Once you’ve celebrated your engagement, it’s time to start planning a wedding that seals your commitment with a ceremony that includes your family and friends. By now, you might have already kicked off your plans for a budget-friendly wedding by choosing beautiful and affordable engagement rings.
Yet, you may still have a long way to go when it comes to saving money on a venue, entertainment and all of the extra touches you desire in a wedding. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to save funds for your special event. You can start by discussing your priorities with your soon-to-be spouse while looking for ways to keep your spending under control without sacrificing memories. As you do, you can use these ideas to plan a memorable wedding that helps you start your new life together with a stronger financial standing.
1. Use Your Guest List to Guide the Budget
Planning a wedding on a budget is easier when you consider how many elements depend on an accurate guest count. For instance, caterers typically offer quotes for their services based on how many people they need to serve.
You’ll also use your guest list to plan for seating arrangements at your ceremony and reception venues. If you plan to provide favors, then you’ll also want to know how many people to prepare to be at your wedding.
If you have an extensive guest list, don’t worry. You can offset many expenses by choosing lower-cost products and services that don’t impact the overall effects of your ceremony.
2. Choose a Budget-Friendly Venue
The reception venue, rentals, and food services typically account for around 45% of the average wedding budget. Focusing on these key areas allows you to have more control over how much you end up spending on your wedding.
Choosing to host your ceremony and reception in the same venue can help you save on the cost. For larger guest lists, an outdoor ceremony is often the ideal way to minimize venue costs.
Depending on your lifestyle, you could opt to host your wedding in a family member’s backyard. You might also choose a public garden or a local beach. Just check to find out if you need a permit first.
As you explore venues, it may be worth it to ask if there are certain days or times when the cost is lower. Many facilities provide discounted rates for off-seasons and weekdays that could work out well for your budget and schedule.
3. Achieve Multiple Goals by Choosing Ethical Wedding Rings
Many couples today prefer to start off their marriage with a focus on using conflict-free stones. On top of being ethically sourced, simulated diamonds are ideal for creating affordable wedding ring sets that allow you to feel good about your decision.
Modern alternative stones and metals are designed with luxury in mind. While you can shave thousands of dollars off of your ring budget, you can still enjoy benefits such as a lifetime warranty. Since you’ll be wearing your wedding set for years into the future, it’s worth feeling good about your decision to use ethically sourced stones.
4. Use Your Skills to Create Custom Decor
The costs for flower arrangements, centerpieces, and wedding arches can all add up fast. If you’re handy with a saw and other power tools, then you might be able to create a custom wedding arch that holds more meaning than one bought at a store.
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Even if you aren’t super handy, you can still pull off DIY wedding decorations that reduce expenses. For rustic weddings, mason jar lanterns can serve as beautiful centerpieces. You could also use an eclectic set of vintage vases and wildflowers for floral arrangements that lend a distinctive touch to your reception tables.
5. Tap Into Your Loved Ones’ Talents
Many families include individuals who may have special talents that you can use to avoid needing outside vendors. Asking your aunt or uncle to perform DJ services at your wedding as a gift to you and your fiancé is an honor that they are likely to accept.
If your extended family owns a restaurant, they may offer discounted catering services. Even having your loved one sing a special song at your wedding can help you save money by adding a personalized touch that heightens the beauty of the ceremony.
6. Focus On Flexibility
Having a flexible mindset allows you to think outside of the box and welcome unique solutions for meeting your preferences and needs. Although you might have always dreamed of a destination wedding, it might be less expensive to host your ceremony in your hometown.
Or, you might choose to save money on your wedding rings to afford a special trip. Either way, staying within a budget is easier to manage when you and your partner are willing to explore alternatives.
Whether you rent your wedding gown and tux or opt for a DJ instead of a more expensive band, you can always find a way to make your dreams come true with a few minor modifications.
Remember the True Meaning of Your Wedding Ceremony
The memories of your wedding day will last a lifetime, but there’s something far greater to remember as you plan your budget. Your wedding ceremony is a celebration of the love that you and your future spouse share. Although it’s easy to get swept up in dreams of a picture-perfect ceremony, the truth is that you’ll mostly remember the moment you slipped the wedding ring on your new spouse’s finger and shared a first married kiss.
Making sure that the most important moments of your wedding stand out in your memory is simple when you choose the right rings and create personalized vows. Shaping the rest of your wedding around that pivotal moment helps you stay within your budget and enjoy a day you’ll always cherish.
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