10 Money Saving #Wedding #Tips

Wedding season is back in full-swing and with so many friends and relatives getting married, I thought it might be a good time to dust-off some tried-and-true ways to save money on your wedding without skimping on the quality. It's been almost two years since Craig and I got hitched but I remember telling my friends the ways in which we were going to cut costs. Everyone thought we were nuts - until they showed up at our wedding.

Before you set out to save money, talk to your partner-to-be about what you want out of the wedding. Remember that this is YOUR day and it should be a reflection of YOU - but also keep in mind that the important part of the wedding is the bond you create as partners on that day. The party is just the icing on the cake but it's not the cake itself.

Money Saver #1 - do the decorations yourself. We live in the age of the Internet - you can find everything you need for centerpieces and table coverings online! No one needs to spend $10,000 on flowers - there are simpler and cheaper options that can look far nicer than a large centerpiece that will piss off your guests because they can't converse with each other. When all else fails - get ideas from Pinterest!

Money Saver #2 - be unique with wedding invites. Thanks to Etsy.com, there's a plethora of graphic designers out there who will design your invite for you for $10. There is no longer a need to go super-traditional and shell out $5,000 on wedding invites when you can have someone design something unique for you and have it printed for a fraction of the cost.

Money Saver #3 - cut down your guest list. This is the one area where people usually scream NO when ever I suggest it but every wedding we've been to has shown a plethora of people who a) don't want to be there and b) haven't spoken to the bride/groom in over a year. When looking at your list, have some foresight - will you still talk to this person a year after your wedding? If not - it's not worth the invite. People's feelings may get hurt but you want to celebrate your day with people who love you now and forever.

Source: chickabug.com via Barbara on Pinterest

Money Saver #5 - buffet it! In Israel, a serve-yourself wedding is the norm. We've been to a few weddings where we were served and it wasn't really great. The food usually arrives cold and, as a guest, you don't get to choose how much of something you want! Buffets tend to be cheaper but it doesn't always mean it's going to look cheap! Food is the MOST expensive thing you'll have at your wedding but it doesn't have to cost $120 a plate.

Money Saver #6 - use lesser-known photographers. Just because your best friend used Mr. Goldfine doesn't mean he's the BEST photographer! Sometimes the lesser-known people take better photographs because they WANT to capture the best of every moment. It's not just a job to them - your happiness means more clients. You can save a TON of money by using photographers your friends haven't discovered - so, ask around and search Facebook for photographers in your area.

Money Saver #7 - don't hire a wedding planner! If necessary, get a wedding coordinator but most places have someone in charge of your wedding day - so trust them to listen to your wants and needs. Another option: the best man and maid of honor should be able to make sure your wedding day runs smoothly. Make a list of things that need to happen and talk to them about schedules.

Source: weddingchicks.com via
Elizabeth on Pinterest

Money Saver #8 - DIY wedding bouquets and boutonnieres. You don't need to hire someone to do it - enlist your friends or bridal party the flowers together a day before your big day.YouTube has a bazillion videos on how to make these on your own and, I promise, if I can do it- so can you!

Money Saver #9 - use a DJ, not a band. I know, I know... wedding bands are HUGE in Jewish weddings but they aren't all the rage here in Israel. We've been to some weddings with HORRIFIC bands and, personally, I never understood the need for it. A DJ can do the same work without getting in the way.

Money Saver #10 - make the day about YOU!! I know that this was stated above but don't try to out-do your best friend's wedding because it only leads to financial disasters. Make your wedding a reflection of YOU as a couple. Some of the best weddings I've been to were the ones that didn't spend thousands of dollars on flowers but rather spent $100 table centerpieces that reflected the couple's style.

There are few things you should know that will keep you from being a bridezilla - your day will not be perfect. Some things DO go wrong. At our wedding, my mom and stepmom both had food poisoning AND we showed up late to our own wedding due to traffic. I also burst into tears and nearly ruined my make up upon arrival at the wedding venue. The point is, you need to ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES! If you're calm and relaxed, your wedding day will go off nearly hitch-free but if you are bossy and obnoxious, no one will want to deal with you (before, during, or after the wedding).

I know it sounds harsh but the lovelier you are, the more stuff you can get done for a fraction of the cost. Plus, your disposition will help you enjoy your day that much more!