Essential Tips On How To Save Money When Planning Your Wedding
Weddings have become an extravagant affair. Along the way, though, brides and grooms end up throwing away thousands of dollars, riyals or dirhams on their weddings. While it isn’t wrong to want to have a lavish celebration, you need to think about your financial limitations. Don’t go into debt just for a single event.
Fortunately, there are ways to cut down on wedding expenses. You just have to be wise about the things you want to include on your big day and diligent in finding the right suppliers.
Here are some essential tips on how to save money when planning your wedding:
1. Consider a Weekday Wedding
Weekends, especially Fridays, are the top choices for weddings in the Middle East (Saturday for Lebanon) because it’s the time when most guests don’t have to be at work. However, this popularity is capitalized by venue providers, and they put a heftier price on weddings and events that fall on weekends.
Consider having your wedding on weekdays. This way, you save a few hundred dollars on the venue. Plus, you and your loved ones get to enjoy an extended weekend.
2. Define Your Budget
Before researching and contacting suppliers, you have to know how much you can spend on each item for your wedding. Have a detailed inventory of your non-negotiables or the things that you must have on the big day.
These are all dependent on you and your fiancé’s preferences, so you both should sit down and plan it out. You can have a simple wedding and just book a venue along with the catering, or add some perks for your guests.
Need some tips to help you have this talk with your partner? Read: "Money Talk Before The Wedding"
3. Research on Coupon Deals
For wedding dresses, shoes, and other accessories, you can find websites that offer coupon deals that’ll give you massive discounts. Dontpayfull offers free coupons and promo codes, so you can shop at your favorite stores for less.
You just have to be diligent and alert on the deals that different brands are offering. In this way, you can take advantage of the discounts. Set up email or application notifications to stay updated.
Also read: "How to Save Money and Still Get Your Dream Wedding"
4. Skip Traditional Venues
Traditional wedding venues include event function halls and hotels. Sometimes, though, because these organizations know they’re in-demand during peak seasons, they mark up their rent prices.
Try to look for alternative venues. Restaurants, private villas, museums, farms, public parks, and recreational centers may offer a significantly affordable price for the use of the place.
Another essential tip regarding venues is to find a place that doesn’t require you to hire their vendors. You may have space where the rent is cheap, but consider the additional cost when you have to take their suppliers instead of your own.
There are so many other ways to help you save money on your wedding venue! Check out: "The Best Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding Venue"
5. Don’t Feel Obligated to Invite Specific People
The primary thing that bloats up the expenses on weddings is the guest list. Brides and grooms may feel obligated to invite their parents’ friends or far relatives, even if they aren’t close to the couple.
If you’re facing this similar situation, just talk it out with your loved ones and politely explain to them your budget constraints. Unless they volunteer to pay for their guests, it’s better to stick to the people who’ve witnessed the blossoming of your love story.
To help you out with this, here are 4 wedding details which you shouldn’t worry about when it comes to spending your money on, because eventually, no one will notice!
6. Request for Wedding Help Instead of Gifts
You may have close friends who are amateur photographers or musicians. These talented friends might be willing to help you out on your big day by providing their services instead of giving a wedding gift. Chances are, they’ll jump at the opportunity to make your wedding more special and intimate.
Check Out 6 Ways Your Family and Friends Can Save You Money!
7. Opt for In-Season Flowers
Research for local flowers and purchase those that are in-season when your wedding day arrives. If you’re having a fall or winter wedding, look for readily available plants that you can include in your bridal bouquet. Dark-colored blooms are recommended for this season.
8. Look to Family-Owned Restaurants for Catering
You can save on food when you ask small businesses, like family-owned restaurants, to do your catering. They’ll be more flexible and accommodating to your budget constraints while ensuring that you get the best quality dishes.
Conclusion
Your wedding can be both lavish and affordable. Just be prepared to do a lot of research and phone calls to find the right supplier for your budget. Save money by scheduling a weekday wedding, looking for coupon deals, opting for non-traditional venues, and only inviting guests who are close to you and your fiancé.
Other ways to make your wedding more affordable is by asking for wedding help instead of gifts, choosing local, in-season flowers, and tapping family-owned restaurants to provide your food.
