It’s likely that a wedding is the single most costly party a couple will ever have. Weddings can be quite expensive and couples and their parents may need to find ways to cut costs. There are many things you can do to save money without compromising the quality of your party.
1. Save money by taking on the wedding planning instead of hiring a wedding consultant.
2. Consider a cocktail reception. Serve cocktails along with appetizers instead of a full dinner. You can usually cut the reception costs in half by using this technique.
3. Cut the guest list down by inviting some people only to the after-party – cocktails and dancing after dinner.
4. If you have a friend who is good at photography, have him take candid photos at the reception. This will allow you to reduce the number of photos your professional photographer will need to take.
5. Create bridal and bridesmaids bouquets from artificial or paper flowers. They are much less expensive than real flowers and will last forever.
6. Save money on transportation. Ask a friend with a unique or vintage car to drive you to and from the church.
7. Keep the number of attendants in the bridal party to a minimum to help keep costs down.
8. A vintage or pre-worn wedding gown will save you quite a bit of money. Have it cleaned and altered to fit you perfectly?
9. Recruit the help of your bridesmaids to craft the wedding favours for the event.
10. Design and print your own wedding invitations using a free software program that can be found online.
11. Send invitations online instead of paying for snail mail.
12. Get your hair and makeup was done through a cosmetology school for free.
13. Borrow a veil from a friend or family member. This can serve as your “something borrowed” for your wedding.
14. Make your own table centrepieces using inexpensive materials and your own creativity.
15. Choose cupcakes instead of a full-size wedding cake. These are easier to distribute and don’t require a cutting fee.
16. Check local colleges to find an inexpensive DJ for your party. Make your own playlist so there won’t be any problems.
17. If serving dinner, opt for family style rather than pre-plated menus as this will save money.
18. Early preparation and organization will always help you reduce costs.
19. Have a daytime wedding and afternoon reception rather than in the evening. The costs of the venue and professional services will typically be lower.
20. When possible, it is usually less expensive to purchase a package reception deal instead of buying services piece by piece.
21. Make your own reception place cards.
22. Book a block of rooms in advance for your out of town guests to get a good price.
23. Shop early for a honeymoon package that is all-inclusive.
24. Decide not to invite children or to include extra guests to the reception. This will save a lot of food expenses.
25. Print your own wedding program and enlist help to hand them out.