Getting Married on a Budget

Planning a wedding can be stressful enough, but when a budget is added, some brides buckle under the pressure. With costs rising, it's no surprise that more and more couples are getting married on a tight budget. In this article, I will discuss creative, money saving ways to have a beautiful, inexpensive wedding for as little as $400 to $700 dollars. Budget weddings can be beautiful, memorable occasions that have a more personal feel than large, expensive wedding planner organized affairs.

Let us begin with the location. Unless you have your heart set on an expensive venue, it is possible to find a lovely place to get married for absolutely free. If your family belongs to a church, you may very well be able to book the sanctuary free of charge by contacting the appropriate clergy member. However, if your family isn't religious, or you don't have any church contacts, there are other options. Public parks, nature preserves and beaches have hosted countless charming outdoor weddings, often for little more than a donation. The great outdoors isn't for everyone, in which case, the county courthouse may hold more appeal. Civil ceremonies, complete with pre-decorated chapels are available for a nominal fee in some counties. Lastly, there is always the option to host the wedding ceremony or reception at a friend or family member's home. There is something charming about getting married in the family home, surrounded by loved ones and good memories.

But what about the dress? I haven't forgotten the wedding dress, and the many options open to you. Simply because you are having a budget wedding doesn't mean that you will be stuck with a tacky, inappropriate or unsuitable dress when the big day comes. If you are lucky enough to have a friend or family member who is skilled with a needle and thread, it may be possible for you to have a homemade wedding dress, tailored to your needs. Thrift shops and consignment shops are always another good resource for finding gently used wedding dresses and gowns for the entire wedding party. If time is on your side, it may be possible to wait until after prom season and purchase a heavily discounted white prom dress instead. Many prom dresses are just as beautiful and elegant as the simpler wedding gowns. However, if none of these options suit your needs, it is possible to rent beautiful, designer wedding dresses for little more than the amount to rent a tux for the groom.

Other ideas for an elegant, tasteful budget wedding:
By limiting your guest list to a smaller number (50-100), not only do you cut costs tremendously, the smaller size allows for a more personal and intimate atmosphere.

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• Instead of hiring live music or a DJ, get creative and play music of your own choosing. With today's CD burning technology, it is simple to create a personalized CD. If you like to sing, make a statement and rent a Karaoke machine as your party music.
  
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• Timing is everything. If possible, get married in the 'off season' or during December when most churches are beautifully decorated for the season's festive holiday.
  
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• Spend a little time and effort to create your own invitations, the savings more than make up for the extra work. Purchase some card stock and enlist some friends to assist you. With the use of a computer, print your own personalized invitations.
  
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• Save hundreds by taking advantage of friends or family members who like to cook. The wedding cake doesn't need to come from a store, some homemade cakes are just as beautiful.
  
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• Flowers needn't be expensive or bought at all. If they are in season, gather some friends and pick wild flowers to use in bouquets. If that's not your style, a few beautiful roses go a long way toward looking elegant verses a large, expensive bouquet that only detracts from you and your gown.
  
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• Get creative about reception locations. Fire halls are less expensive than traditional reception locations and you can decorate them yourself to suit your tastes. A few inexpensive candles in small glasses here, a nice white table cloth there...
  
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Lastly, good luck on your big day. A beautiful budget wedding is possible, and you can make it happen. Just remember to relax, and don't let your budget stress you out. Take a few deep breaths, a relaxing bubble bath and get creative.