Kate is back today with more ideas on planning your dream wedding on a budget. If you missed the first part of the post, click here. She’s got some great tips for saving money, yet still having a beautiful ceremony.
Enlist Friends and Family to Help with Decorations
When it comes to decorations, don’t be afraid to enlist your friends and family for help. It’s free labor, and it can actually be really fun! Gather all of the supplies, set out some snacks and invite everyone over for a decoration-making party! The decorations will feel more personal and special, knowing they were made by the hands of all of the people you love the most! If you don’t know where to start, the DIY Network is a great place to get ideas and step-by-step directions for many decoration projects.
Keep it Small and Intimate
Making the final guest list can be extremely difficult, but it’s important to keep in mind that this is your special day. The more guests you invite, the less chance you will have to really spend quality time with those people (not to mention the money you will save on transportation and food by keeping the guest list small). By keeping your numbers down, your wedding will become a much more intimate and personal affair-And your boss’s wife’s best friend will probably not be offended if they don’t receive an invite.
A photo from my wedding with Ben’s grandmother, who passed away last year.
Go Off-Peak
One plan you can make that will save you money on your venue and in some cases, many of your other purchases, is by getting married when everyone else isn’t. Try getting married on a Friday or Sunday instead of a Saturday, in February instead of May, or at noon instead of 6 p.m. The logic on this one is pretty simple: if the floral shop isn’t making many sales, if the place you want to have your reception is serving lunch or if the front lawn will be covered in snow instead of spring flowers, you can probably get a deal. Tripadvisor.com and livingsocial.com are great resources for those looking for discounted hotels during off-peak seasons.
Always Negotiate
Before you sign any contract, always try to negotiate a better price than what is originally offered. The worst that can happen is the vendor says, “no,” but there is certainly no harm in asking. Many vendors offer discounts during the “off-season”(November-March) and offer different packages that range in price, so you can select one that fits your budget.
Yes, weddings are expensive, but as you can see, there are so many ways to save money and still have the perfect wedding. These are just a few of the ways to save, so get creative and brainstorm other money-saving ideas. Remember, your wedding is about much more than the cake, decorations or food. It’s about making a commitment to love your best friend forever and creating a memory that will last a lifetime.
I’m so thankful that Kate, has shared such super-informative posts on creating a beautiful wedding on a budget.
If you’re married, did you use any of these tips for your wedding?
If you’re not married, what advice from Kate looks most helpful to you for the future?
About Kelli Hays
