Cheap Wedding Ideas

Don’t let the words, Cheap Wedding Ideas turn you off, instead come on a journey with me by embracing my ideas and have the ceremony and reception of your dreams whether it be an elegant, sophisticated, trendy or casual affair.

We will explore some inexpensive wedding ideas together and come up with a wonderful plan tailored just for you.

The first order of business is to determine how much your entire budget for your special celebration will be. Once you have your dollar limit that you can comfortably spend, make a list of items that you want to spend your money on. Let’s include everything that you can think of and then you can decide what is important and what can be eliminated.

Typical costs include: invitations, response cards, and stamps, wedding attire (dress, veil, undergarments, garter, shoes, purse), make-up, jewelry, hair stylist, photographer, videographer, decorations, music, ceremony (church, synagogue, mosque) officiate, flowers, reception (food, beverages, cake topper,) favors, transportation, and gifts.

When choosing your venue, keep in mind that the off months for weddings are January through March and therefore, the vendors are more willing to work with you regarding price. Let’s face it, it’s better to have business at a cheaper price, than no business at all. The same holds true for the day of the week. Saturday and Sunday affairs are more expensive than Friday’s and mid week dates.

If you’re thinking of having your reception in your home, park or any location that does not cater for parties, remember to add in the cost to rent tables, chairs, a tent, tablecloths, napkins, dishware, and silverware. If you are not fussy about everything matching, you can ask your friends and family members to lend you some of the above items.

How about considering getting married and having your reception on the beach. The cost of a beach permit would be much less than the donation to a church, mosque, or synagogue.

You could even ask your close friends and family members to bring platters of food and you could fill in with a few items from a local supermarket or bakery.

With today’s computer graphics and laser printers you can print your own invitations and with the help of a talented friend, co-worker or family member your invites will look professional. If that seems like too much of an effort or imposition, check out some websites.

Another cheap wedding idea would be to shop around for your wedding dress and attire, keep in mind that some dress manufacturers sell directly to the public at a fraction of the cost. Other alternatives would include, borrowing a dress, looking in the classified ads. You might even find a dress that was never worn. I know a bride who purchased her gown from a dry cleaner who was selling garments that had not been picked up after they were dry-cleaned.

Cosmeticians and hair stylists can be expensive, so if you’re not comfortable doing your own makeup, check with people that sell makeup. More often than not, they will do your makeup at no cost, if you purchase some of their cosmetics. Remember to have a trial run before your wedding day. Hair stylists typically do not work for free, but you can ask for a “wedding special.”

If you compliment your friends and family members on their jewelry and ask nicely, they probably would be honored if you borrowed their necklace or earrings.

How many times will you look at your picture album or video? A cheap wedding idea alternative to hiring a professional photographer or videographer is to ask a few trusted friends if they would be willing to take your pictures for you. If that is not an option, go to your local college and talk with the photography professor. Ask if he/she knows of any talented students. You can view their work ahead of time and determine if you want to hire them at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

DJ verses band, a band is more expensive than a DJ and a matter of personal preference. Again you can go to a local college, and do as mentioned above.

Most religious houses of worship will work with you if you discuss your financial situation with them ahead of time.

Favors are also a matter of personal choice and can be left out altogether if necessary. However, if you are determined to give favors, a cheap wedding idea that works would be to place candy kisses in tulle, tie with a ribbon and hot glue a rosette.

Transportation can be as simple as asking a friend to chauffer you around for the day.

Use the flowers that are in season for a less expensive alternative to orchards, roses or lilies.

I do hope these cheap wedding ideas work for you and help make your wedding day memorable.

SBI!