A WEDDING ON A BUDGET

 

 

Don’t you just turn green with envy when you go to a wedding where the couple arrive in a Lamborghini or better, a helicopter!  The bride’s dress is an original Vera Wang, worth thousands and the groom’s wearing Loubiton shoes and an expensive suit.  The decor and catering are done by the best service providers in town.  And you sitting there thinking ‘gosh, I can never have a wedding this nice’ and ‘eish, vanhu ava vane mari (whoa, these people are rich)’.  Well to be honest, most people use all their money on the wedding and forget to save up for life.  But that’s a story for another day.

To be honest we all want lavish weddings, but not all of us can afford it.  But what should stop us from having the wedding of our dream, for less.  So here are some tips on how to save money when planning for your big day.

1.   Make a List

Make a list of all the important things you want for your wedding.  For Example; What is more important to you;  gorgeous flowers, inviting 400 guests, a particular venue location or serving cavier and lobster to your guestsJ.  Pick whats most important to you that you are willing to pay any price for it.  Then the rest you can compromise.

 

2.    Less Guests

Always keep in mind that you are charged per guest.  So keep it short.  Ok, I have to admit, as Africans, we can never have less guests.  I mean God forbid if your mother’s sister’s husband’s uncle’s grandchild is not invited!  ABORMINATION!!lol

Have a maximum amount you can afford and split it into 2, half for you and half for your hubby.  For your half, divide it further, into family, friends and workmates.  This helps you to really evaluate your guests and cut off the unimportant people.  Like...hmmmm I don’t know, EXES maybe??lol

 

3.   Signature Drink

Serve a custom made cocktail (alcoholic and/or non-alcohol) for guests instead of full bar which cost a lot of money.  It would be advisable to have 2 or more cocktails to give guests a variety.  If you guys want some cocktail ideas, lemme know and i will hook you up.

 

4.   Bridal Team Outfits

This saves money BIG TIME! Your bridal team should be understanding and be able to come up with the money for the outfits and shoes.

 

5.    Keep the Menu simple
There is no need to serve a 5 course meal at a wedding.  Keep it simple; a main meal and dessert will do.   Buffet tends to be more expensive so plated service is a better option.  No need to serve lobster and cavier to your guests!  Something simple and yet delicious will save you money.   Now the traditional rice and chicken has been overdone so you can try something different but still within your buget

 

6.   Online Shopping

E-bay and Light-in-the-box are some popular online shopping websites where you can find some beautiful items such as bridesmaid dresses, suits for groomsmen, wedding favours and even a wedding dress for yourself.  Now I’m sure you are all asking ‘and how will i get it shipped here?’  Well these sites do not ship here but they do ship to the United Kingdom and South Africa.  So you can ship them to a friend or family member’s address and then have it posted here.  Long process? Yes but it’s worth a try.  But please be careful people, make sure the sellers are top rated or well reputable to avoid being robbed online!

 

7.   Rent a Wedding Dress

There is no shame in renting a wedding dress for your big day.  Besides, its only one day and that dress is gonna take up loads of space in your cupboard until ure forced to see it anyway!  You can rent a high quality dress, enjoy and create memories in it and pay half the price that you would have paid if you were buying it.

 

8.   Save Money on Church Decorations

Most churches are very well built and decorated as it is.  So there is no need to spend money on expensive flowers and so on.  Keep it simple; a few flowers at the entrance, petals on the floor and some candles here and there.  The ceremony is more of a spiritual event (the joining of 2 souls), so the decor must be simple. 

You can save by moving the flowers at the church to the reception after the ceremony.

 

9.   Learn to ask for help from Family

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for financial assistance from family.  And yes I mean asking that rich uncle of yours that drives a Range!  lol!  As Africans we are very family-oriented and you will always find some people waiting eagerly to contribute to your wedding in any way. Family and friends can also help by donating a service.  Like their cars to transport the bridal team to the church and reception venue, and a family member being the M.C rather than hiring a professional.  This can save you a lot of money, which you can allocate in other important areas. 

 

10.               Get Crafty

Embark on some DIY projects to save money for your wedding.  For example wedding favours, invitations and centrepieces.  Now keep in mind that these projects will take time and need to be prepared well in advance. 

I would suggest you throw a craft party for friends and family to pitch in and put the various items together.  All you need are some snacks and a bit of music to turn it into a fun venture.

I will be posting some DIY projects for you guys in the future to inspire you for your weddings.

 

Well these are the few ways you can save money for your wedding. Hope these tips can help you guys out.  Lemme know if I missed one or two