So how do you plan a wedding on a low budget? You've visited so many vendors and they all charge almost the same price. Wedding things are EXPENSIVE! But if we really think hard, there are ways in which we can cut down on the unnecessary expenditure.
When you begin the process of planning your wedding you need to pay particular attention to your budget. If you are looking to plan your wedding on a tight budget you can use these helpful tips to help reduce your expenditure and still have a splendid wedding day that you will never forget.
First consider the different elements of the wedding. Using The Wedding Budget you can figure out how much will be spend on what. Obviously different aspects of the wedding are going to be different for each couple. You may decide for a very casual reception so that your wedding ceremony can be more lavish, or you may have a friend who is a DJ that can eliminate that cost. But the first step is to assign a general percentage of your budget to each part of your wedding. Once that is done, you can use the following tips cut the cost.
Plan In Advance -
One of the easiest ways to save money is plan as far in advance as you can. Waiting until the last moment may cause you to pay more for your reception because the location you wanted is already booked, or the florist has to have flowers flown in to accommodate your order increasing your cost, etc. You are also more likely to make decisions with less thought if you are under pressure. And lastly people can take advantage of the fact that you are short of time.
First consider the different elements of the wedding. Using The Wedding Budget you can figure out how much will be spend on what. Obviously different aspects of the wedding are going to be different for each couple. You may decide for a very casual reception so that your wedding ceremony can be more lavish, or you may have a friend who is a DJ that can eliminate that cost. But the first step is to assign a general percentage of your budget to each part of your wedding. Once that is done, you can use the following tips cut the cost.
Plan In Advance -
One of the easiest ways to save money is plan as far in advance as you can. Waiting until the last moment may cause you to pay more for your reception because the location you wanted is already booked, or the florist has to have flowers flown in to accommodate your order increasing your cost, etc.
The most expensive part of your wedding will be your reception. Most hotels and caterers charge by head count. Therefore cutting 10 people from your list at LKR 1,000.00 can save you LKR 10,000.00. We Sri Lankans have a habit of bringing 10 more people with us even though only two are invited! So be specific when you invite. Invite your close friends and family, but keep the list short by not inviting co-workers, their children, and ask those that are single to not bring dates if possible. However, If someone you are inviting is in a very serious relationship with a partner be sure to include them. Narrowing the guest list will not only save you money, but give you a better opportunity to spend time with the guests that do attend.
Although you do need to buy the invitations consider using a cheaper engraving or lettering. Stay on the simpler side when ordering invitations (eliminate getting lined envelopes or other fancy embellishments). Don't pick out the most expensive invitations and consider not using a reply card. This method will not only save on the cost of the reply card, but the expense of the postage for the reply card. Instead include a form of RSVP such as calling by phone or sending an email.
You could have the wedding at home instead of a hotel or reception hall. Or the latest trend is to have the wedding at the religious grounds (temples for Buddhists, church for Christians, kovil for Hindus and mosque for Muslims).
Consider holding your wedding ceremony and reception at the same location. This will help you to reduce the cost on decorations, flowers, and transportation. You can also consider planning your wedding around dates where the location is not in prime season and will cost less to use.
The Wedding Attire -
Instead of buying a designer or custom made outfit buy one off the rack. Buy you sarees or suits when there are sales such as new year and christmas. Go for ready made saree instead of getting one worked. Do keep an eye on your time as you will need plenty of time for such things as alterations. Brides, you could also consider borrowing a saree or dress. You can either hire or even borrow from someone who fits your figure. Even the bride groom can hire or borrow from a friend or relative.
Food and Beverage -
When planning your menu consider selecting a simpler, less expensive dishes over the ones you don't know and can't even pronounce!. You could also remove an appetizer. As for the desert, pick just one common item instead of many. Also provide only wine instead of hard liquor or take it out completely. You can also think about having a cash bar for any hard alcoholic beverages if you have to have one.
The Wedding Cake -
You can save on the wedding cake by getting a smaller version than you need to feed all of your guests. Then have a large sheet cake in the back of the same flavor to serve to your guests. Sheet cakes are considerably more cost effective.
Music & Entertainment -
Use a DJ rather than a live band. If there is a musician in the family, have them sing or play music at the ceremony as their gift to the two of you. Or if you have to have a band, hire a smaller band or fewer musicians. Fewer the band members the less expensive it will be.
Transportation -
The best way to cut down on the cost here is to ask a friend or relative to drive you in his/her car. Or if you don't have the option, rent a Corolla or something similar instead of a Benz and decorate it up well.
Photography and Videography -
A good way to save money on photography is to hire the photographer for only the wedding ceremony. Also negotiate for the negatives so that you can print the pictures you want at a cheaper prices when you want instead of having to purchase an expensive package up front. For your reception get a friend to take pictures with a good camera you have. If you want to have video taken at your wedding borrow a video camera and have a friend shoot the video for you. If you are going in for professional videography, most photographers offer a package
for photography and videography both and it is cheaper than getting a different videographer.
Also visit bridal shows and preview all of the albums the photographers have out on display and get referrals from other brides before making a decision.
The Flowers -
Be sure to choose flowers that are in season and grown locally. It will be cheaper if the flowers are easily available to the florist. Go in for artificial flowers for the decor instead of fresh ones or have a mix. Choose simpler, less exotic flowers or use more of the simpler ones in the bouquets and arrangements to help fill them out. Avoid having your wedding on or near a holiday. Flower prices will be more expensive at these times especially during Valentine's season in February!
The Honeymoon -
Instead of taking a two-week trip to the Bahamas or Europe consider the local attractions. Shorten your trip to 4 to 7 days. Pick a location that you can take a short drive instead of having to fly. This will not only save on money but the hassles and jet lag that come with flying. Choose a location where you can spend more time enjoying each other and relaxing instead of trip where you will be participating in more costly activities.
©2008 N.V.R. Associated Companies (Pvt.) Ltd. All rights reserved.