Economic Wedding Ideas

Depending on how old you are you might be able to easily finish that sentence since it’s the lyrics to a very old song.  Some with a sarcastic side might have their own snippy little phrases to use to complete that sentence, and others may just be thinking that the two have absolutely nothing to do with each other.  While two people entering into a lifelong commitment is nothing new and seems to never be on the decline, marriage itself actually is.  According to many statisticians, marriage has been taking a steep dive over the past several decades, while the arrangement of two people living together without being married is steadily rising.

But you’re not any of those people.  For you, there’s a wedding in the future because you honestly believe that you can’t have one without the other - like the song says, love and marriage go together like a … horse and carriage.  (We said it was a very old song!)

Weddings are something that many women especially have dreamt of for a long time.  While we don’t mean to ignore or dismiss the men, let’s face it, it’s usually the woman that takes on the major responsibility of planning a wedding and that has some definite ideas in mind for how it’s going to happen.  Even before her engagement a woman may have a vision for her dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the color and theme of the decorations, the venue, and so many other little details.

But if there’s one thing that might get in the way of making that vision a reality, it’s a budget.  Let’s face it, times are tough today and people are finding that they need to make sacrifices in all sorts of areas, and major expenses like a wedding can put a huge crimp in that budget.

It’s tempting to just put anything and everything you want for a wedding on a credit card, but of course smart and mature people know that while a wedding is important, credit card debt can last a lifetime and cause huge problems in the marriage itself.

On the other hand, a beautiful and elegant wedding can be had on even the tightest of budgets if you know how.  There are many hidden tips, tricks and techniques for getting discounted wedding items or for using more affordable items in place of your first choice - while never compromising the quality and beauty of your event.

Do you agree with that thinking?  Or are you immediately hesitant, thinking:

BUDGET MEANS CHEAP, AND CHEAP MEANS UGLY!

Is this something that you assume - that sticking to a budget means buying cheap items for every part of your wedding, and that cheap items are going to be downright ugly?

If so, you’re not alone.  Many people assume that something that’s less expensive is going to be less appealing for some reason and may have even done some shopping for different items already - and have been very disappointed with what they’ve found.

In all fairness, sometimes things are cheap for a reason and something they’re expensive for a reason.  That old adage, “You get what you pay for” is true in some cases.  A certain model of car may have more safety or luxury features, a home is priced more because it has more amenities or is in a neighborhood that’s relatively crime free, and sometimes even clothes are more expensive because the material and cut are superior to other brands.

But this is not a universal truth.  Sometimes things are priced higher simply because a celebrity or certain designer has attached his or her name to the item, or because manufacturers will charge the maximum amount of money they know someone will be willing to pay for an item.

Getting budget items that are not cheap looking, or purchasing food on a budget that’s still palatable is not difficult; it does usually mean a bit more work and research and comparison shopping but it can be done.

Buying things that are discounted also doesn’t automatically man buying knock-offs or poorly made items either.  Very often you can find designer wedding dresses or beautiful decorations at a fraction of their retail price if you know those hidden places where they’re sold.  There are many items you can get for your wedding that are just as beautiful but that can be rented rather than purchased, which of course means a tremendous amount of savings.

And there are some budget options that you might not have ever thought of, but once you realize how beautiful this option is then you’re actually excited about it.  As an example, and we’ll discuss this more in a later section, many brides are opting for choices other than the traditional wedding cake such as a cupcake tower or tree.  Before you dismiss this as something you might find at a children’s party, keep your mind open to the possibilities as sometimes these towers or trees are just as beautiful if not even more so than a traditional cake.  By choosing things along these lines you may find that your wedding is even more beautiful and elegant than you imagined it to be, even while sticking to a tight budget.

Are you with us yet, or are you still thinking:

BUDGET MEANS DO-IT-YOURSELF, AND DO-IT-YOURSELF MEANS EXHAUSTION!

Yes, it’s true that to save money on your wedding you may need to do some things yourself or have friends and family pitch in.  But again, this doesn’t mean that you need to get overwhelmed with this process.

In a later section we’ll talk about the things you can do yourself versus things you should still rely on a professional to do.  Also, when you choose to do some things yourself such as assembling your own centerpieces or wedding favors, we’ll give you some great suggestions and ideas on creative ways to do this so that you’re sticking to your budget but still have beautiful items for your big day.

And because no bride should suffer from exhaustion on her big day, we’ll also talk about some affordable ways of hiring help in certain areas and who you might approach about this subject and how to go about doing that.

Excited about planning a wedding?  Or are you still thinking:

BUDGET MEANS LESS OF EVERYTHING, AND YOU CAN’T HAVE A WEDDING WITHOUT THINGS!

It’s true that there are certain things that no bride should have to give up for her big day.  Maybe some are happy to be married in a t-shirt and jeans while standing in grandma’s basement while guests eat hot dogs and drink Kool-Aid, but planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean having to go without anything and everything you’ve dreamed of.

Maybe this seems too good to be true.  How can you have a beautiful venue for the ceremony and reception, a beautiful designer dress, gorgeous flowers and decorations, and a wonderful meal while sticking to a budget?

Rest assured it can be done.  There is nothing you can put on a list of wedding “needs” that can’t be had for at least less money than you originally expected.  All of those items that you know will help to make your wedding beautiful, elegant and unique to you can still be included no matter how tight your budget.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

If the idea of doing things yourself or of sticking to a budget and investigating alternative items for your wedding seems a bit overwhelming, don’t worry.  We’re here to help.

In this book we will:

• Help you think about what your budget for your wedding will be, and walk you through the process of keeping track of that budget as time goes by.

• Explain the first step that’s needed to plan your wedding even before you step foot in the first store or fire up the internet to do that online shopping.

• Suggest alternative, cost saving measures and items you might consider in order to have a beautiful and elegant wedding of your dreams while still sticking to your budget.

• Give you creative ideas for every part of your reception including the centerpieces, favors, and decorations, as well as the food, so that you can make your own items for a fraction of the cost.

So don’t give up just yet.  Don’t throw in the towel and start making plans to elope or to run down to City Hall and “get this over with quick!”

That beautiful but affordable wedding can be yours … it will be yours! Let us help you plan that wedding of your dreams!

Please note: Throughout this book we will be using the term “church” when discussing weddings that happen in a religious setting, but understand that we are referring to any religious building or situation; this means an actual church, synagogue, mosque, or any other establishment.  And of course we recognize those that are not of any religious persuasion and will be offering quite a bit of advice for those who do not plan on having their wedding in any type of church or religious setting as well.