With holiday-time marriage proposals aplenty and summer weddings on the horizon, wedding planning ramps up this time each year.
While some couples might be tempted to go all-out on the high-end wedding of their dreams, the process can be financially stressful for many.
There are many ways you can still have a beautiful, special day without starting your marriage with loads of wedding-related debt.
Read on for some expert tips for cutting wedding costs:
Schedule wisely
You can save some money by scheduling wisely. For one, opting for a wedding and reception any other time than Saturday can save you quite a bit. Saturday is the most popular wedding day, and therefore the most expensive; venues and vendors can charge a premium because of such high demand. A Sunday morning ceremony with a brunch reception or a Friday night ceremony and party can be just as elegant as the traditional Saturday shindig.
Also be smart about how much time you leave between the ceremony and the reception, including travel time. Most vendors — photographers, DJs, etc. — stay on the clock during that time, even if they’re not necessarily busy.
Double duty
Some careful planning and a little creativity can go a long way toward cutting your costs. Finding ways to incorporate items into multiple roles throughout the day can pay off. For example, use the ceremony flowers for decor at the reception; a trusted friend or family member, or a wedding coordinator, can make the transfer for you. Bridesmaids bouquets make great centerpieces too. Another idea: incorporate your guests’ favors into the table decor.
Rethink the cake
Forego the elaborate, multi-tiered cake in favor of a smaller decorated cake and some sheet cakes. A two-tier cake is perfect for photos and for the ceremonial cutting of the cake — plus you’ll get the top tier to take home for your one-year anniversary. To feed the crowd, get sheet cakes from the same bakery. They’ll taste as good as the tiered cake, but you won’t have to pay for them to be decorated.
Watch for hidden costs and add-ons
Speaking of cake … many caterers charge cake-cutting fees. You can save that money by asking a couple family members or friends to take charge of the cake cutting and serving. Other extras that get rolled in, like cake plates and dessert napkins, can be convenient from the caterer, but you might find a better deal getting those plates and napkins at a local party store. Long story short: read all contracts carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about any or all of the line items on the invoice.
BYOB
Picking a venue that allows you to stock your own bar can save big bucks. Also consider limiting the choices to a few beers and wines, then a signature cocktail or two.
Rally the troops
Chances are, you have tons of talented people in your family and circle of friends. Some might even be willing to perform your ceremony, play music for the ceremony or reception, shoot the video or bake the cake. You can ask loved ones to “donate” their services in lieu of wedding gifts. Having a potluck for the rehearsal dinner can make for a special, intimate evening with your closest loved ones without shelling out lots of cash.
Along these same lines, look for less expensive local vendors. A culinary arts student could bake your cake, a digital media student or professor could shoot and edit a wedding video, cosmetology students can do the bridal party’s hair and makeup, a graphic design student can help with the invitations … you get the idea.
Open your mind
Don’t get stuck in a rut of traditions. Your wedding band doesn’t have to be made of gold or platinum; titanium, tungsten, stainless steel and even wood can all make beautiful alternatives. And instead of the traditional bouquets of roses, consider greenery instead. Looking beyond preconceived ideas of what a wedding is supposed to be can open up boatloads of possibilities.
Sources: HuffingtonPost.com, Brides.com, TheSimpleDollar.com.
