When a mid-range wedding can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars, the dollar-conscious bride starts looking for ways to save money without cutting corners. The issue is that the wedding industry is ridiculously bloated when it comes prices, and if you don’t look twice, you are going to see those costs mount up. However, if you know where to make some cuts and what isn’t necessary, you can shave hundreds if not thousands of dollars off of your wedding fees, which just means more cash for the honey moon!
First of all, consolidate your guest list. The fewer the people, the more intimate and lavish the ceremony can be. One interesting way that many brides save cash is actually by holding two ceremonies. One small, formal ceremony is for their intimate family and friends, with a larger, casual ceremony for everyone. This is also a great choice for brides who have friends that don’t mix well with their family.
Another way to cut back on costs is with the dress. Some wedding dress stores have special sales or membership discounts, where you will be able to shop before a rush. This is a good way to check out sample gowns or to pick up gowns at a fraction of the price, making the membership well worth it. Similarly, if you are not at a chain, try some haggling. Offer to send all the bridesmaids to the same store for their dresses if you can get a discount on the wedding dress.
Make your own bridal accessories. Something about putting the word “bridal” on a pair of barrettes or some hair combs makes the item several times more expensive than it should be. Instead, head to the craft store and purchase a hot glue gun and the materials for your own hair accessories. At the same time, why not purchase some jewelry findings and make some jewelry for your bridesmaids? This personal touch is perfect for bridesmaid gifts. If you are very handy with a sewing machine, you can even make your own veil.
Make your own wedding favors or purchase them wholesale. Wedding favors give the guests something that they can hang on to after a wedding, so consider what you want to leave at each seat. This is where a crafty personal touch comes in handy. For example, why not make your own molded chocolates for the occasion? Melting chocolate and pouring it into a mold gives you a beautiful result for a small amount of effort. If you choose to purchase your wedding favors wholesale, consider things like wooden fans or small carved boxes. These lovely gifts are cheap to purchase, but have a high amount of perceived value.
One good trick for keeping the food costs low is to plan the wedding between meals. If you do want to make sure that your guests receive a meal at the wedding, plan to make the meal lunch rather than dinner. Depending on the caterer, there may be a lower cost for buffet dining over specific plates for each guest. Explore your options; catering is one of those things that can vary intensely in cost depending on who is doing it, and it is in your best interests to shop around.
A wonderful wedding doesn’t need to break the bank, and using even a few of these steps save you plenty of cash!
If you’re looking for affordable wedding accessories online, visit Stylish Weddings Melbourne – they stock accessories to compliment every part of your wedding day. From bridal essentials, wedding ceremony accessories, and items to spice up your reception and honeymoon.
