Getting married? 13 shrewd ways to save money without sacrificing style.
If you're planning a wedding and your budget is starting to resemble the Gross National Deficit of a small nation, then it's time to get smart about ways you can save money without sacrificing on style. Here we offer 13 shrewd ways to help you get hitched without your debt going global.
- Do your research
When contemplating a trip down the aisle, it definitely pays to do your research. Explore different venues and options that are a good fit for your personal preferences and investigate pricing for different seasons, sizes, and wedding styles.
- Plan your timing
Getting married on a weekday, or either side of peak season can almost halve your wedding venue costs - not to mention that certain wedding suppliers also lower their rates during the off-season.
- Choose your own vendors
Most venues will have preferred suppliers; however getting quotes from independent suppliers for elements including catering, entertainment, and alcohol can save you big bucks if you source your own cheaper options.
- Personalised place cards that double as wedding favours
Save money on your bonbonniere by utilising place cards that double as your guest gifts. These days guests are greeted with everything from bottle openers to photo frames when finding their place in your nuptial celebrations. These placeholders double as wedding favours and provide guests with a tangible keepsake they can use for years to come.
- Party in the one place
Combining your ceremony and reception in the one location can save on cash - especially if you utilise a non-traditional wedding venue. Renting a house, barn, hall or other picturesque location to host your festivities can prove to be your wedding budget's best friend.
- Get serious about your guest list
Guests can undoubtedly be the most expensive element of your wedding. While it's nice to think you can invite every person that has ever been a part of your life; getting serious about numbers can definitely boost your wedding day budget.
- Try non-traditional wedding food
Serving a la carte alternate menus - think beef, chicken, beef, chicken - can push your costs up and are slightly on the snore side. Investigate options such as spit roasts, buffets, paellas, and other non-traditional wedding food fare to provide your guests delicious food at a fraction of the cost.
- Let your cake topper do the talking
There is no avoiding the fact that wedding cakes are expensive. Instead of going all out on some fancy fondant, opt for a simpler, yet still scrumptious wedding cake and complete it with a show-stopping cake topper to impress your guests for less.
- Keep alcohol options to a minimum
Including hard liquor on your alcohol tab will raise more than just spirits. Keep your alcohol options limited and see if you can pre-purchase your beverages. Many places have a buy-back option for any unopened bottles that aren't consumed at the event. If you must pay-per-glass at the venue, be clear beforehand about your cut-off point. See our Wedding Glasses Here.
- Keep transport tight
Save on expensive wedding cars or big-budget transport options and think about friends and family whose wheels you love to get you from A to B. This could be anything from a kombi to a motorbike to a minivan. Minimising the distance between wedding day locations might also help.
- Shop wedding details on sale
The laws of supply and demand ensure that many wedding details to make your big day great will be on sale at some point in the seasonal wedding cycle. Keep an eye out and shop online for inexpensive wedding favors and decorations when the price is right.
- Call on your creative friends
Flowers, photography, styling - there's a whole range of wedding elements that can be managed by people on your guest list. Choose people you trust who have a talent for specific elements and allow their creative genius to shine.
- Don't let tradition dictate your budget
More than ever before, wedding celebrations are a unique reflection of the mutual identity of the happy couple, so don't assume you need to do anything a certain way. Save on bridesmaids' bouquets by having them carry other items such as candles or fans. Get your groomsmen to do the set-up or wear a non-traditional dress that you adore.
For more inexpensive wedding day ideas go to personalisedfavours.com.au