We all dreamed, since we were so young, to have a wonderful wedding, princess-like. But while growing up, we realize fairy tales do not come true. At least not for everybody. And usually you have to bootstrap from here a little, from there a little…and sometimes it happens to have to bootstrap where it hurts the most: your wedding. But, no worries, my fellows, it is possible to have a wonderful wedding on a tight budget. And here we will give you some advice.
Before going into details, remember that the only things you need to have a really successful wedding are: a bride, a groom and an officiant. Everything else it’s optional. Yes, even the family and guest. Remembering this will encourage you when you will have to make the tough decisions.
So, here we go. Things you can improve or fluff less when organizing a wedding on a tight budget:
Slash your budget by slashing the guest list, first of all. We understand that a wedding is a celebration, but again, it is a very personal thing. So, choose to invite only the people who were really close to you.
Do you really have to invite the people you made a business or your parents just network with? Or the very far far far cousin you haven’t seen since you were in diapers? Is it really necessary to invite your college classmates with whom you keep in touch only on social media but not in person? No? Good! Then don’t. Inviting people only who really matter to you and your significant other will not only help you on organizing your wedding on a tight budget but will make the wedding itself fun.
Well, this is rather complicated. But, it’s not impossible! What you have to do, first and first, is to not spend a chunk of money on a dress. No, really, it’s not worth it. Yes, you will feel beautiful, but it will be just for a day.
But, there are some alternatives: you can find a cheap dress, yet designer on internet: craiglist, ebay, etsy etc. Or in thrift stores, but those are second hand. Or, if you have some talented friends or people you know, they might be able to copy the model themselves and make it from scratch. No designer label, but the same model and much much much more cheaper.
But if you really want to go with a brand-new designer dress, give up on the veil. You spend a really big amount of money on it. Or, make it yourself or replace it with a beautiful jewel, and padabum, you resolve this issue of your wedding on a tight budget.
This is the thing that will cost you a huge amount of money. Immediately, the honey moon follows. So, what can you do? First of all, you need to have the ceremony and the reception in the same place. To cut out costs, of course. Secondly, it is highly recommended to find a venue that doesn’t require to use their vendors.
You can also rent a B&B in a different location, if you want, like in the mountains. Usually, if you fill up the rooms, the wedding venue is free. Just a suggestion that might help you on organizing a wedding on a tight budget.
Don’t aim for a sit-down buffet. The vendors will cost you a huge amount of money. Pick a Swedish buffet instead and offer different types of food. If you need, you can include main courses too.
Don’t offer a huge amount of drinks. Go with wine, beer, eventually vodka and a cocktail signature. Of course, the bar has to be free. You don’t want your guests to pay per each glass of wine, do you?
Try to look out for a venue that doesn’t need too much decoration. Or if this happens, try to make them yourself or borrow them. Yes, it’s possible to borrow them. You will save a huge amount of money for your wedding on a tight budget.
About the flowers, try to pick seasonal ones. And you don’t need to combine your bouquet with fancy impossible to pronounce names.
You don’t have to hire a DJ or a band. If you have an iPod or anything which can stack music, ta-da, you have a DJ! It’s even more recommended to have your own playlists. This way, you can make sure you won’t fail with music.
You can talk with one of your friends to be the MC when there’s something important to announce, but don’t invest a bunch of money in this. It’s too expensive. But, if you really want a live band, you can choose one which plays in pubs or from art schools. They’re cheaper.
If your friends or family want to help you, let them! Delegate them the tasks you cannot accomplish by yourself. Hiring a planner will be much expensive, and this is a great way to cut costs.
I know you have a wedding on a tight budget, but this is the one thing you should invest most of the money. When looking back at this photographs (and you will), you will be filled with regrets because you went all cheap on this matter.
All in all, it is possible to have a wedding on a tight budget and still to be great. If you have any other ideas or stories, please feel free to share them with us.
