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A to Z of savvy savings for a beautiful, budget wedding.
Some people are planning weddings for next year. It is not a secret that money is tight and pulling off a great wedding on a budget is no easy trick. This A-Z guide tells you everything you need to know when it comes to money saving and creating a beautiful, budget wedding.
A is for Accounts
Save on big day brain ache by opening a separate bank account for all your nuptial spends. This way you can put aside an affordable amount each month and clearly see how much cash you have to splash!
B is for Bartering
Spend-savvy brides know the first price is often just a starting point, so hone your haggling skills! Everything from your venue and cake to your entertainment and honeymoon can be swiped at a better price if you just hold your nerve. If you still have no luck and it’s out of budget, go back to the drawing board.
C Is for Contingency
For the newly engaged, planning a wedding can be like letting a toddler loose in a sweet shop, so remember to factor in a little extra cash for emergencies. Studies show that most couples overspend on their original budget by 10-15 percent. Yikes!
D is for DIY
Don’t be afraid to “I do” it yourself. Websites like weddingideasmag.com and Pinterest are brimming with crafty style inspiration for a budget wedding and whether you bake cookies as favours or make your own thank you cards, it’s all money in the bank.
E is for Early Birds
The average wedding takes 12-18 months to plan, which gives you plenty of time to grab a few bargains! Remember, suppliers are keen to fill their diaries for the year ahead — which means negotiating a next-year bash at this year’s prices is a possibility.
F is for Finance Meetings
Admittedly, this is not the most exciting element of your planning, but it is important to work out exactly what you have to spend before contacting suppliers. Decide what savings you have, what you can realistically save and what family and friends can afford to contribute. It may be awkward, but it is less cringey than flogging the family silver when your caterer comes knocking…
G is for Guests
The easiest way to cut costs on your wedding is to prune your guest list. Start by ditching all “plus ones” (if you don’t know a guest’s name, why invite them?) and consider having an adults-only affair.
H Is for Hire
If you can’t afford it, borrow it! Everything from gorgeous gowns to lawn games and decorations can be hired for the day. And really, who needs a two-metre candelabra after the big day itself?
I is for Interest
Great for pooling your savings, shop around for banks that offer you saving accounts with reasonable interest and no tax. Consider options like call accounts and other money market deals.
J is for Just in Case
Put aside a contingency fund to take care of the mishaps that suddenly crop up that you can never anticipate no matter how good your planning, like that flat tyre just at the wrong moment.
K is for Know-how
A little imagination can make the ordinary, spectacular! Booked a bargain basement venue? Transform drab spaces with white sheets and fairy-lights. No budget for posh bubbles? Make your own bespoke punch instead!
L is for Last-Minute Deals
Just as booking early can stretch those purse strings, leaving it nail-bitingly late can also save a bundle. These hard economic times mean there are lots of venue hire cancellations, so couples who dare to get hitched in a hurry can often bag a cheeky deal.
M is for Multi-tasking
Perhaps you can move your ceremony flowers to your reception or serve your wedding cake as dessert? Any way you can double up your uses will make nifty savings.
N is for Newly-weds
Recently married friends, family and forum members offer a wealth of experience on how to work a bridal budget. The average wedding may cost a whopping US$10000 – but these geniuses who have done it will reassure you that it doesn’t have to.
O is for Off-peak
If your heart is set on a budget-busting venue, consider tying the knot during a quiet month or midweek. Less popular times (that’s not a Saturday between May and October) see hire fees slashed by as much as half!
P is for Prioritising
Splurge on the elements of your day that are most important to you and be more frugal elsewhere. Love all things fashion? Go for a show-stopping gown. Self-confessed foodie? Push the boat out on amazing grub!
Q is for Quality vs Quantity
There are some things you can afford to scrimp on — for example, switching champagne for cava, or smoked salmon for bacon butties — but for some, cutting costs is a false economy. Never compromise on your photographer (it’s better to have a good one for a short time than to have a shoddy one hang around all day!) and never invite more guests than you can afford to feed.
R is for RSVPs
Wedding stationery can take a frightening bite out of your budget, but not everything in the stationery packages is necessary. Believe it or not, guests will respond to your invitation despite not having a flashy laser-cut RSVP card!
S is for Seasonal
Staying in season with your food and flowers will ensure better quality and save you pennies too. Holding a summer time bash? Carry sweet peas and serve juicy strawberries and cream. Prefer autumnal romance? Lace your bouquet with hedgerow berries and warm guests with yummy pumpkin soup!
T is for Themes
Having a theme is a great way to save without looking like you are scrimping. Consider having a country-style bash, complete with picnic baskets and bunting, or an easy-on-the-wallet white colour scheme. The only rule is to stay away from anything too rigid. You may be honeymooning in Egypt but that’s not to say guests will be appreciated being told to dress like Cleopatra!
U is for Unnecessary “essentials”
The wedding industry is awash with so-called “must haves” that are “guaranteed” to make your day stand out – but before you panic-spend yourself silly, first think about whether you really, really need it. Guests will enjoy your celebrations with or without a save the date magnet.
V is for VAT
The silent sting in many a quote — ALWAYS check that VAT has been included in your price. It makes a massive difference to your total expenditure — and debts are not the best way to start married life. It’s true what they say — make sure that you always read the small print.
W is for Wine
Provide some vino for guests to sip during the wedding breakfast (traditional wed-iquette suggests half a bottle per head) but a free bar for the entire night is by no means obligatory. Buy your booze on a sale or return basis and take back what is not drunk, if you have stronger willpower than us!
X is for Xtras
Sometimes what you assume is included in the package isn’t and likewise, some extras are thrown in at a cost that you didn’t want or ask for. For example, if you are hiring a marquee, is the dance-floor, lighting and heating included in the price? Little extras cause big panic attacks.
Y is for yes
Accepting help doesn’t make you half a bride, it’s the key to saving your sanity! Perhaps your auntie is a pro on the sewing machine or your dad has the negotiating skills of a true haggler? Utilising the talents of clever friends and family can save a packet.
Z is for (Over) Zealous Plans
Finally, remember that it is your wedding day you are planning, not Kim Kardashian’s. A few extravagances are good, but all guests really want is to see the two of you beaming like loved-up maniacs. And that doesn’t cost a bean. — weddingideasmag.com.
Online Reporter