9 Easy Ways to Contain Your Wedding Costs

Weddings will still take place in these tough economic times, so savvy brides and grooms are looking for ways now more than ever to have the weddings of their dreams without breaking the bank with their wedding costs.

wedding costs

Here are some easy-to-do tips that will help you contain the costs of your wedding.

9 Ways To Contain Your Wedding Costs

1) Prioritize
After you and your fiancé have decided on what your “ideal” wedding day will be, prioritize all of the different elements that generally go into a wedding. What is more important and what is the least important (or maybe not important at all)? This will help you when determining your budget and know where to allocate the money you want to spend.

2) Budget
You need to know how much money you really have to spend on your wedding. Wedding funds can come from your and your fiancé’s savings, money you can comfortably set aside from your paychecks and money that others will be contributing. Establish a separate savings or checking account that is strictly for wedding expenses.

3) Make Your Money Work For You
If you get a chunk of cash early on – say a contribution from your parents or his – invest in a short term CD which can earn interest in the time before you need to pay vendors.

4) Credit Cards
Use them carefully. Only put on your cards what you can comfortably pay off each month. You don’t want to start your marriage in debt. Choose cards that offer some type of rewards, such as points, cash back or free airline tickets.

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5) Non-Peak Times
Consider holding your wedding during non-peak times. This could be a non-traditional day of the week (a Friday or Sunday often costs less than a Saturday), or a non-typical month (January or February rather than June or September).

The time of day can also impact your wallet – plan to get married in the morning and have a reception lunch instead of a dinner. Luncheon and brunch menus are less expensive than dinners. An added plus is that guests tend to drink less during the day, so you’ll also save on liquor costs.

6) Non-Peak Times (Part 2)
If you really want a Saturday evening event, avoid the typical dinner hour. Plan to have your ceremony later, such as 6:30 or 7:00 pm, and follow it with a dessert reception rather than a full sit down dinner. Most people will have eaten dinner by the time your event starts, but to be sure, put “Dessert Reception” on your invitation so there will be no confusion.

7) Invitations
Forgo a separate Reception Card and use “corner copy.” Your reception information will be printed at the bottom of the Invitation. You’ll see considerable savings by only having to pay a nominal fee (~$10 regardless of quantity) compared to $60-$70 or more for 100 Reception Cards. And one less card in your invitation ensemble could mean less postage.

8) Ceremony Décor
Use the KISS rule (Keep It Simple, Sweetie). Don’t put flowers on every pew, and on the sides, and at the entry and at the back . . . Where will your guests be looking? That’s right, where you’ll be exchanging your vows, so this is where to put décor. Still keep it simple by accentuating the area with something simple like a nice arch or columns, with greenery. (Rental greens cost less than cut floral arrangements).

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9) Ceremony Décor (part 2)
Get the most from your money by making your ceremony décor do double duty at the reception. Use bridesmaids’ bouquets to dress up the head table or cake table. A unity candle arrangement is the perfect size for a head table or sweetheart table centerpiece. Pew décor can also be placed on the cake table.

These tips aren’t just for the small budget wedding. Regardless of how much you are able to spend on your wedding, these ideas will help you get the biggest bang for your buck.

Photo Credit: Norma Dorothy (CC BY 2.0)

Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean

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If you want more wonderful tips and ideas on how to personalize your day and make it uniquely yours, contact me at [email protected] or at 937-581-3647!

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