Save Money on Wedding Planning: Venues, Invitations, & Gowns

In a perfect world our wedding plans would be untouched by economic realities…it is, after all, the biggest day of our lives. However, when we find ourselves in a tight economy, whatever the reason or season, we oft find that we have to cut corners in life. Unfortunately, that can sometimes include trying to find ways to cut back on our wedding plans.

Yes, ideally the flowers for our wedding ceremony and reception would be arranged at the hand of the most skilled florist in the world. Likewise, our wedding dress would be handmade from only the finest of materials as we celebrate our union with our soul mate.

Realistically, most all of us have to make choices. This includes choices in our wedding planning.

Fortunately, that is okay… as long as the individuals involved take a few moments to consider the options instead of just allowing themselves to go until they run out of money and stop. Instead, if a bride takes the time to decide what elements of the wedding are most important to her and puts her resources into the essentials while cutting back or eliminating other aspects then she can still have a stunning wedding.

Sometimes, the effect of cutting out the clutter can even elevate the entire nuptial event!

Easy ways to save money on wedding planning:

• Wedding Venue: 1. Use property that is owned by someone in the family or wedding party – just be certain that there is sufficient parking. 2. Many who are active in their local community of faith can often gain use of the church facility for their wedding for a nominal fee or sometimes no fee at all! 3. Sometimes city or county parks are available inexpensively – though noise may be a factor. 4. Recreation Centers – some of the newer recreation centers have meeting rooms that are as nice as hotel ballrooms. I can even thinking of one with a nice, private courtyard! 5. Depending on the regulations and private ownership issues in the area getting married on the beach or next to a lake or river can save a bride lots of money she would otherwise spend on the wedding venue.
• Reception Venue: Ideally, hold the wedding and reception in two different parts of the same place. For example, have tents with tables set up behind and to the side of where the ceremony is held and have the guests bring their chairs from the ceremony. This will save money on a separate location and renting extra chairs!
• Invitations: Wedding Invitation kits can save time and money. For even more savings, though it will take a bit more work, do an internet search on ‘wedding invitation software’ so you can print your invitations at home. Or if the guest list consists of individuals who would not be put out by a deviation from custom, choose to use electronic invitations sent via email.
• Wedding Gown:  Grandmother. Borrow her dress, or borrow someone else’s dress. Or buy an off the rack or used dress and have grandma alter it for you.
• Likewise, beautiful wedding dresses can sometimes be purchased from the manufacturer at end of the season closeout sales if you can get to the city it is located in on the sale date. Furthermore, some charities accept wedding dress donations and then have a annual sale. They are almost always (maybe always) first come first serve, but I have heard of great bargains being discovered (of course, be sure you support the charity).

It is true.  It is possible to plan a wedding without spending a huge sum of money.  The advantage is that having to choose protects us from cluttering our wedding plans with extraneous extras that don't help the celebration with the result of having a more memorable nuptial celebration.

More money saving tips on your wedding planning:

Save Money on Your Wedding Dress

Save Money on Your Wedding Flowers

Save Money on Your Photography, Flowers, and Catering

Save Money Scheduling Your Wedding

Save Money on Your Cake, Gifts, & Honeymoon

Save Money Wedding Planning