Every wedding has a budget. While the bride and groom may not be on a shoe string budget,
they can still maximize even a sizable budget to include everything that will make their
church or beach wedding magical. Even if the happy couple has a good amount to spend on their fantasy
wedding, check out these five ways to make the most of that wedding budget. Their guests, on the other hand, may use Custom Wedding Gifting Services to help them find great gifts for the couple.
1. Borrow Jewelry
Everyone knows how expensive jewelry can be. Why spend a lot of money on something that
will likely only ever be worn once before being stored away with everything else from the big
day, such as the dress, the veil and the shoes? Instead of purchasing jewelry, the thrifty bride
can borrow some from Mom, Great Aunt Sally, or her BFF. This way she can customize a
look that will dazzle her guests and look great in photos, but that won’t break the bank.
2. Nix the Favors
The take-home favors element of the wedding tradition is on its way out. Why? Many brides
feel it is an unnecessary cost that is ultimately underutilized by guests, particularly by finicky
guests who may have food allergies or allergies to fresh flowers. Cut this cost and put the
money towards something more important to the couple, whether that’s a full open bar for
guests or the seasonal floral bouquet the maid of honor had her eye on. By spending less on
the little things the lucky couple can spend big on others, like finding the perfect venue. The
best way to celebrate the lucky couple’s union and the beginning of their lives together is with
eclectic dining, attentive wait staff and beautiful outdoor views that all combine to make for a
storybook wedding, says the GrandView.
3. Don’t Stress Over the Photography
While the bride and groom certainly want lots of gorgeous photos to document the big day, this doesn’t have to be the biggest piece of their wedding budget. Instead of ordering a big fancy photo package and book, couples on a tighter budget should opt for a CD of all the image files instead, advises The Budget Savvy Bride.
Looking to save even more? Instead of contracting with the biggest name in town in terms of photographers, hire a student or someone who’s just starting out in the world of photography to slash this part of the budget—the offer will make an aspiring photographer’s day and save the wedded couple a big chunk of change. However, if you want your wedding videos to be done professionally, you may hire a videographer.
4. Keep the Dress Simple
When a lovely white dress is labeled a “bridal gown” its price goes up exponentially. Rather
than shell out big bucks on a dress she will wear for just five hours, go shopping off the rack
for a formal white dress or bridesmaid dress, suggest the experts at Destination Weddings and
Honeymoons. Versatility is another piece to this puzzle. Consider buying a gown that
detaches at the bottom for a train-free, more casual dress that the bride won’t need to change
out of before she can dance at the reception.
5. Cut the Guest List Down to Size
Sure, lots of couples feel obligated to have Uncle Bert at their wedding, even though he’s the
groom’s stepdad’s cousin’s brother’s ex, but there just isn’t room to invite everyone. The couple
should sit down together and think about who they truly want to celebrate this special day
with them and then trim the guest list down for a more intimate setting. Between inviting both
sets of parents’ friends and all the extraneous relatives, many brides and grooms find
themselves being congratulated by someone they don’t even know! When it comes down to it,
this night and these memories belong to the guests of honor: the couple entering into wedded
bliss. Splurge more on the venue and less on the number of guests, and the wedding is sure to
be a most memorable time.
By following the tips above, the wedding party can rid themselves of budgetary distractions and focus on what’s important.
