Planning a Wedding on a Budget

Getting married and having a story book wedding are part of the American Dream. However, it is often impossible to live up to that dream while staying in a wise financial state. Many couples spend thousands of dollars on one day, and find themselves with credit card debt for the first several years of their marriage because of it.

One effective way to save money when it comes to planning a wedding is to trim the guest list. This is often not easy for couples, especially those who want everyone they know to share in their happy day. However, intimate weddings are very beautiful. Include the people who have known you the longest and have gotten to watch the relationship come together. It is also important to consider that the more people you have at your wedding, the less time you will have to meet with each person and enjoy their presence. Each guest not only raises the cost of catering, there are also additional centerpieces, favors, invitations, rentals, etc. A good rule of thumb is to not invite people you have not connected with in five years. Also, inviting all of your work colleagues may not be necessary. Chances are, your wedding may not be their number one priority and 'keeping it small' is an acceptable response when it comes to planning a wedding.

Intimate weddings also have the advantage of feeling like family. When each guest is truly a close friend or family member, you will feel at ease and truly appreciate their presence.

Another way to cut the cost on the big day is to save postage on wedding invitations. Having guests reply online or via a telephone is also acceptable. It may even be helpful to send email invitations to the younger generation, whose correspondences are more convenient electronically, and for older guests, send the traditional reply envelope.

Changing the day of the week will also help to save on the cost of a wedding. There is less demand for these dates, so vendors are more likely to give you a better rate. Also, be sure to investigate some restaurants. Ask for how much it would cost to rent a private room or even the whole place. Restaurants with back gardens work great and can be used for dancing later. Theaters and Performance Venues are also great places to host a small reception. Also, finding a local band may cost a little extra, however, they may be willing to play on a Sunday or Friday night for a little less money.

Getting married at an alumni house or charming chapel on campus is also a beautiful setting. It is also typically less expensive than some reception halls and is great for couples newly out of college. Most college campuses are already picturesque and make a great setting for a wedding.

Saving money on Church decorations can also be easily accomplished. Getting married near a holiday means that the church will most likely already be decorated which will save on the cost of flowers. A candlelit ceremony can also be beautifully romantic and inexpensive.

Also, the number one rule in saving money is to utilize your resources. Look for friends and family members who may know of musicians and flower shop owners, as well as photographers. There are also dozens of websites that offer deals such as; wedfrugal.com and frugalbride.com. It is also always a good idea to ask advice of friends and family and see how they were able to save money for the big day.

Getting crafty is also a great way to save money. Throwing a party in order to make favors, centerpieces and other inexpensive touches are a great way to enjoy the friends' company and accomplish some needed work.