There’s no intending bride who wouldn’t love to have an unlimited budget for her wedding. There’s also no bride who doesn’t want everything to be perfect and go hitch free. Unfortunately, most couples have limits to how much they can spend on that special day.
Set reasonable expectations
It’s easy to get caught up in the “perfect wedding syndrome.” However, every item you select doesn’t have to be perfect. Table centerpieces, for example, don’t need to be glitzy. Such items just have to be a good fit and available at reasonable prices.
Let your friends and family help
People in your inner circle may have skills that can come in handy in terms of trimming costs. Need a photographer, seamstress, florist, caterer or DJ? Perhaps a friend or relative can do the job just as well as a professional. Consider asking for help in lieu of a wedding present.
Skip some of the customized items
Napkins don’t need to have the bride and groom’s names printed on them. After all, everyone knows whose wedding it is (if they don’t, printing it on the napkins probably won’t help).
Rent rather than buy
With a few exceptions, you don’t want to buy items for your wedding that can’t be used for another occasion. For instance, you may never find another use for that huge punch bowl, so it makes more sense to rent one.
Go direct
You don’t need to go to a bridal shop to purchase wedding invitations. Go to a local printing company, or order online to save costs.
Get a better bridal gown on a budget
Every bride wants to look radiant walking down the aisle—and she can. But if she rents her dress or buys a used one, she can do it for a lot less.
Keep your impulses in check
Of course, you want a memorable wedding, which can make it easy to convince yourself that it’s okay spending a little more than planned. However, if you do that every time you make a purchase, you will wind up breaking your budget.
Be cake creative
Rather than buy a giant, expensive wedding cake from a top-of-the-line bakery, opt for a smaller, professional wedding cake and topper, and then add sheet cakes made by friends and family.
Shop around for flowers
Bridal bouquets should be beautiful, but don’t let florists stretch your budget too thin. Get estimates from several stores in your area, and let them know that youare price shopping. The motivation to compare prices helps a lot.
Forego the limousine
When you think back on your reception, odds are your fond memories won’t include the limo. Therefore, have a friend drive you and avoid shelling out for the unnecessary thing.