A weddings is one of those life events that is so special and so rare (hopefully once in a lifetime) that you want it to be absolutely perfect. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with weddings is that for it to perfect, it also has to be expensive. From picking out a ring to finding the right take-home gifts for guests, the entire process can be a nightmare of adding-up expenses. Before you drop your savings on an extravagant wedding, take a pause! The good news is, with the right know-how and a great attitude, an inexpensive but memorable wedding is within your reach.
Change Your Perspective
Instead of thinking as someone who is about to get married, try to place yourself in the shoes of a wedding guest instead. Your guests are there to celebrate your love and show support for your new union. They are not there to judge you. They will probably not notice or care if your cake server is monogrammed, your late in the night reception music comes from an iTunes playlist or a DJ, or your bouquet is made of real flowers from a designer florist. Small details like this can add up and be very expensive!
If you are leaning towards purchasing a particularly expensive item, ask yourself who you are buying it for. If it is a memento that you will be able to save and cherish forever, it may be worth the cost. If it’s for the sake of your guests, consider a cheaper alternative.
Get a Second-Hand Dress
A wedding dress is usually one of the single most expensive items needed for a wedding. Brides are willing to pay an extraordinary amount of money for a dress they will only wear once. This is totally unnecessary, as there are great second-hand wedding dresses available that are just as beautiful and stylish as brand new dresses in a boutique. The only difference is that second-hand dresses are a fraction of the price. You could try an auction site like Gumtree or a specialist site for second hand weddings, like Bride2Bride. Use the savings for your honeymoon instead!
Ask Friends for Help
Even if you bargain-shop for every item in your wedding, the services you need to create a memorable affair can still leave your check book reeling. Photographers, caterers, DJs, and even the wedding cake can all be very expensive. Ask around your guest list to see who would be willing to donate these services for free or on a discount as your wedding present. Chances are you have quite a few friends who would be happy to help you out and give you a gift you are sure to remember for the rest of your life: a cheap wedding!
Have Fun with It
The most important thing is to plan a wedding you would want to attend. If you don’t care if you receive a goody bag or have three different meat options at supper, chances are your guests won’t care either. As long as you plan on having fun and celebrating your love with the people who mean the most to you, your wedding will be wonderful and memorable no matter the budget. If you want some more tips then money savings expert have some crackers in their list of 50 here.
