My friend asked her daughter if she wanted $20,000 in cash or a wedding.
Of course when every little girl’s dream is to grow up and have a beautiful wedding, it’s
hard to convince them of what $20,000 will give them in the future. I gave our Wedding
Tips to Save Money checklist to my friend and told her to share it with her daughter.
“If some of these tips are acceptable to your daughter,” I said, “maybe she can take $5,000
in cash and still have her dream wedding.”
Cake:
Order a small luxury cake to cut; then order sheet cakes and cut behind the scene for guests
Dress:
Purchase off season (November/December)
Rent your dress (a great way to get that designer dress)
Shop sample sales
Borrow a veil (something borrowed!)
Wedding Date:
Choose a less popular wedding date (October through April) to save money
For a less expensive honeymoon, set a date for May or November when most tropical locations are off season
Avoid Saturdays; you will get better rates from merchants for a Sunday or weekday wedding
Invitations:
Create your own or seek the help of a talented friend
Forgo inner envelopes and reply cards to cut down on postage and the added cost of cards; have replies sent via e-mail (or phone)
Guest List:
Don’t feel obligated to invite dates of guests, relatives many times removed or people you haven’t seen in years.
Photos:
Hire an art school student
Limit the professional photos and have guests use disposable cameras
Location:
Make use of low-cost venues like national parks, forest preserves or a city park
Utilize churches, clubs or places where you are a member
Ask for a discount
Music:
Friends are a great source for wedding music or reception music
Hire students from a college music department
Flowers:
Set the date close to a holiday; some churches and reception locations will already be decorated
A wedding in a park or preserve will already have beautiful plants
Choose flowers that are in season at the time of the wedding
Share flowers in a chapel with another couple marrying on the same day
Food and Drink:
Limit alcohol to wine and beer only and the limit the number of hours liquor is served
Explain your budget to the restaurant or caterer and ask for their advice to keep costs down
Provide heavy appetizers, brunch or lunch instead of a dinner
If children are attending, ask for children’s plates at a reduced cost
