These are ten practical tips to help you budget for your outdoor wedding.
1. Choose a stunning location. There are many options. You can have a wedding by the lake, a sunset wedding on the beach, or a wedding in a botanical gardens. There are many options for decorating the venue. You can trust Mother Nature to do it!
2. You will need to determine a number of people you wish to invite, and then keep that number. Only invite your immediate family members and close friends. This will help you keep your wedding costs low and your budget within reach.
3. You can make your own wedding invitations. You can either search online for Do-It-Yourself invitations, or visit your local craft store. You can also make your own wedding invites. My husband and me made our own. Although it was time-consuming and involved, it was well worth the effort. We were astonished by the response from our guests. It was also a great way to keep within our wedding budget.
4. Your centerpieces should be simple, but elegant. It is easy to make them. Local craft shops can provide ideas. You can also check eBay or other auction sites for great deals. Oriental Trading is a great place for starting your search. You can find great products at a fraction of the cost.
5. You can find inexpensive wedding favors. You can also use flower seed packets if you’re getting married in the spring or summer. A personalized bookmark that you write, quote or cite a Bible verse is another option for favors.
6. A wedding gown on sale is a good choice. Buy one when there is a low season for weddings (usually September through February), when bridal shops are offering discounts to make space for new stock. You can also search for wedding gowns online at auction sites like eBay. You might also consider looking through classified ads. Open to other options. Do not assume that because your wedding gown was not purchased from a boutique wedding dress shop, it will be of lower quality.
7. It is much cheaper to buy the bridesmaids dresses at a retail store than from a bridal boutique or wedding shop. It will also be appreciated by your attendants, as they are likely to have their own budget.
8. Wedding pictures and video are often the top priorities when planning for a budget. This is something that most couples don’t want to compromise on. Make sure you choose a good videographer and photographer. You will be having an outdoor wedding so make sure your videographer is experienced in working with natural light. For proof of their work, ask to see the videos and pictures of previous clients.
If you aren’t interested in taking pictures and don’t want them to cost too much, you can ask students at a nearby university or campus if they would be willing to do the job for you. Professionals charge much more for students than they do for professionals. Be careful and ensure that you get a quality service. Ask them to show you their portfolios.
Another source of wedding photos is to place a disposable camera at each table. You shouldn’t expect to get high-quality photos. Based on the lighting, I have found that the photos can sometimes be of poor quality. The results can be good if used outdoors with excellent outdoor lighting. Images taken indoors are not as good because of poor lighting.
bridal car
9. Instead of hiring a limousine to transport you, rent a classic or convertible car. A friend or family member can chauffeur you around. This can help you save a lot of money on your wedding expenses.
10. All your wedding events can be held in the same place. Choose a country club to host your wedding reception. Set up the ceremony on their lawn, which is usually professionally landscaped. You could also use the gazebos as a place for vow exchanges. All the photos of the wedding party can be taken in the same spot. This will save you time and effort for both you and your guests. The ceremony can be followed by a cocktail at the country club, where guests can enjoy a drink while professional photos are taken of the wedding party. You don’t have to worry about transporting the attendants as everything will be done at the same place.
These budget tips will help you cut down on your wedding expenses if you follow them. There are many other ways you can stay within your budget for your wedding, especially if there are no compromises. Think outside of the box.
