Budget Wedding Ideas
By Reception Search on December 20, 2009
Tips for Saving on Wedding Invitations and Stationery
Avoid embossing, gold or silver leaf bows, ribbons and layered paper - as these can add up. Printed invites can often cost les than DIY invitations without any of the risk.
Did you know some wedding invitations require 2 stamps for postage this really ads up. Standard size DL and C6 sized wedding invitations only require 1 stamp! Did you know that the inner envelope and blotter paper, which are leftover relics from times when ink needed time to dry, and people wanted a pristine envelope. Place a reply post card in the envelope with the wedding invitation. Not only will you save money from the printer bill, it should also reduce your postage expense.
Wedding Ceremony
For church weddings, the church will already be decorated, saving you lots of money on flowers For other types of wedding ceremonies, look for simplicity. A candlelit ceremony can be romantic, gorgeous, and inexpensive. Think about the cost of the venue, chapels, resort gardens and even churches can charge around $500 for the use of their venue for your wedding ceremony. However free options are public parks and gardens, public beaches or even a private residence like a friends house or your own home.
Wedding Reception
This is the biggest single wedding expense.
Make sure everything is included as there can sometimes be a lot of hidden extras such as, tablecloths for one. Be honest with your caterer about your need to save money. Ask them which are the least expensive entrees. See if they’ll let you provide your own liquor, or if serving only wine and beer will be cheaper than a full bar. Also consider only having the bar open during your cocktail hour, then serving an inexpensive wine with dinner. Peak times and days are usually Saturday as the most popular wedding day, choosing another day could save you 20% before you even ask.
If you are on a really tight budget, but do not want to cater at home, brunch weddings can be a very cheap alternative. Only one course is required and guests drink a lot less. Try local restaurants for a great deal and do the table decorating yourself of ask a friend.
Trim the Guest List
Keep the guest numbers down, carefully select only close friends and family instead of inviting every one you know. It helps to set a period of time to have known friends for i.e. 5 years. You might want to look back on your wedding photos in another 5 years and still know those people. You can also have a no children policy to reduce numbers. Don't feel obligated to invite non-live-in boyfriends or girlfriends. Avoid feeling pressure to invite all your work colleagues. Remember, every time you're writing down a name on your invitation list, you're increasing your budget by a significant chunk. It's not just the catering cost, but also the extra centerpieces, favors, linen and chair rentals, etc.
DIY with your friends and family
Throw a “preparation-party” where the invite asks your friends to be a special part of your big day by helping you assemble bonbonniere wedding favors, make invitations, centerpieces, and other homemade inexpensive touches. Be sure to put out delicious snacks and Champaign available, so that your friends feel like they’re at a party, not just part of an assembly line. Make your own bridal bouquets and centrepeices with our step by step guide.
Photographer
Have your photographer for 2 hours rather than all day, this is enough time to get great photos of your special day and will save you thousands. If you are on a super tight budget, place disposable cameras on the tables and as guests for a copy of the prints.
Videographer
Have a guest or a few guests to do a video of your wedding.
Transport
Have a friend or family with a nice car drive you to the wedding venue, hardly anyone sees you arrive anyway.
Flowers
Choose bouquets carefully some florists love to overcharge brides. A trick is to go into the florist and point out a bunch of flowers you love and say can I order 4 of those for the date of your wedding how much will that be. They can’t really put the price up then. Just be sure you have chosen flowers that will be in season by your wedding. Make your own bridal bouquets and centrepeices with our step by step guide.
Bride and Bridesmaids Dresses
Try looking at regular department/ fashion stores instead of bridal/formal stores, you get a lot more dress for your money and it's often cheeper than hiring. Bridesmaid’s dresses purchased from boutiques rather than bridal shops are a huge saving and your brides maids will probably wear them again.
Wedding Cake
Try looking at store bought options, like, chocolate mud cake most people prefer this to traditional wedding cake anyway. Make the wedding cake your dessert to save on paying for another course.
Wedding Dress / Bridal Gown
If you wear a 6, 8, or 10, check out sample sales, which happen generally once a year. It’s a great opportunity to get a designer dress at dirt bottom prices. Consider second hand, but, remember that cleaning the delicate fabric of a wedding dress may cost up to $350, so avoid the cheap wedding dress with the filthy hem. Even considering hiring, this can cost less than the alterations and no need for expensive dry cleaning.
E-bay
E-Bay is a great source for everything from second-hand dresses to wedding favors, cake toppers, ring pillows and more. Be sure to allow ample time for the auction to end, and for shipping.
How much does a wedding cost?
"The average cost of a wedding, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, is $28,000 and that hasn't changed in the past five years.
We would love to hear from brides who have managed to bring in a reception for less than that and exactly how they managed it!
ideas@receptionsearch.com.au