A lot of brides throw out their wedding budget because they’ve found that achieving the budget is an unrealistic goal. That’s where so many brides and grooms go wrong in the planning process. It doesn’t seem possible, but it is. Achieving a reasonably-priced wedding without seeming too cheap is plausible, and in fact, much more modest and reasonable. While there many be some sacrifices to a reasonable wedding, it’s important to remember what the day is really about–you, your significant other, and both of your families. There is nothing wrong with throwing the most fantastic wedding in the world, with over-the-top themes and decorations, but that’s where you’ll be paying for years to come. There are many ways to have a reasonably-priced wedding to avoid going over your budget while having all your closest friends and family with you on your big day.
Plan Smart
You don’t need a wedding planner. Again, unless you’re planning for a venue to house more than one hundred people with a night of events and performances, you don’t need to splurge on a planner who is going to end up telling you things you don’t want to do. The wedding is about you. If you desperately need the help (which, in a lot of cases, brides find they do), seek out help from friends and family–someone you trust and respect to help plan an incredible ceremony and reception. Or, if you help from the family seems a bit much, there are several wedding planning apps, like The Knot, that can help you make your day memorable. And let’s not forget about Pinterest.
Condense Your Guest List
As hard as it may seem, inviting hundreds of people to your wedding is unrealistic, and, more than likely, half of them may turn down the invitation. Invite only those that you want at your wedding, and those that you will make it a great time. The more guests you invite, the more food you’ll need to serve, and quite possibly, the more people you will need to accomodate–some with hotels and transportation.
Find a Modest Venue
It’s not easy, but it’s possible. Venues come in all shapes and sizes, some with packages with both a ceremony and reception–driving your cost way down rather than paying separately for both events at different locations. Modest venues include beautiful bed and breakfasts and parks.
Have Your Wedding in the Off Season
No one wants to do this for sake of beautiful photos and weather, but what a lot of people don’t consider is price. Weather and photos are simply another sacrifice to make, where price may fall with having a wedding in the off season.
Stick to a Budget
It’s most important and the most forgot about–the budget. As mentioned in the beginning of this post, brides and grooms often forget about the budget because they get too wrapped up in the idea of having an extravagant wedding and inviting all the guests they can. Don’t forget about the budget, and be sure to ask yourself the right questions. Do you really need a DJ? Or can you have a friend find one for less money? Do you need a third party to make your invitations and cards, or can you make them yourself? Does the cake really need to be $300 or can you find one for half the price. A well-thought-out budget takes plenty of planning and plenty of time, and while it may do a number on your relationship, remember the important part of the wedding–the bride and groom.
About the Author: Isabel is a guest contributor from Chatham Gables Inn, a bed and breakfast located in Cape Cod, offering wedding packages and more.
