Weddings can be very pricey. If you are on a budget and want to spend under $5000 for your big day, you may think that you have to go simple and cheap. This does not have to be the case. If you plan carefully, you can make it a lovely wedding that costs much less than you thought. The following tips and advice will help you plan your dream wedding on a budget.
Make a budget:
Sit down as a couple and talk about how much money you have to spend and what is important to both of you. There may be areas in which you want to spend more money and cut back on others. Agree as to what your wants are and stick to the budget.
Ensure you have ample time to plan:
If you begin the planning process 10-12 months in advance, you will have the best chance to save money by finding clearance deals and finding the right venue for your budget.
Make a list:
If you make a list of all the supplies you need it will be easier to keep with your budget because you won’t be tempted to buy things you want, only things that are needed.
Think simple:
Simple is not a bad thing. You can have an elegant and lavish wedding without spending a lot of money if you focus on keeping things simple.
Invite family and close friends:
Keep the number of people you invite fewer than 100. This will cost a lot less than a wedding with more than that. Keep it intimate. When you send invitations, you only need to send one per household, not guest. Include a note with the invitation requesting the names of family members who are invited.
Make it yourself:
When it’s possible, design things yourself. Beautiful centerpieces can be easily made on a budget with silk flowers and vases from the dollar store. Ask friends and family who are creative and artistically talented to help you.
Shop around:
Check out a number of places to find the best deals. Sometimes a smaller shop will be able to offer you better prices, or use online resources. For example, Vistaprint is very reasonable for invitations and save the date cards and often they will offer free shipping or free envelopes.
Have a buffet:
If you serve food buffet- style, your money will stretch quite a bit further than if you have plated meals. Shop around for caterers, or for even less money, have friends or family members make the food.
Have fun and enjoy planning your extravagant wedding on a budget. It will turn out perfectly.
