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Writer's pictureGiovanni Rusconi

How to plan a great wedding on a budget

Understanding what the appropriate budget is for your wedding can be a complex operation if you have never planned a large event. It's difficult to set an amount if you're not sure how much you can get out of each dollar you spend on all the various services you'll need. Then it happens that the wedding a couple wants is not in line with what they can afford, and that's when the trouble begins.

Your wedding is one of the best days of your life, so you may feel the pressure of having to plan a special and elaborate celebration. But there is no need to go into debt for this. You may not know it, but you can have a wonderful and memorable wedding, regardless of your budget!

If you don't want to waste a lot of money on one day (even a very special one), I have some practical tips for planning a wedding on a budget that may certainly seem more than acceptable to many!< /p>

Let's find out how to organize a wedding without compromises and on a limited budget.



1. Determine the type of wedding you want


When you imagine your wedding, what do you see? An elegant reception in a downtown loft? A backyard barbecue with all your friends and family? A classic hall reception in a formal location?

If you need a little For more inspiration, think about all the weddings you've been to, seen on TV or online. What did you like, or not like, about these?

Don't focus on the small details. Instead, think about the overall feel you want your wedding to have. When it comes to planning a wedding on a budget, knowing your priorities is important.


2. Talk about the wedding budget


All those who pay for the event (bride, groom and parents) must check the total wedding budget together. This may be your first experience budgeting with your future spouse as a team. What a priceless experience! Learning to talk openly and honestly about how much you can spend (or how much you are willing to spend) on your wedding will lay the foundation for wonderful financial arrangements once you are married!

As inconvenient as this budget talk may be, remember: it's a lot easier than still paying for your wedding day on your fifth anniversary!

When we talk about budget, we're not just talking about how much money you can spend in total, but how much you should spend in each specific "area.

I suggest dividing the total wedding budget into categories (and perhaps understanding approximately what percentage of the total to dedicate to each). The categories can be:


  • General guest reception

  • Ceremony

  • Photographs

  • Wedding planners

  • Dresses

  • Miscellaneous


Of course you should set your budget percentages based on what is important to you. Perhaps you are willing to allow yourself the luxury of exceptional photos and cinematic wedding videos, while the flowers don't particularly interest you. Or you are more interested in one location rather than another, based on this you will modify your percentages.


3. Decide what is non-negotiable


Based on your percentages, take a moment with your sweetheart to decide what the top three must-haves are for your big day. They can be practical or totally frivolous: an outdoor reception, an ethnic food dinner, lots of flowers, a live jazz band, whatever is most important to you.

You can create your wish lists separately or together, but be sure to sit down and determine what you both really want. Let this vision influence your budget.


The breakdown of the wedding budget



Let's now get to the heart of the matter.

First thing: give a little of margin to your budget. Unexpected expenses will arise, so know that your budget will evolve throughout the planning process. Take these surprises into consideration by leaving a little of game. This way you have the flexibility to manage any unexpected expenses.

A wedding is a big event to plan, so it's helpful to know what you can get for a certain amount.

Once you have achieved a better vision of what your budget can get you, do you want to further reduce the cost of your wedding? Here are 5 ways to keep wedding costs down and help you stick to your budget!


1. Limit your guest list


Less is sometimes more! You might feel tempted to prepare a guest list as long as the royal wedding, but think of it this way: every guest is an expense. It sounds harsh, but it's true, guys! With each addition to your guest list, you are only increasing the overall cost of your wedding.

To save money on your wedding, you may decide to opt for a smaller, more intimate event. If the number of people at your wedding isn't important to you and your spouse, try reducing your guest list by 20%, then another 20% more. Or invite more guests to the wedding ceremony and organize a smaller reception with your family and closest friends.


2. Host the ceremony or reception at home or outside


The location often consumes the largest portion of the wedding budget: almost half! Why not save money by using your home, a parent's home or in any case a place of property? An outdoor ceremony and reception in a location with personal meaning eliminates the need for an elaborate and expensive venue.

If you decide to host an outdoor event, make sure you have a good backup plan. Rain or even extreme heat can put a damper on your day, so make sure you have the classic plan B on hand.


3. Ask guests to offer their skills as gifts


If you have friends and family members with creative or organizational skills, ask them to use their talents at the wedding in lieu of a gift.

Access your personal network. Does your aunt have a flower shop? Does your friend have a suitable band to play at weddings and similar events? Would you rather get a booth with a mixer and live music for free. Does your neighbor own a restaurant who could lend you their space for the reception? Even where they cannot provide services for free, you could still get a significant discount.

Don't neglect your skills either. Use your talents to help make your marriage happen. Do you have graphic design skills? You can use them to create reception invitations. Be creative!


4. Do it yourself only when possible


You can save a lot of money by doing things yourself, but experience teaches us: do-it-yourself only works well when you know the end result for sure. And give yourself the right time to complete any Home Made project. Believe me, it is inconceivable to stay up until 3 in the morning on your wedding day to prepare desserts or put together centerpieces.


5. Discover the real wedding professionals


Take some time to look for several serious wedding professionals. If you are looking for a pastry chef, for example, don't immediately choose the first one you find. Plan time to meet with more than one provider to ensure you get quality service at the best price.

Don't forget to ask your friends and family about the suppliers they would recommend. Once you've found one that looks good, scour the Internet for online reviews just to make sure you've picked a winner.

We at Bridal Photographers have many years of experience behind us and many positive reviews from those who have decided to rely on us for the creation of their shots on the most important day of their lives!


A beautiful wedding on a limited budget is not impossible!



Remember: your wedding is about the two of you and the celebration of your union. Which will last much longer than a day of celebration. Throughout all the hustle and bustle of wedding planning, remember to not lose sight of what really matters. Spending a lot of money on your wedding daywon't prove your love for each otherbut it can leave you with an empty bank account and a lot of problems. It is quite possible to organize an inexpensive wedding that is beautiful, elegant and convenient for everyone!

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