Lets talk something different today apart from reviews and makeup, shell we? How about Top tips for an affordable wedding?
You want your big day to be the best it can be and having lots of cash to splash can seem like the only way to make it happen. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Doing things yourself and getting help from talented family and friends is a great way to keep costs down and give your wedding a genuinely personal touch. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your creative friends can give their services for free though – artists, writers and musicians need to eat just as much as you do.
Here are our top tips to save money on your wedding day.
1. Where and when
The date and even the time you choose for your wedding has a huge impact on costs. Everyone knows that a summer Saturday is going to be the most expensive time to get hitched. Choosing an alternative date could mean cheaper prices. You’re more likely to get your first choice of band, photographer or florist on less popular dates too.
- Mid-week can often be cheaper for venue hire – but make sure your guests can book time off.
- If you can ditch the superstitions, less popular dates like April 1st or Friday 13th can be an absolute bargain.
- Choosing an early ceremony can save you some cash on venue hire, and a slap-up brunch with buck’s fizz will be less costly than a three-course dinner. You can still have music and dancing, just earlier in the day.
2. Make the most of local talent
Whether you’re looking for caterers, photographers or musicians, it makes sense that a local service will offer a competitive price, as they won’t have to spend as much on transport or accommodation. You definitely don’t want to scrimp on these things, but finding the best local providers at a price that isn’t prohibitive can be daunting.
Check out local bands
Using an expert event band finder will make your search easier. They’ll make sure your musicians do all the technical stuff like bringing and setting up their own P.A. systems, as well as giving you a great idea of the huge range of music on offer.
Explore alternatives
Wedding fares are the go-to showcase for venues, photographers and caterers and you’ll find the big boys alongside the small. It costs providers a fair bit to attend these events though, so you may find better value by approaching a local college and seeing if any photography or catering students fancy making a little extra cash.
3. DIY
Doing some things yourself is a great way to save money. Focus on elements that can be done in advance and let someone else take care of things that happen on the day itself, like music and catering.
Make your own invitations
Having wedding invitations printed is an expense that can be cut back on, especially if you start well ahead. Your DIY invites can be built from templates like these ones from etsy. Personalise them by adding intricate decorations, or keep it super simple by buying a pack of party invites and handwriting all the details. A bunch of friends and a couple of bottles of fizz will keep things going swimmingly.
Channel your inner interior designer
A group of people can make a venue look fabulous in no time and you may be able to get in on the day or morning before to put up all those last-minute touches. Forward planning and a clear budget is the order of the day, and you’ll find some good practical tips on Wedding Wire.
That’s all for Top tips for an affordable wedding. Share your thoughts in comment section below.
Till next time…take care…xoxo.