Here are my top 10 ways to save money on a wedding:
1.
Go for a mid-week wedding - Many suppliers such as venues, photographers,
etc will offer a cheaper price for mid-week or ‘off-peak’ weddings. For eg. As
a celebrant I offer mid-week weddings for $295 (save $200).
2.
Guest list – Deciding on whom to invite can easily get out
of hand and blow out your budget quickly. To cut down on costs, cut down on
guests.
3.
Load your ceremony music onto an iPod - Rather than hiring a band or a DJ, load all of your favourite songs for
dinner and then for dancing onto your iPod and plug it into the venue’s PA
system.
4.
Ceremony venue - Shop around for a venue. Some venues need you
to have a minimum number of guests. Don’t go to the expense of inviting extra people
just to secure the venue. Find another venue instead. There are plenty available.
Consider hiring a community hall and have a catering company supply the meal
and a wedding decorator to give the hall a ‘wedding’ look.
5.
Do decorations yourself - This suggestion is pretty self-explanatory. It
doesn’t take much effort to make the place cards. You can even go as far as
making your own bombonieres and table settings, too.
6.
Make the invitations yourself - As with the
above suggestion, it really isn’t too hard to make your own invitations. If you’re
not creative ask someone you know who has the special flair and ask for their
help. They’ll probably be honoured
that you asked.
7.
Skip the champagne toast - instead let your guests toast with the drink
they already have.
8.
Make the wedding cake yourself - get a friend
or relative to make your favourite cake (you’ll be too busy) and either they
can decorate it or get a professional to add the finishing touches. (Carol from
Decorated Cakes Gold Coast
will do this for you.)
9.
Use friends’ cars instead of booking a limo - your friends will probably be tickled pink to think their car is worthy
of being used for a bridal car.
10. Make a budget and stick to it- It’s important to create a budget and stick to it! Going over a little bit
here and a little bit there will quickly add up to a big bit at the end.
Wouldn’t you rather spend any extras on the honeymoon?
Helen Coghlan,
Simply Magic Ceremonies
simplymagicceremonies.com.au
