Wedding Planning on a Shoestring Budget

Like everything else, the cost involved in organizing a large event has increased substantially in recent years. Even though you may only go through this experience once in your lifetime there are ways to plan your special day without breaking the bank.

The secret to successful wedding planning is organization. Start off by making yourself a list of things that you would like to have at your wedding. Next, prioritize that list to see if there are items you can do without or, if you must have them then look around for the best price.

One of the biggest expenses will definitely be the food. Most reception halls charge a premium to cater on Saturdays especially during the peak period which spans from April to the end of October. If you decide to have the reception in a hotel or hall, consider getting married off season or even on a Sunday, the cost per plate drops dramatically!

If time permits, attend a few bridal shows in your city. Make a point of visiting as many local exhibitors as you can. Some of them may be home based businesses that offer a variety of wedding related products. They may be more flexible on price than larger retailers yet still offer the same quality.

Wedding Apparel: Nowadays, more and more stores are actually renting bridal gowns and tuxedos which would be less expensive than purchasing them. If you are not the type of person that is sentimental about preserving the dress after the wedding, this option may be just for you.

Wedding invitations: There are many online do-it-yourself websites that are more cost efficient than paying a professional printer. They have quite a large selection and make designing and printing them a breeze! Even if you are not artistically inclined, just contact their customer support and they will help you for a nominal fee.

Some churches/synanogues/temples are equipped with a large enough space to hold an event as large as a wedding. This way, you can hire the caterer of your choice. At the same time, holding your reception at the same place as your wedding ceremony will eliminate the need to hire a limosine for the whole day.

Hotels are the most expensive venue to hold receptions followed by reception halls. If neither of those two locations are within your budget, consider having a garden-themed wedding under a large tent in someone's backyard. This way, even if it is a rainy day you can still enjoy an outdoor celebration!

Photographer and Videographer: If you know someone who is a camera buff, think about hiring them instead of a professional photographer. You may be pleasantly surprised at the result. Or how about a photography student or recent graduate? Since they are just beginning out, their price would be a lot more negotiable than a seasoned photographer.

Wedding Jewelry and Accessories: If you are having bridesmaids you can offer to buy the jewelry to match their dresses instead of a separate gift. This gesture can be your way of thanking them for sharing in your special day.