Wedding Budget Tips

His & Hers Rings

In American culture, married women often receive two rings in their wedding ring set. One is an engagement ring and the other is the wedding ring, they often match and complement each other and can be worn together on the ring finger after marriage. Traditionally wedding rings are worn closest to the hand with the engagement rings after it.

Wedding Rings & Commitments

Wedding rings are worn as a symbol of the love between bride and groom, and their commitment and fidelity. These are all a part of their wedding vows. Many couples elect to have the name of their spouse and the wedding date inscribed on their wedding rings.

Wedding Date

Saturday night is the most sought after time for wedding venues.  Instead, consider a Friday night or a Saturday morning/afternoon or Sunday wedding reception.  You will not only save money you will probably have a greater choice of dates to select from.

Ceremony

Exchange your wedding vows in a naturally beautiful location like a public park or a flower garden and you won’t have to spend a cent on wedding decorations.

Wedding Dress

Got your heart set on designer couture? Save up to 30 % by simply changing the fabric. For example, a wedding dress made of poly satin will cost far less than silk satin and no-one will be the wiser.  Choose expensive lace and beading for the bodice, but eliminate the lace and embelishment on the hemline, train, or sleeves.

Avoid making special changes to couture gowns.  Changing the shape of the neckline or altering a sleeve can be costly.

Groom’s Attire & Formal Wear

If your wedding is semi-formal, get him to wear a nice suit that he already owns.   Better still, encourage all the groomsmen to hire from the same supplier, and in many cases, they will include the groom’s tux for free.

Wedding Flowers

Swapping expensive flowers for less expensive ones can save up to $5 per stem and small substitutions all add up.  If you were planning on having five roses per bouquet and 10 per centerpiece – with a wedding party of five girls and guest list of 150 people, you’ve just saved over $500 by simply exchanging flowers in all your bouquets and table arrangements.

Catering

Keep your menu simple.  Brunches, hors d’oeuvres and buffets are less expensive than seated dinners.
Reduce the number of dinner courses (three fabulous courses costs less than serving five individual courses). Stick with the specialties of the season and region.

Purchase your own alcohol.  Have the caterers bring out the Moet or Dom Perignon for the toast, then switch to a less expensive champagne for the rest of the night – no one will notice.

Don’t forget to discuss and negotiate associated costs such as the cost of service, overtime and insurance when you meet with caterers.

Wedding Invitations

It is important that your wedding invitations are special, however there is no need to go overboard as your guests will remember your ceremony and wedding reception more than the invitation.

Keep invitations simple. Top-quality paper, decorative envelope linings, multiple enclosures and custom-colored inks all add to the price. Choose one exquisite element and keep the rest simple.

Music & Entertainment

Consider DJ’s, they are less expensive than live bands.  If you want a band, keep the band small. Choosing a band that has modern and up-to-date equipment will make a smaller band sound bigger.  Alternatively, have the band playing at your ceremony and your wedding reception.