather your equipment together.  In short, the more
networking you do amongst friends and family, the more you can
save.

The benefit of having an “affordable” wedding is that you can use
that extravagance to pay for nicer honeymoon amenities.  You could
check into a nicer hotel, stay longer, or perhaps attend more
exciting events in the travel destination you attend.  It’s very
trendy these days to save money on weddings, and it’s a good trend
that will hopefully continue.  Just because you could afford a
spectacular wedding doesn’t mean it’s in your best interest to
have one.  An affordable wedding can extend your honeymoon and
start off the rest of your life comfortably.