ALT-14 Best Ways to get Married on a Budget
Figure out what's important to you. This is the most critical issue in getting married on a budget. For some, it's having the perfect dress; for others, it's having a live band play at the reception. Start with what's important, and allocate more of your budget for this item while economizing on the rest. Although women tend to do most of the planning for weddings, consider the groom's priorities too. What will make the day special for each person? Each partner should get equal footing on this wedding budget.
Now that you know where you want to spend money, figure out those areas where you can save. The most critical key to this is keeping your head when presented with all those stunning wedding options. Each segment of the wedding market is out to get you to spend and spend big. Once you set a budget, stick to it. If your honeymoon is really the most important part of getting married, don't get sucked into spending all that hard earned cash on flowers, cakes, and invitations. Keep your primary goals in mind at all times.
There are a million creative ways to save on your wedding, and many of those ideas can be found on the Internet. Do your research before you decide how to approach your budget. Then figure out how your own life can help you. Have a friend who makes fantastic cakes? Know someone who runs a limousine service? What can you do yourself - arrange flowers, make invitations, prepare food? Use the skills of everyone you know.
Look for alternatives to the status quo. Often what is out-of-the-mainstream is just what people will remember most about your wedding. Couldn't afford that white wedding cake from the posh bakery, but your cousin made three different smaller white cakes for you in three different flavors? What do you think people will remember more? Couldn't afford hundreds of dollars for engraved invitations, but your best friend designed an invitation for you? What will have more of a personal touch for your guests? You think you need those special wedding shoes, but really, how many folks noticed the discount pair beneath your long gown? Don't just compromise, imprint with your own style.
Most of all, don't go into credit card debt for this big day. It's easy to let the small things pile up, but you'll be paying for one day for years to come. Most people would be better off taking the money they'd spend on a lavish one-day affair by using that money toward their first home. Finally, remember that your wedding day is about declaring your love, not showcasing your bank account.
