Budget doesn’t have to be a scary word when it comes to planning your wedding. Even though the average wedding today costs over $10 000, this figure doesn’t need to be daunting because with things such as research and a little, ok maybe a lot, of organisation the tips in this article can help you to save thousands.

No matter what kind of budget you’re looking at the best way to not let it get out of hand is to make sure you are organised. You need to sit down with your fiancée and decide on what kind of budget you are looking at, yes prepare to be told your dress can’t cost half of the budget! When doing this you can also break it down into ten categories and allow a portion of money for each. These ten sections are; reception, music, photography, flowers, brides attire, grooms attire, bridal party (if you are paying, if not then omit this category), cake, invitations and miscellaneous.

As a rough guideline about half of your budget should automatically be allocated to your reception costs. This usually includes things such as food, drink, table and chair hire, service staff and sometimes decorations. After you have allocated fifty percent to your reception the rest is usually broken up according to how important you feel it is for your day, photography is usually a big budget item as this is something that you need to be able to keep for those special memories.  

Here are some tips that I would have found useful to know when I was planning my wedding.

Take advantage of free online planning tools that set out in sections the things that you will have to pay for. Some bridal magazines also come with free planners attached during certain issues.

Choose to have your wedding in off peak times, of course all things wedding cost more if there is more competition from other brides. At the moment peak times are from November through to March; however most months are popular unless it is winter. You will find that if you have a winter wedding many places offer special deals, cheaper rates or offer free products with their services. Choosing a date that isn’t during peak periods also gives you the power to negotiate on the prices. Your biggest wedding cost will more than likely be the cost of the reception, if you are trying to keep costs low, consider the alternatives. Cocktail parties, lunch and breakfast weddings are also an option that attract lower prices than the usual dinner receptions. When planning your reception, if deciding to have an open bar and include spirits, limit the choices to one or two so that people cannot run up a tab that is astronomical.

Cutting your guest list is another way to save some precious pennies. Guests who are not in a relationship should be invited solo, they may meet the man/woman of their dreams on the solo table. Do not feel obliged to invite friends that you haven’t even spoken to in the last few years. If your family is not close, or you have a large extended family, limit family guests to immediate family and grandparents.

Although your wedding gown is special, purchasing a second hand gown and adding your own special touches can also save you some money. EBay, friends and family members and trading posts are a good place to look. Another option if you are not fussed on having a traditionally wedding gown is to buy a dress that you will wear again.

You can save money when choosing your photographer by comparing hourly rates and package deals to see which one turns out to be more cost effective. Some photographers offer discounts if you have been referred to them. Make sure you also check out what the prices of reprints are and what comes included in your package. Save more money by having the photographer take the formal, posed shots and getting your guests to take candid shots with disposable cameras. 

If you are patient, you may also be able to save money by making your own invitations; it can also be worth checking that your chosen invite can be posted with only one stamp, as postage can end up quite expensive, especially if you are having a lot of guests.

When it comes to planning your decorations, allow for the most amount of money to be spent on the things that the guests will see the most throughout your wedding. Guests will notice your bouquet more than the flowers that are on pews or tables. Decorations on items such as cakes should be limited as guests will focus on the actual cake and you cutting it rather than the decorations that are around it. Simple items such as candles in bowls or candelabras add elegance and style for a fraction of what it would cost to have a large floral centre piece.

Choosing your flowers according to the season you are getting married in is also another handy way to save money. If the flowers you choose are in season they will be a lot cheaper than if they have to be brought in from overseas. Roses and orchids however are usually quite pricey no matter what season it is, this is because they are so popular all year round. If you are getting married and have an outdoor reception, flowers may not be needed to decorate, consider your surroundings. Silk flowers are a cheaper alternative and if you find someone who can do them well, will often pass as real flowers, silk flowers also allows for you to keep your bouquet, giving you a lovely memento of the day. Often reception staff will decorate the bridal table with your bouquets, so keeping this in mind when decorating your reception will also save some money and clutter.

When choosing your wedding music, if having a band, have them play for the minimum amount of time, including things such as the first dance till the end of reception, during the other time play some mixed cds or a demo tape. Using a DJ is usually cheaper than hiring a band and sometimes doubles as an MC. You may also be able to save money by finding a reception centre that includes music within your package price. If you would prefer guests to choose their own music you can also look into hiring a juke box and having a friend or the best man MC.

When hiring a car, consider friends or relatives that may have cars that you find suitable. Another option is to only hire one car and use it for the bride to arrive and then for the bride, groom, best man and head bridesmaid to leave the ceremony in. Look into hire companies such as budget, avis and see if they have any cars that you would consider hiring.

A general rule to save money is to ask friends and family, if you know someone who knows how to make cakes, ask them to make your cake. If you know someone who can get discounts on flowers or invitations ask them. Use your available resources.

Most of all make sure that you don’t allow your wedding budget to consume your every thought and take over your life. You may need to make sacrifices or to extend your budget but only allow for what you can afford. Your wedding will be special as long as you and your husband to be are there, remember the best things in life are free.

MARZIPLANNER
.