There's no doubt about it, weddings can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding today is $20,000 ? $25,000, and weddings are estimated to be a $25.3 billion industry. But don't worry if your budget cannot stretch for the most expensive custom-made gown, elegant invitation cards, or the top photographer, it doesn't mean that your wedding will be any less unique or special than anyone else's.
You just need a bit of guidance and a few tips to help you achieve the dream of your big day. Here are a few suggestions with tips on how to save on some of the more expensive aspects of a wedding.
Wedding Gowns
Do you really need a hand-made wedding dress with beads and diamantes? This is where the big cost is and there are several options in cutting the cost. Why not opt for a second-hand wedding dress? It's probably only been worn once anyway and you can get a once expensive dress for half the price. Consider buying an evening gown/cocktail dress from a department store or look into renting your wedding dress for the day.
The Reception
This is where the cost of a wedding can get out of hand. The wedding reception is normally the biggest expense, but one of the easiest to cut down on costs. Statistics show that an average of 189 guests attend a wedding, this is a lot. Try and keep your guest list to a minimum, do you really need to invite family members who you have never seen for years? Instead of a three-course meal why not opt for a hot and cold buffet (even cater for yourself)? Instead of holding the reception in an expensive hotel suite or wedding reception, why not consider having it at someone's home or a club, or even book a restaurant. Keep an open bar to a minimal and only serve beer, wine and soft drinks.
Photography
The obvious choice is to shop around for the best rates, but consider hiring a photographer for the ceremony only and ask a family member or friend to take snap photos of the reception. Or you could go one step further and ask them to take the photographs for the whole day and not bother with the expense of a photographer at all.
Invitations / Stationery
If you're on a budget and looking for cheaper wedding stationery items, then you might like to consider print-at-home http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/invitation-cards.html There are many online stationer's that will offer this service free of charge. You pay for the paper and envelopes, then use their software to print directly from your own PC. With sophisticated customization tools you'll be able to enter your own text and preview it before you print so as not to make any costly mistakes. Alternatively, you can buy software and do-it-yourself from your PC.
Miscellaneous
Flowers can be another great expense, but also an unnecessary one. Why not buy wholesale flowers, or pick flowers from your garden (or a friends or relatives). Buy plain gold or white gold wedding bands as these are the cheapest. Get a friend to make your wedding cake for you and opt for a smaller tier cake and it doesn't have to be a fruit cake ? try a sponge, chocolate or carrot cake! Make your favors and center-peices yourself. Accessories for these can be found at little outlet stores or online. Lastly, instead of a limousine why not rent a car or borrow a luxury car from a friend or relative?
Summary
Weddings are expensive if you want them to be. But if you want to keep money aside for a deposit on a house or a honeymoon to remember, then there are many cost cutting ideas. All you need is a little imagination, and some help from friends and family and you too can have a luxury wedding with all the trimmings.
About The Author
Claire Bowes is a freelance write and owner of http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com where you will find further tips and advice on invitation cards ( http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/invitation-cards.html ) and personalized stationery ( http://www.1st-for-greeting-cards.com/personalized-stationery.html ).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|


Beach weddings are popular but they do present "special issues".Failing... Read More
It is absolutely possible to find a beautiful and affordable... Read More
Sometimes a wedding arch is a no-brainer way to spruce... Read More
Weddings are momentous occasions to all people involved; especially the... Read More
Effective communication between you and your wedding guests is essential... Read More
My husband and I have a perfect marriage.There. I said... Read More
Planning a wedding should be fun and exciting. However, if... Read More
The formula for marital harmony and success is not a... Read More
You're well into planning your wedding and have finally decided... Read More
If you are in the process of design a wedding... Read More
No one has as much fun as the bride to... Read More
Whether you want to add a little extra romance to... Read More
One of the top priorities on a wedding day is... Read More
Everybody who has decided to marry wants their day to... Read More
Just as there are a variety of wedding packages available,... Read More
More Americans are taking "til death do us part" seriously.... Read More
OK, so you have your heart set on the top... Read More
When it comes to placing your new diamond in a... Read More
Here comes the bride! Walking through the alley confidence holding... Read More
Basically, there are three wedding bouquet styles. The cascade, round... Read More
John's cousin, Grace, is getting married in Liverpool, UK and... Read More
It's safe to say that of all the important events... Read More
A woman once visited a counselor to ask a question... Read More
These verses of Scripture from St. Paul are commonly used... Read More
Imagine the following scenario. Your spouse has given you an... Read More
Mens wedding bands are an emerging phenomenon. Whilst women have... Read More
Being a best man is like many duties you will... Read More
As mens wedding rings become more and more popular mens... Read More
Deik and Kim, remember that marriage is a COVENANT relationship.... Read More
Not so many years ago, the proposition of a wedding... Read More
Your wedding flowers usually tie to your wedding theme. When... Read More
Moissanite is fast becoming the new diamonds. The newest jewelry... Read More
There are so many styles of wedding gown to choose... Read More


The wedding day is the day that most women wait... Read More
In times gone by it wasn't uncommon for young couples... Read More
Wedding favors have evolved over time. Wedding favors today combine... Read More
Your wedding is supposed to be the most important day... Read More
OverviewI suppose a typical Christian wedding in the UK can... Read More
When people think about great love stories, more often than... Read More
If you have met the person or the couple several... Read More
Did your wonderful husband-to-be recently "pop the question" and now... Read More
When it comes to response/RSVP cards, the goal is to... Read More
It's a fact, however odd it seems, that some brides... Read More
You have purchased the latest bridal magazines from your local... Read More
So you're planning your wedding and a thousand decisions must... Read More
Apparently for a person to get married is like burning... Read More
The elegant beauty of a strand of pearls... Read More
Looking for beach theme wedding cake ideas?When it comes to... Read More
Her dreams of marriage and collected marriage values disintegrate when... Read More
When you think about couples who renew their wedding vows,... Read More
The key to being a gracious bride is to be... Read More
"The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of... Read More
If you are looking forward to a vacation of attractive... Read More
It's safe to say that out of all the events... Read More
Imagine the following scenario. Your spouse has given you an... Read More
You have to start with a thorough to do list... Read More
The extravagance of weddings is a popular topic. We blame... Read More
When planning your event you should go with the most... Read More
One of the most joyous occasions in life is a... Read More
One of the most elegant rituals you can choose for... Read More
To paraphrase a song, "Are you doing it more, but... Read More
Save the Date Cards are announcements that inform your guests... Read More
Second marriages can be a tricky situation for a variety... Read More
"Couples who've had sex before marriage will inevitably have sexual... Read More
Selecting a wedding gown is possibly one of the most... Read More
Marriage has to be the greatest opportunity for mindfulness on... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |