How To Have The Cheapest Wedding (And Without Looking Like It)

 

There's no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive; with an average cost upwards of 25,000 dollars it is hardly surprising it can cause financial worries. There is no need for you to spend this amount on your wedding when other options exist; carried out properly, the majority of guests will not even realize they have attended a 'cheap wedding'. With just a little knowledge, imagination and clever ideas some of the best weddings can also be some of the cheapest weddings. Your special day may be more affordable than you think!

 

Second Hand Bridal Gown

The wedding dress is one area where huge amounts of money are spent; this is something that will only ever be worn once so a previously owned dress is worth consideration. The huge cost of a new 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.

 

Cheap Wedding Reception

The best place to make significant cost savings is the reception; with close to 200 people attending, the reception is the first place to make your cheap wedding more of a reality. Try and keep your guest list to a minimum: ask yourself if you really need to invite family members you haven't seen for years; instead, opt for a three course meal or a hot and cold buffet.

The venue chosen will also determine how cheap the wedding reception will be. There are venues less expensive than the local golf club or hotel; using a small club for example will mean the drinks bill is less by only catering for wine, beer and soft drinks at the bar.

 

The Wedding Photographs

The obvious choice is to shop around for the best rates, but look at hiring the photographer just for the service; ask family members and friends to take photos of the reception – most will be more than happy to do this. If you really want to be 'avant guard', why pay for a photographer at all; these days most people know someone who is a keen, capable amateur photographer, and there is nothing wrong with asking them to take photos throughout the whole day.

 

Online Original 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. The quality of printers available combined with sophisticated programs means it is quite easy to do; in fact very professional looking results can be achieved on a home computer.

 

Floral Arrangements

There are also savings to be made with the flower displays; there is no reason why the flowers cannot be purchased from a wholesaler just as florists do. Many people have friends who are very capable cooks and love to bake so why not let them bake a two or three tier wedding cake; this can be made from sponge or even a chocolate cake which tends to be favorite amongst people these days.

 

Transportation for the Wedding Day

One last thing: luxury limousines, although nice, are costly so ask someone you know if you can use their car and make further savings; they may even have a luxury car of their own.

 

It is possible to put together the cheapest possible wedding without necessarily cutting back on the services; you can save money at the same time!