It is worth remembering for anyone planning to get married that weddings these days are very expensive; despite problems elsewhere, 25 billion dollars are spent each year on weddings with the average costing around 25,000 dollars. It may feel as if you must have an expensive wedding or miss out, this is not the case as huge savings can be made without sacrificing that much. Carried out properly, the majority of guests will not even realize they have attended a 'cheap wedding'. It just requires a little knowledge, imagination and clever ideas to reduce the huge amount that is spent, which should make for an exciting, memorable day without the financial pain.
Hand Me Down Hand Made Gown
Choosing a wedding gown does not have to be costly. The huge cost of a designer wedding dress cannot always be justified these days. many bridal shops carry a large number of previously owned dresses that can be hired or bought for considerably less than new. Or if you're looking for unusual wedding dresses, try a casual wedding dress which is likely to cost a lot less than a formal wedding gown.
The Reception
The largest single cost is that of the wedding reception but even here savings are possible; with close to 200 people attending, the reception is the first place to make your cheap wedding more of a reality. Reducing the number of people who attend, including distant relatives or friends you haven't been in contact with for years, will help enormously; you can even carry out some of the catering yourself and have a hot and cold buffet style meal instead of a four courses.
Other cost reductions can be made in where the wedding reception is held. It could take place in a friend's house or a local club where money could be saved on beverages if they are supplied directly.
Wedding Photography
Although many photographers are employed for the entire day, this isn't really necessary; the majority of guests are more than happy to take photos on behalf of the couple, and they will be 'natural' shots as well! You could, if you are brave, dispense with the services of a photographer completely; a friend or relative who is a keen photographer might be happy to do this for you!
Online Wedding Invitations
When looking at other areas where money can be saved, do not overlook wedding stationery; invitations for example, do not have to be taken to a printer when they can be produced by anyone reasonably competent with a home computer. Many people are now competent enough to produce near professional quality work; problems and errors can be corrected quickly without regular visits to the printers.With sophisticated customization tools you'll be able to enter your own text and preview it before you print; so as not to make any costly mistakes, all from the benefit of your probably underused PC.
The Wedding Flowers
If you want to reduce the cost of flowers, then how about this for an option - why not visit the local flower wholesaler where huge savings are possible, then all that's needed is a little imagination when it comes to the display. There is no reason why a friend or relative can't bake the wedding cake, as this will save more money plus the traditional fruit cake does not have to be used as there are many other fillings that people enjoy.
Transportation for the Wedding Day
It is not uncommon for someone close who has a luxury car to offer a couple the use of it for the day. Cleaned, polished and decorated with ribbons, it can look really impressive.
It may be a cheap wedding but it can still be enjoyed by everyone that attends. They do not need to know it was arranged on a very tight budget!