Bridal Club Magazine
Trying To Cut Wedding Costs? – Here’s Some Budget Tips
Most brides have dreamt about their wedding day since childhood.
Unfortunately, professionals have expertly helped built a cultural
tradition that comes with a hefty price-tag. Although, weddings are
very costly today your dream day can happen. Here are some tips to
help cut corners and advice on how to save you money without making
huge sacrifices. By making the time to plan and investigate, you
will be amazed at the amount of money that can be saved.
You would not arrive at an interview for your dream job without
prior preparation, would you? No, you would not, and that is why
preparation and research will make your wedding a success without
re-mortgaging your parents or your house!
Order a small wedding cake for the cake table to display and a
large sheet cake to cut and serve from the kitchen. Serve the cake
as the dessert to complete your meal and forget about sweets.
Rent, borrow or make as many items as possible! Some items to
borrow from a friend or relative are a cake knife and serving set,
toasting glasses, jewellery and the bride's shoes.
You can make several items or enlist a few friends to help with
ribbons, pew bows, veil and headpiece, church programs,
bridesmaids' dresses, bridal purse, ring bearer pillow and the cake
top to reduce costs.
Instead of hiring a florist, make items or contact a local
floral design school and hire them to provide your flowers. Carry a
small bouquet or one flower and have your attendants do the same.
The bridesmaids' bouquets can double as flower arrangements on the
head table.
When shopping for dresses, shop at manufacturers outlet stores
(sometimes slightly imperfect), consignment shops, discontinued
gown racks, the Internet and newspaper ads. Remember, it is always
great if you can count on Dear Aunt Marge or your granny to make
them too! They are sure they would be honoured.
When setting the wedding date you may want to consider choosing
a Friday rather than a Saturday as it usually trims off about $5
per guest at your dinner reception. (This will vary and it will pay
to ask)
Choose a buffet or plate dinner versus a sit-down dinner. Serve
chicken or pasta; it is less expensive. In addition, you may want
to decide on a morning or afternoon reception and serve cake,
punch, and hors d'oeuvres.
Serve beer, wine or just host a cocktail hour. Purchase your
liquor from wholesalers. It may be wise to check with culinary and
bakery schools in your area to see if they can help with food
preparation; many will prepare the food for its cost.
Rent a Cadillac or other luxury vehicle just for the bride,
groom, maid or matron of honour and best man to save on the expense
of a limousine. The other members of the Bridal Party will most
likely want to ride with their spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend to
the reception.
When choosing your wedding invitation, select one that will only
require one stamp. Another great tip is to have your reception
information added on the ceremony invitation to eliminate the
expense of the reception card.
A little thought and creativity will certainly go a long way to
help you have a wonderful wedding on a budget. Good luck!