Weddings are a huge money making business these days. It’s become almost impossible to have the wedding of your dreams unless you’re from one of the wealthiest families in the world, a celebrity or royalty. Most ordinary people either have to save for a very long time, finance it through credit cards or they have to take out a loan. However, even if you prefer to spend your money in other ways, there are ways to have a very nice wedding in an affordable fashion.
These could actually be called DIY weddings because you’ll be doing most of the work yourself. Start with the size of the wedding. You may want to limit the number of guests that you invite due to various other aspects of the wedding. Once you and your fiance agree on a number, stick to it. Too many people get caught up in the moment and spontaneously invite people. Just remember that this is a special day you’ll want to spend with those people that you feel closest to. It’s not a time to repay social obligations OR fund the meals of the people who are only going to judge you for every little detail about your wedding anyway.
Decide on your location. This can be totally free if you happen to have a nice back yard or a home with enough space to hold the wedding. If you don’t have either of these things, personally, a relative or good friend may allow you to hold your wedding at their home. There are many community parks where you can gather to have the wedding itself and go to another location for the reception. Just look around to see what’s available. I’ve even heard of people hosting weddings in barns, zoos, train stations, etc. It’s your wedding…do it your way.
Invitations can be made on your computer and printed out. You can have a wedding website – a one stop shop for all things wedding related. You can even go to Etsy or Fiverr to have someone design a “one of a kind invitation” specifically geared towards your taste. The only thing you’ll need to pay for is paper, envelopes, printer ink, and postage. This is a lot simpler than it may seem, especially with the numerous choices in colored and textured paper that you can buy. You get to use your imagination and design your own invitations.
What about the reception? It can be as inexpensive as you need it to be. Hazel Moore of A Moore Intimate Connection of Decatur, GA, creates beautiful settings for occasions of all sizes and she is a personal friend of mine. And the cake? Many couples are now going the route of wedding cupcakes rather than an elaborate several-tiered cake. In fact, you and friends can make these cupcakes yourself. There will be only a one layer cake needed as the topper and you can freeze this one to have on your first wedding anniversary. The cupcakes will be for everyone to eat and enjoy. If you want to have other things to eat, this is also something you and your friends can put together. Keep it simple with such things as finger sandwiches, salad, and anything that’s inexpensive, tasty and easy to put together.
For example, to the left is a picture of the individual Tiffany box style cupcakes that I had created for my 50th birthday. There was one big Tiffany box in the middle with a handmade black stiletto with a red bottom, and then 50 individual boxes. Saved me the trouble of having the cake cut. My guests just grabbed their “own little gift.”
Your dress may be one of your biggest expenses but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Look around in high-end thrift stores and discount stores. You can always check on a website like Rent the Runway, where you can rent the dress of your dreams for a fraction of the cost. I mean seriously, are you really going to make your daughter/daughter in law wear a dress that is over 20-30 years old?
Many times you can find an appropriate dress that you’ll love for just a fraction of the price of a brand new gown. Another option is to make your dress or have a talented friend make it. This is a cost saving but beautiful solution.
Flowers can be as simple as freshly cut ones from a garden. You can also buy pretty bouquets in grocery stores on the day of the wedding or silk flowers at Michaels and make your own arrangements from places like Afloral they’ll look fresh, lovely and you can keep them forever!
As you can see, there are many ways to cut the costs of a lovely wedding. Once you get started, you’ll probably find more on your own and if you have a few tips to share…mention them in the comments.
Most importantly, do your best to select the right person to marry. Need help with identifying what type of person is right for you…I can help with that. Reach out when you’re ready www.anitacharlot.com.
To Your Dating and Relationship Success!
Want a FREE YEAR of dating and relationship coaching right to your mailbox? Of course you do! Who wouldn’t want to receive 52 weeks of dating and relationship coaching FOR FREE!!! Click Here NOW!!!
With over 25 years of study in Relationship Patterns, Metaphysics, and Spiritual Connections, to the practical application and research, Anita has uncovered, tested and created a proven system that allowed her to attract and maintain the relationship of her dreams. She teaches this proprietary system and other courses focused on personal growth and attracting and maintaining healthy authentic relationships through The Relationship Architect Academy.
Interested in learning more about Anita M. Charlot, her customized coaching packages, bookings, professional speaking and keynotes as well as how to purchase books and products; visit her website www.anitacharlot.com.