Invitation cards, live bands, wedding favors , food and beverages, bridal gowns…the list goes one and on and this can make a wedding very pricey these days. People tend to think that a wedding shouldn’t be beautiful if the amount spend on it isn’t a lot. But, this is not usually the case. They are missing the point that spending wisely is the key to make a wonderful wedding. You need to be resourceful and creativity to make your wedding unique yet affordable.

DIY Wedding Related Cards

Your wedding can look very expensive and gorgeous if you’re willing to devote yourself to researching and preparing for it. For instance, DIY your wedding invitations, menu cards, escort cards and wedding favor packaging. Instead of paying a big chunk of money to have someone to do your wedding related cards, you may ask your friends for help or try to utilize the software programs that available in the market without breaking the bank. Then, finish those cards with colored cardboard, ribbon, glitter, etc.

Floral and Non-floral Decor

To decorate your wedding ceremony and reception, choose flowers that are in season and blend them in with non-floral arrangements like lanterns, vases and candles. If you are planning to use fresh flowers, use them in a more economical way by swapping out costly flowers to cloth, silk, ribbon flowers or using fewer types of flowers.

Single-Page Invitations

Another way to save money on your wedding is to use single-page wedding invitation cards or postcard as both postage rates cost less than the rate for stamping envelopes. You can also have your guests RSVP online or over the phone.

Say no to Saturday Weddings and Long Weekends

To save even more, try to avoid Saturday weddings and spring/summer weddings as they can easily cost you a fortune just to rent a reception or banquet hall. Vendors usually charge a hefty dollar amount when the weddings fall on peak season. On the other hand, they are more likely to give you a great discount on off-season weddings. If you are referred to vendors by friends, you even could get better deal out of it.

Local Teachers/Students vs. Professionals

Hiring a professional band or DJ could be expensive. But, if you hire teachers or students from local schools and colleges, that could cut down half of your bill because they generally charge lesser than the professional.

Two events. One location.

Moreover, have your wedding ceremony and reception held at a same hotel to cut down all the unnecessary expenses such as limo fees. Most importantly, you may be able to get a better rate from the hotel. You can cut down food costs by going into cocktail hour right after the ceremony, so you don’t have to serve snacks after your ceremony. Instead of ordering additional hors’dourves, you can just have the waiter tray-pass your appetizers during the cocktail hour before dinner. Additionally, this can be more convenient for your guests.

Lastly, always plan early and stick to your budget, you could have a memorable yet expensive look wedding. The average bride goes 10-15% over her set budget, utilize these tips to help cut costs and stick to your budget.  Afterall…don’t forget that you need money for your honeymoon!

Image 1 via Recession Wedding

Image 2 via MagnetStreet.com