Weddings on a Budget...Not too long ago, it was the bride’s family that was responsible for funding the wedding. But that notion has lost its foothold, and now financial responsibility often falls onto the couple. For young couples just starting out in life, this one special day can get very costly. Luckily, there are plenty of options to keep the price tag of a wedding attainable and still have it meet the requirements of your dream wedding. Here are a few ideas to make your wallet happy.
Micro Wedding
The pandemic has thrown a wrench in the works for many people’s weddings, but the new trend that has come out of these times is the micro wedding. A micro wedding is a small, intimate affair that ends up saving the couple a ton of money. Instead of a guest list of 100 or more and all the food, drinks, and entertainment that go along with it, many couples are sticking to inviting only immediate family and very close friends. They may choose to keep the traditional formal wedding attire or go semi-formal to casual. The ceremony and reception can be the same but on a smaller scale, or you could opt instead for something like a day of wine and pairings tastings at a vineyard followed by a small ceremony. With a smaller group, your options are greater.
Destination Wedding
While a destination wedding to a tropical resort may sound dreamy and expensive, they’re actually about one-third the cost of the average, traditional wedding. Resorts like Sandals specialize in accommodating guests for weddings and will often provide most of the elements needed for a wedding in your package. They provide you with your own personal wedding planner so you don’t have to worry about details during your trip. Plus, your wedding is one day of your vacation and the rest is your honeymoon. Like micro weddings, you’ll have a smaller number of guests that can attend, but they will be paying their own way. And, many of your guests will stay for several days and be celebrating the newly wedded couple the entire time. Don’t forget that a destination wedding can be within your own country such as the beaches and rainforests of Vancouver Island.
DIY Wedding
Having a wedding can be very involved, so many brides choose to employ the help of a wedding planner to work out all of the details. However, you can save money by forgetting a wedding planner and utilizing family and friends to help pull everything together. Instead of hiring someone to decorate, you could make your own creative decorations and table centerpieces. Simple options like mason jars with ribbons tied around them and pebbles thrown in the bottom make lovely candle holders or flower vases. And when thinking about venues, consider a public space like a park to host your wedding. Weddings on a budget do not have to look like you are on a budget!
However you decide to spend your wedding day, it will be memorable because you’re spending it with the love of your life and the people who matter the most to you! Just relax and have fun throughout the planning process.
Written by Katie Tejada (McDaniel)
Author Bio: Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, and former HR professional. She often covers developments in HR, business, recruiting, real estate, law and finance, but also enjoys writing about travel, interiors and events.
Photography by LumiPhoto and PhotoJinnic
