Think you can’t have the wedding you want because you can’t afford it? Think again. There are many creative ways you can save money on your wedding without sacrificing quality. Leah Ingram, author of Tie the Knot on a Shoestring (Penguin Group, 2007), offers these 10 tips for a budget-happy wedding.
1. Don't be a June bride. Let the folks with fat wallets pay prime prices during high wedding season. If you plan your wedding for another month, you'll get better deals.
2. Consider a destination wedding. Destination weddings tend to attract fewer guests, meaning you'll be paying less, and if you get married in the place where you'll be honeymooning, you’ll save on travel because you'll already be there!
3. Don't be embarrassed to barter. If you've got a marketable skill that a wedding vendor might find valuable, see if he or she will barter their services for whatever service you can offer to them.
4. Find a simple set of wheels to get you to the altar on time. Don't put all your money on a stretch limo if a Lincoln Town Car, PT Cruiser or VW Bug will be equally as efficient (and much cheaper) as your means of transportation.
5. Give back with favours. Couples who opt to make a donation to charity in lieu of traditional favours usually end up spending a lot less in the end. Plus, you'll feel great supporting a good cause on your special day.
6. Make sure your reception music matches your wedding. There's no need to hire a 12-piece orchestra to entertain guests at your Sunday brunch. Instead, load up your iPod and spin the tunes yourself (for free)!
7. Don't be afraid to DIY. Make your own invitations, do your own hair, use fresh-picked flowers for a bouquet, all of these do-it-yourself methods can save big bucks.
8. Find a white dress but not necessarily a gown. Don't be fooled into thinking that you have to have a wedding gown that looks like something a celebrity would wear. Many stores have lovely white dresses that are formal but cost significantly less than a gown.
9. Keep your bridal party to a minimum. The more people in your wedding, the more gifts you have to buy, hotels you have to pay for and other expenses that go along with having a large wedding party.
10. Finalize your budget and guest list before you spend a dime. Otherwise, you’ll end up buying things or putting deposits on places that aren’t appropriate for the style or size of your wedding.
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