Budget Wedding Tips #1

A wedding is one of the most expensive things most adults will ever spend their money on, with the average day now costing in excess of $25,000. Many couples feel that they cannot get married despite a desire to, purely because they have dreams of the big, expensive wedding that they unfortunately cannot afford for a period. It is a shame to lose out on several years of married life just because of finances, and in a period of global recession, the idea of making a few budget cuts to a wedding is relevant to all.

It is possible to achieve a glamorous, expensive look but without the associated price tag. It may take a little extra work and some studious bargain hunting, but by lowering expectations a little and being prepared to search ruthlessly for the best deal, it can be achieved.

Savings can be made everywhere, and all without ruining the look and feel of the day itself. In most cases, the venue is not debatable, as everything needs to have a good setting; this is the one area you shouldn’t skimp on. But what you do with the venue needn’t be seen as cheap, just practical. For example, ask yourself if there’s really a need for so many courses in the reception dinner – many weddings are five or more courses, which is often excessive. A simple three course meal is classic, and you won’t appear cheap – particularly if there’s also a wedding cake on offer.

Then there is the cake itself. While a huge, elaborate display with intricate icing may seem your very idea of perfection, much of these wedding cakes remains uneaten and eventually thrown away. A giant, seven-tier elaborate design is simply not necessary unless you have over 1,000 guests coming to your wedding – and even then there is no guarantee that it will all be eaten. The cake is an excellent place to save money; purchase a cake that will feed your guests and allow for second portions in some cases, but let that be that. If necessary, to add an element of grandeur you can uplight your cake with cheap LED click lights, for an expensive and luxurious effect.