Getting Married? Top 10 Cheap Wedding Ideas

Getting married or planning a wedding is one of the hardest things you will have to do. At first you may think it’s like throwing a party, but it’s nothing like that. Sweet gentle creatures turn into regular Bridezillas during the planning of a wedding and we should understand them, because although this day is supposed to be all about you, you have to please everybody. Not to mention the fact that a wedding can be very expensive, especially if you’re working on a budget.

There are a lot of cheap wedding ideas and what’s the point in spending a lot of money for just one day, when you have the rest of your lives together and you could do something else with the money, like taking an exotic vacation or putting down a deposit for a house or a new car? Let’s face it, there’s a lot you could be doing with the money you save from a wedding.

So, let’s have a look at some of the best ways to save money with your wedding.

1. Make your wedding invitations virtual

If you want to be a “green” bride, start with your wedding invitations. Instead of using a lot of paper and killing trees the simplest ways is to announce your friends to save the date via the Internet. Create a private Facebook event (let’s face it, everyone’s on Facebook) and invite all your family and friends. Plus is a good way for them to interact, see who else is coming and maybe even plan a great surprise for you.

2. Have a summer wedding

One of the most expensive aspects in the wedding are the guests. You would like to invite all of them, or leat least in theory you want that, but remember you’re on a budget, so you need cheap wedding ideas. Having a summer wedding can help you be the good bride and invite everyone and at the same time you make sure that not everyone is going to come. Why? Simple. It’s summer, people are either on vacation or planning one, so they need money. I’m sure there are some people who you have to invite but don’t want them to come. This way you will get your wish.

3. Who needs a wedding dress?

Who needs a big, designer wedding dress when what you need are cheap wedding ideas? Wedding dresses cost a lot of money. But you can find a variety of gorgeous dresses that are more than suitable for the event. If you decide on a summer wedding, it’s going to be very hot outside, so you need to be comfortable. Choose light fabrics such as silk. As far as length is concerned, you can go with anything: short, knee size or long. In stores like Zara or H&M you have enough dresses to choose from.

4. Choose a garden instead of a restaurant

Another way to save money on your wedding is to have the party in your own back yard. If you don’t have one, I’m sure you can find a generous friend or family member who will allow you to have your wedding in their back yard. Just make sure all the tables fit and you set a special area where people can dance. Decorate with flowers and it will all look like a fairytale.

5. Let’s talk about food

Catering companies are not that expensive and if you know the right people you could even get a discount. Make sure you have a simple menu (people are there to see you, not to stuff their faces with food) especially taking into account how much food is wasted usually in weddings. You can put fresh fruits on each table and even delicious snacks such as roasted almonds, figs, nuts and other tasty goodies which the guests can have while waiting for the main courses to be served.

6. Get your own entertainment

You can choose a local wedding band to play for an hour or so and for the rest of the evening, karaoke is a great, fun option. People will be more than entertained and you will save money.

7. Don’t try to impress

This is another important aspect. The more you want the wedding to be extravagant, the better chances are to fail and end up spending a lot of money. Releasing doves, or ice sculpture, fireworks and balloons cost a lot of money and if they are not done the right way, they could ruin a wedding reception. I’m not saying not to have the wedding of your dreams but try to do those things that are representative for your personality not what others want you to do.

8. Pictures and videos

Another cheap wedding idea that will save you money is to ask guests to take photos. Not all of the will look great, but you’ll have plenty to choose from. Place a disposable camera on every table and prepare yourself to be photographed all the time. As a friend to film, surely you have one who is handy with the camera.

9. Choose the perfect wedding rings

You’ll probably won’t save money with this one, but if you buy the perfect wedding rings, you won’t have to replace them at some point. Choose color and metal by taking into account what time of jewelry you normally wear. Silver or gold? A little coordination does not hurt. Try models that haven’t caught your eye in the first place. Just so you will know if it’s the right model or not. My advice is to try them all. Very thin models are fragile and can be easily deformed. Avoid them.

10. Become your own florist

Instead of paying a lot of money for a flower bouquet, put your imagination to the test and make the flower arrangements yourself. Ask a few friends to come to tour place and together make the floral arrangements: your bouquet, the bridesmaids’ bouquets. If you are more courageous, pick wildflowers, sunflowers or any other less ordinary flowers.

Do you have any other tips and tricks for planning a not so expensive wedding? Make sure you leave a comment below.

 

Photo credits: Ruffled Blog, English Wedding, Elegant Wedding Invites, Minimalist Interior Design, Ruffled Blog, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, Intimate Weddings, Kootation, 9Wedding Websites, Get Married Ideas