Frugal tips to help you keep your wedding on budget
Getting married can be expensive. From a pricey ring to an elaborate ceremony and reception, it doesn’t take long to rack up a hefty bill for your nuptials.
But you wedding doesn’t have to come with an eye-watering price tag. If you are looking to make your day a memorable occasion but also stay on budget, you can still get it done with a bit of frugality.
Spending your money on more important things like the down payment for your first home or starting your own business may be wiser than spending on a lavish wedding. In the past, weddings were simpler affairs that focused on the meaning and commitment of the ceremony and less on the pomp and commercialism that you see so much of today.
When you are planning your engagement and your wedding, keep in mind that it won’t serve you to go into debt for just one day. Your wedding will be special no matter what your budget is. You can start by looking for classic diamond rings that will fit your budget instead of impressing your friends and families.
There are plenty of ways to cut your spending when you are planning your wedding. Let’s take a look at just a few of the frugal ways that you can stay on budget and still have the perfect wedding of your dreams.
Choose non-traditional rings
Diamond prices have become heavily inflated in the past decade. Add thanks to celebrity popularity, the size of rings has become largely ridiculous. Don’t get caught up in the commercialism of “bigger is better”. If you opt for something a bit less traditional you may be able to save a lot of money on your engagement ring.
One option is to go for a gemstone ring rather than a diamond. Choose from a gorgeous variety of rings that feature sapphires, rubies or emeralds. You can even start investigating the growing popularity of lab created diamonds. With these non-mined and conflict-free stones you can still get the authentic white diamond of your dreams at just a fraction of the cost. While you’re at it, you can avoid paying thousands for bridal jewelry with much less expensive alternatives. Getting a gorgeous bridal necklace can be easily within your budget.
Restrict your wedding party size
The size of your wedding will be the most important factor in determining your spending budget. If you are trying to save money, keep your list small and intimate. There is no need to invite your next door neighbour and their children unless you have a long term close relationship.
A helpful rule of thumb when trying to shorten your guest list is the “one year rule”. If you haven’t seen or talked to a person on your list in over a year and they are a non-relative then remove them from your list.
Another way to keep your wedding budget intact is to invite only immediate family and close friends and then send out a video package to your extended family and friends after your wedding day.
Use online invites
One of the bigger wedding expenses is ordering and mailing out your reminders and invitations. With the convenience of email, you can now choose an elegant online invitation or “save the date” card to send out electronically to all of your guests. This can save you a significant amount, and actually make it easier for people to RSVP in a timely manner.
Go for a different venue
If you are keeping the wedding small, then you don’t need to overdo it on the size of your venue. Have an elegant backyard wedding and save the cost of renting an expensive hall. Choose a small inn, winery or art gallery to host your dinner and dance.
Call in favours
You have likely spent most of your adult life helping other friends with their weddings or moving into their new homes. Now is the time to start calling in some favours.
Take advantage of the talents of family and friends instead of paying expensive vendors to come in for your wedding. Have a friend make your wedding cake, take photos, provide entertainment or make your flowers. Let your friends and family know what you need and that you would consider their help as a wedding gift to you.
Photo by Benjaminrobyn Jesperse
