Not exceeding your wedding budget can be daunting. However, it’s definitely possible to stay within your price range and still have a successful wedding. As long as you have a good strategy to approach for party planning, you will be able to walk down the aisle without worrying about breaking your bank.
Venue
The venue is often where people spend the most money on their wedding. Choosing outdoor locations with open spaces is probably your best bet for an economical wedding. Barns, parks, and even backyards can be turned into gorgeous wedding reception venues with proper decor. If you shoot for an outdoor venue, you might even be able to find a wallet-friendly alternative space for all your friends and family. Instead of investing in a huge indoor space to accommodate your guests, you can use the great outdoors—the space is unlimited! If you fear rain on your wedding day, tent rentals can save the day and make sure your day is special whatever the weather.
Utilize Your Connections
Be open with your close friends and family about being on a budget. Ask them if they know of any individuals who can contribute to your wedding experience at a fair price. From the DJ to catering services, you are bound to know someone who knows someone in that field. Confidence in their abilities will do wonders for your planning process. If your money is going toward a high-quality, trustworthy business, you can be confident in that area of your plan. Some people who offer services for weddings will even offer discounts for referrals. Ask around and trust word-of-mouth reviews from your inner circle.
Buy Used
Don’t be afraid to buy used items for your party. No one will know nor ask whether the things you are displaying were secondhand or not. Who cares? Finding a good deal is great news for everyone! Thrift stores are filled with so many supplies suitable for parties and decor for a fraction of their original price. Check out online resale shops and marketplaces. Linens and décor details can often be borrowed or bought used. Find newlyweds that have leftover décor and supplies from their own event that are looking to get a little back or will loan them to you (just be sure to return them in good clean condition). The items will have only been used once—you’ll never notice a difference except in price.
Bulk Options
One of the best ways to maximize your budget is by utilizing bulk options. Bulk and wholesale with every aspect of your wedding party will save you big bucks. For example, you can find many supplies at places like Costco, BJ’s or Sam’s at considerably less than at a party supply shop. Some Brides have even considered using a bus hire instead of hiring limousines for transportation. Doing this will also enable you to implement your personal style into everything without going over budget. With some planning and DIY skills, you can put your bulk purchases together to create your perfect setup instead of hiring a decorating company to do it for you.
Overall, having a wonderful wedding party—even on a budget—is possible. As long as you stick with your budget and make use of all your resources, you will have the wedding and reception that you envision and everyone will remember. All it really takes to save money on a big party is time, effort, and a little luck to find the best deals.
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