A wedding day is one of the most memorable days of your life, but it doesn't have to break the bank or cause you to go in a lot of debt. Here are some ways you can cut expenses for your wedding day and still have the wedding you dreamed of.
1. Picking your Venue
Venues are one of the most expensive aspects of a wedding day. I love a great venue myself; however, they can get pricey and when you think about it, you personally don't get to enjoy the venue like you think you will due to all the busyness of your wedding day. Yes, you will look back on your pictures and/or video of your wedding day and see the beauty of it, but you don't really get to enjoy the beauty of it during the moment. If there is a venue you just have to absolutely get married at, I would recommend seeing the cost of a Friday or Sunday wedding. Most venues offer a discount if you get married on a Friday or Sunday versus the typical Saturday wedding.
Another option would be to have your wedding ceremony outdoors or at a family member’s location with a beautiful outside area and then rent a place for your reception. Be creative with your ceremony, there are several options you can do to have a beautiful ceremony to say your, "I Do's!"
2. Programs and Invitations
Who really cares about programs and who really reads them? If you really want your guests to know who is a part of your wedding party, make a board and display it at the entrance of your ceremony.
Invitations can be pricey as well. Most wedding guests are not going to keep your invitations, even if your pictures are on them. Yes, some guests may notice the intricate details you design for your invitations, but if you're on a budget, do away with expensive invitations and avoid a wedding list bloat.
3. Florals
I absolutely love flowers, but they do die. Cut down on the number of florals you use or even consider using fake flowers. In the pictures, I promise you can't notice the difference.
4. Buy decor as you go
You don't have to purchase all of your decorations at once. Buy as you go or as you see things on sale. Also, I promise you can find a bride selling their decor and get a good deal on it.
5. Do catering yourself
I promise there is a family member or a family friend that would be glad to help out with catering for your wedding day. You can even ask for that to be your wedding present from them so you can cut down on expenses for catering cost.
6. Skip Bridesmaids and Groomsmen gifts
Your wedding party knows you love them so if you explain that you are skipping gifts to cut down on costs, I promise if they are your true friends they will understand. Consider paying for their hair and make-up and let that be their wedding gift from you.
7. BYOB
Have guests bring their own alcohol and buy your own alcohol for your wedding day. This will cut down on costs but still allow your guests to have fun on your big day and yourself.
8. Borrow Stereo Equipment
Make your own wedding playlist and have someone be your DJ for the song you walk down to. No, it may not sound as good as a DJ being there, but if a guest is judging you for that then you wouldn't really want them there anyway.
Again, these are just some ideas to cut back on costs for your wedding day. Every bride has a different budget for their big day. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate and plan your big day. Don't let the expenses of a wedding day stress you out. Evaluate what your budget is and what is most important FOR YOU!
