If you’re planning your wedding but have limited finances, you need to plan on a budget. Many things go into preparing for a wedding and you need to be ready for the
Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to have a wedding on a budget. All you have to do is be strategic about it and know exactly how to use your funds so that you can maximize it.
Here are some of the things you need to think about when you are preparing to have a wedding on a budget.
Story Stages
Create Your Budget
Since you’re trying to control your spending, the first thing you need to do is create your budget. Try to brainstorm all the things you’re going to need to spend on for your wedding.
You can then take a day to do a price check of all these items. Come back once you have done all of that and then see how far over budget you would be for the things you want at your wedding.
You can start trimming down your budget from there. You should consider insuring the event, as part of your budget.
There are several one-day event insurance coverages available; one day event insurance will cost you $76.5 a day on average according to Insuranks. It is a good investment because while you want everything to be perfect, things can happen at any event for which you can be held liable.
Have a Weekday Wedding
Many people prefer to have their wedding on a Friday or on a Saturday, and this is why booking a wedding on these days can be one of the most expensive options. If you would like to get a big discount on your venue, consider booking your wedding from Sunday to Thursday.
If you keep your wedding on a weekday you will likely have fewer guests because people will either be at work or school and unable to attend. If you want to limit the number of people who are at your wedding and cut costs then going with a weekday is a good option.
Think Outside of the Box
When it comes to selecting your venue, it’s always a good idea to think outside the box if you want to cut costs. Traditional venues are going to be expensive in most cases because they are in demand.
If you choose a venue that people will not normally gravitate towards for their wedding then you can be sure you will get it at a lower price.
Some non-traditional venues that you may want to consider are lakeside venues and botanical gardens.
Cut Cost on Equipment
Cut costs on equipment If necessary. This means that you should find a venue that has at least some of the things you may need for your wedding. For example, tables and chairs may be necessary for both the wedding and reception.
When you are booking a venue, find out if these are included in the price of the venue. It’s often cheaper to get these things included as a package, than having to bring in your equipment.
It’s always a good idea to gravitate towards venues that can give you a package deal as this will be the most cost-effective option when you are on a budget.
Decorate Smartly
Another thing you will need to consider is decorating. Decorating can cost a lot if you’re not careful with sticking to your budget. Flowers can cost a lot of money and you need to be prepared to cut costs wherever necessary.
Try to choose flowers that are always in season and avoid those that are out of season. Often if you choose flowers that are out of season you’re going to need to spend more.
Do It Yourself
If any of your relatives or friends have special skills now is the time to call on them. Maybe you have a friend who is a great decorator, you can employ them to work at your wedding.
Maybe your grandmother or your mother has a wedding dress that you could alter and wear instead of buying one. If anybody in your family can bake it’s a great time to employ them to make a wedding cake for you.
Do you have a friend or a family member who has a vacation property that would be perfect to host your wedding? Ask them if it’s possible.
The bottom line is that you should be doing whatever you can to cut costs.
Reduce Officiating Costs
If you’re not getting married in a church and once it is permitted where you live, you can get a friend or family member to officiate your wedding. Officiates can cost quite a bit of money, and if you’re on a budget, helping your friend or family member to get a license online to officiate your wedding will be cheaper.
Hire Students
If you want to cut costs for your music it may be cost-effective for you to hire students from your local University to perform at your wedding. Final-year students in particular tend to be very well-versed in creating music since they are about to graduate.
They will be glad to have a job to add to their resume and they will cost significantly less than professional musicians.
Similarly, if you need someone to do your hair or makeup artist it might be a better idea to get someone who’s almost out of beauty school to do it for you. Since they’re on their way to becoming a professional in these fields they tend to be very good and also cost a fraction of what someone who’s already practicing will charge.
Enjoy the Big Day
It’s important that you plan carefully when you want to save on wedding costs. As you can see it is possible to cut costs but you must be diligent about it.
Once you take the time to look at all your expenses and then consider all the cost cutting methods that have been shown here. You should be able to keep the cost of your wedding down.
