Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
Weddings are expensive and can be difficult to plan on a tight budget. Fortunately there are countless ways to save money without sacrificing quality. Wedding budgets come in all shapes and sizes, so don’t feel alone in your quest to cut costs in as many areas as possible.
Guest List
Only invite your nearest and dearest. If you feel guilty about not inviting certain friends or family, you can hold a non-hosted wedding cocktail hour at a bar or restaurant of your choosing. This way those who weren’t invited to the wedding won’t feel left out and will at least have the opportunity to wish you and your fiancé well. Another option is to hold a potluck wedding dinner for the guests you weren’t able to invite.
Bargain Shopping
Visit your local bargain store, for example the 99 Cent Store, for deals on wedding decorations such as vases, centerpieces, table clothes, glassware, candles etc. You’ll be shocked at what you’re able to find and how much you’ll save. Stay away from department stores and boutiques.
Flowers
Only stick to two types of flowers and make sure to choose flowers that are in season. Out of season flowers are more difficult for florists to obtain, thus costing them and you more money. By making use of fillers, you can make your centerpieces look full without having to use many flowers. Also, make sure to transport your ceremony flowers over to your reception venue.
Bar Options
Although not traditional wedding etiquette, some couples opt to have a cash bar versus an open bar at the reception. Offer free soda and juice and have a cash bar that serves cocktails, wine, and beer at a reasonable cost. If you do go this route, be sure to notify your guests in advance so it does not come as a surprise. Another option is to offer a champagne toast and a certain number of bottles of wine per table, and once those bottles run out to offer your guests a cash bar. A third option is to not offer any alcohol at all. There are certain religious couples that do not condone alcohol consumption, and therefore don’t offer it at their wedding. This choice is entirely up to you and your fiancé, but guests must be informed of such decisions in advance.
Destination Wedding
There are countless destination wedding locations to choose from that will fit your bill. For example Mexico has gorgeous resorts that cost much less than resorts in the U.S. or abroad. Inexpensive destination weddings are ubiquitous because they tend to cost much less than traditional weddings. Weddings that take place at an exotic destination can double as the bride and groom's honeymoon, and tend to be much smaller than traditional weddings.
Go Green
Instead of spending money on fancy wedding invitations, go the eco-friendly email route. You can design paperless invitations online and have your guests r.s.v.p. online as well. Put this practice in motion with your thank you notes and name cards as well. Prior to the wedding send out an email to each individual guest informing them of their table number at the wedding, cutting the cost of paper, supplies, and not to mention man power.
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