Friday, 17 June 2011

Planning a Wedding on a Budget

Yes, you want your wedding to be really special, doesn't everyone? But at the same time, you do not want to be carried away by the 'wedding fever syndrome' that most brides suffer and end up spending wayyyyy more than they set out to do in the first place. You want to defy that and go in for planning a wedding on a budget. You and him, both believe, that instead of spending ALL that money on the wedding, you could simply use it for your future and to set up a comfortable household. Or do a noble thing like give some of the sum that you would've spent on an extravagant wedding, to some charity organization. A great thought like that (planning a wedding on a budget) deserves some great advice to go with it. So if you're hoping on planning a wedding on a budget, you'll need some tips. And that is exactly what this article will give you. So read on and take inspiration from these steps to wedding planning.

How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget

I understand that when you start planning a wedding on a tight budget, there might be moments when you get flustered, and don't know what to compromise on, or what to include. Each aspect of the wedding will start to seem as important as the next. In such a situation, it would really help if you have a guide on planning a wedding on a low budget. So here's what I say, simply follow the following steps, and I promise, that at the end of the article, you will not be bogged down by unwanted anxiety and tension on accord of planning a wedding on a budget.

Decide Your Budget

This is THE most important step in planning your wedding on a budget. Your partner and you should have a sit, and sketch out what is the budget you can afford. Have all the points ready - what is the amount your parents are planning on spending, what is the amount you both are comfortable with, what is the area that you want to spend the maximum amount on. Having an idea about all this will help you in planning a wedding on a budget. Read more on wedding budget spreadsheet.

Guest List

The guest list will depend on what you give priority to at your wedding. If you are fine about the idea of a casual wedding or a wedding without the necessary 'frills', then it is possible to have a bigger guest list. But if on the other hand, you want your guests to partake of exotic dishes and wines or you want a very expensive music band (Maybe owing to the special memories it has for you) then it is best that you keep a small guest list because your expenses will have increased on account of the food and band. The guest list will depend on the total budget and what you're willing to spend on.

Venue and Timing

This one's real important when planning a wedding on a budget. This is where you can really save up. Instead of having your wedding at an expensive inn or a hall, have it from your home. Or if that entails too much planning, try setting up the wedding at a local park. Take the necessary permissions and then re-vamp the place with wedding flowers, lights and other wedding decorations to make it a dream wedding. Similarly, think about the timing of the wedding. Having a night wedding will be far more expensive than a morning or afternoon wedding because of the expense of drinks and dinner involved. Read on planning a wedding on a small budget.

Take Help

This is one of the sanest things to do when planning a wedding on a budget. Instead of hiring a professional designer to design your wedding gown, have your friend design one especially for you at a much lesser cost than what you would've had to spend at a boutique. Is your friend into wedding catering? Ask her to make some inexpensive dishes or even the wedding cake, and again, great bucks saved. Or does your friend have a band? Ask him to be your music guy. If one of your friends is a great photographer then ask him to be your photographer. It'll be more special that way and he'll capture all the great moments that a professional might not have.

Other Tips

Here are some quick go-to tips on planning a wedding on a budget:

    * Design your own wedding invitations instead of ordering them.
    * Instead of having expensive flowers for the bride's and bride's maids bouquets, make a choice to have simple flowers. And then use the same set as decorations for the center table.
    * If you have no qualms about the music and don't need to have a band at your wedding, then you could simply prepare a medley of all your favorite romantic numbers.
    * Instead of having an expensive reception later, use some wedding reception ideas and just treat all your friends at a small restaurant or hold a casual party at your place. This will save you a lot of money and will be a more intimate affair.
    * You could also hold a potluck dinner/lunch theme. It'll save you the time and work.
    * Instead of having expensive return wedding gifts or centerpieces, contact a local art school and let them do the needful.

Who says a wedding has to be expensive to be special? Planning a wedding on a budget can be just as special and maybe even more intimate. It'll help you to spend that important day with the people you truly love and care about. So what you waiting for then? Stop worrying about the wedding now, 'coz that's taken care of and start searching for some honeymoon destinations instead! All the best!

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