Often, many engaged couples save very hard for their dream wedding only to find that they have to start from zero savings again once their wedding is over or worse, end up in debt! Couple that with a global recession and a wedding of your dreams might seem even impossible. It isn’t and here are 5 more ways you can make your wedding budget work for you to have a happy wedding, even in an economic downturn!
Trim Your Guest List
Some of the biggest costs of your wedding is in your wedding reception dinner or lunch. If you have a guest list of close to 1,000 guests, the cost of food alone will be staggering! Discuss with your partner the size of wedding you want and how best you can both trim your guest list without offending relatives or friends. If you are planning a small wedding, don’t feel obliged to make everyone happy. Ultimately it is your wedding party and budget!
Save on Wedding Liquor
Liquor is another huge cost in your wedding, especially in Chinese banquet dinners where some guests can drink like fish! Serving wine instead of expensive hard liquor such as brandy and champagne can trim some parts of your budget. Look out for warehouse sales on wine and liquor or purchase all the liquor you need from one vendor. The bulk purchase will give you better buying and negotiation power for a cheaper price.
Have A Wedding Lunch
Often, lunch menus or sets in a restaurant are slightly cheaper for lunch compared to dinner. You can also save on your make up artist as you might just need a touch up instead of a complete makeover before your reception. Some savings might be also found in photographers and videographers as you will not be hiring them for a full day. So opt for a wedding lunch instead of a wedding dinner and you will have a more relaxed and hassle free wedding day.
Is Pre-wedding Photography Necessary?
Discuss with your partner if you think pre-wedding photography sessions are really important or if you prefer to save that money towards hiring a good photographer for your wedding day. Pre-wedding photography usually involves posed shots before your wedding day. They look nice as the shots are often touched up with special effects to bring out the best in the couple. However, spontaneous shots on your actual wedding day may hold more memories and emotion when you look back on them.
Should You Have A Wedding Band
It is a lovely idea to have a live wedding band for your first dance as a married couple. A good band though can be quite expensive as there are often additional costs such as system rentals, singers and equipment rental to consider in addition to the band’s fees. If you are on a tight budget and have friends who can sing well, why not ask some of your friends to perform a number for your wedding. It will be a lot more meaningful and they will be very happy to be a special part of your wedding too!
So don’t be intimidated by the huge costs that often come with a wedding. Take your time to research cheaper options, discuss which items you can do without and always openly discuss with your partner to ensure you both have the dream wedding you have always wanted without breaking your bank!
Photo Credits: The Knot