The first thing you should do upon beginning your wedding planning is decide on a realistic and achievable wedding budget. This part of the planning process may seem a little daunting but I assure you it will save you stress and energy if you have it covered right away! Us women can often get carried away with our spending habits so you should sit down with your partner and go through what you are willing to spend on each detail.
There are some easy ways in which you can save yourself money in your wedding budget. No bride or groom wants to have to sacrifice certain details in order to stay within budget, and this need not be the case! I would also advise you to set up a wedding savings account that way your money will be kept save and you won’t be tempted to attack the piggy bank when you see a new pair of heels you ‘need’!
Here are our Top 10 Wedding Budget Tips:
10. Day of Wedding
Deciding to have your wedding mid-week could end up saving you quite a bit. Wedding venues usually offer special discounted packages for mid-week weddings and many suppliers also charge a little less. Saturday is the most expensive day to get married.
9. Winter Wedding
The cost of a wedding during the winter months can be considerably less than one during the rest of the year. Don’t be afraid to ask about any special offers or promotions in your potential wedding venues if you were to book a winter wedding.
8. Guest List
Go through your guest list one last time. Is there really a need for you to invite your 3rd cousin who you haven’t seen since you were a teenager? Once you have your family and friends with you on your wedding day that it is the most important thing!
7. Invitations
Why not become a DIY bride and make your own wedding invitations?! Use your imagination, there are plenty of ideas and tutorials available online. Gather some supplies from your local stationery shop and away you go!
6. Reply Cards
Skip the reply cards and have your guests RSVP via telephone or email. This will not only save you money on additional wedding stationery but also the cost of a stamp which wedding couples usually include in each reply card.
5. Child Free Wedding
This may or not be something you have already thought about. Although the cost of each child at your wedding is not as much as each adult, all the little people can add up to quite an amount. Explain to your guests that in order to keep the expenses to a minimum you have decided to have a child free wedding. I’m sure many parents will look forward to the night off!
4. Buffet Dinner
A buffet or bbq style dinner can work out less expensive than a sit down wedding meal. Have a chat with the chef in your chosen wedding venue about the option available. They will be able to give you some direction as to what would best suit you and your budget.
3. DIY Favours
Make your own wedding favours. This can not only result in savings in your budget but will also be personal! Your guests will love the fact that you made this gift especially to thank them for joining your celebrations. Homemade treats, candles or even a wedding poem are some options you could consider!
2. Silk Flowers
Silk flowers are a great option as they not only look amazing but can also be taken home the day after the wedding as a keepsake! Available in every colour and design imaginable, I guarantee you your guests won’t even notice the difference!
1. Dessert Table
Have members of your family and friends to each bring along a cake or dessert to form a dessert table. You can then use this as the dessert after the wedding meal and also to replace the wedding cake if you wish. If you do still want to include the cutting of the cake ceremony, order a small wedding cake as there will be plenty of sweet treats for your guests to enjoy.
{Image of Piggy Bank by The Pig Pen on Etsy}
