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Finally, time to start planning for the day every girl dreams about, the day you say "I do". You start planning, the dress, venues, reception and invitations when you start to realize the cost that is abundantly accumulating. In the Pacific Northwest, the average cost for a wedding (including rings) is $ 30,000. However, not everyone is willing or able to spend that kind of money for their wedding! Here at NWweddingplace, we would recommend to anyone that they go into their marriage debt free, or with as little debt from your wedding as possible. Maybe that still means you could spend $ 30,000 and be just fine (or your parents could). In these modern days, the brides and grooms are often footing the bill for the glorious day. Maybe that means you could only afford $ 20,000 … or $ 12,000 …. or what about only $ 5000? We believe that it is possible to have a nice wedding with a budget of $ 5000. We've come up with the essential 12 wedding must-have categories (below), not including your rings. For each category, we offer several possible solutions for having a nice wedding for less:
# 1 – Wedding Dress
Brides, you can buy a really great wedding dress for under $ 400. In fact, NWweddingplace.com sells destination wedding gowns in our shop online section … just a thought! Anyways, there's always the tradition of wearing your mother's passed down dress too. You can get it altered if necessary! Maybe a friend has one you could borrow? Or, purchase a used gown – it was only worn once before! If you're really talented, make your own. Approx. cost – free to $ 400.
# 2 – Tuxes
It is not uncommon to ask your groomsmen to pay for their own tux rentals – Just like bridesmaids buy their own dresses. Then, the only one you'd need to pay for is the groom's. At some tux rental shops, you can receive the groom's tux rental for free when the groomsmen rent there also. Approx. cost: $ 100.
# 3 – Venue
This is where it can become potentially expensive. For a spring or summer wedding, consider having your special day at a park, landscaped backyard, beach, or on city grounds. If you belong to a church, usually they will allow members to use facilities very inexpensively or even free. City parks and community centers normally offer low pricing! Approx. cost – Free to $ 450.
# 4 – Decorations
For ceremony decor, it totally depends on what your look looks like and how much decoration it needs (or does not need). We have many low-cost aisle runner ideas. Tulle fabric is inexpensive, and can be creatively used to decorate ceremonies with.
To decorate your reception, try using high-impact, big bang for your buck items like balloons. Balloons are a beautiful and inexpensive way to add elegance to the room. Floral centerpieces can get pricy, without you DIY them yourself. As an alternative example, try using crystal hurricanes with floating candles, and tulle as a table runner. Using petals and tea lights is simple and inexpensive too. Use the bride's bouquet and bridesmaids' bouquets strategically at the bridal party's table to add some floral beauty. Simple guest books and toasting sets can be purchased very inexpensively at party or craft stores. Approx. cost – $ 150- $ 350
# 5 – Guest Favors & Gifts
It can be expensive to get all your guests little thank-you gifts. Although, Jordan almonds are very affordable! It is traditional to give your guests little sash bags full of Jordan almonds, which bittersweet taste is said to signify life, and the sugar coating is added to ensure a sweeter marriage. Giving 5 almonds represent health, wealth, longevity, fertility, and happiness! Normally, edible guest favors are great, since they are less likely to be wasted.
For your bridesmaid gifts, put your centerpieces to good use! Or, buy your attendants a wedding jewelry set. Ladies love jewelry, it's great for future use, they need some for your wedding, and it would all be matching – perfect! Approx. cost – $ 175
# 6 – Photography
This is an important aspect. In 30 years, you may not remember every detail about your wedding day and that's when you look at your wedding pictures. Photographers are very expensive, and you have them for a limited time period. If you'd be willing to hire someone for one hour, have them come right at ceremony time. Ceremonies usually lasts for 20 min, and then they can take posed shots of the couple and families for approx. 30 min afterward.
Ask your friends to bring their digital cameras. With technology today, it's easy to edit, crop and touch them up yourself. If you have a friend that does photography work, ask them to take your pictures as their gift to you. Have disposable cameras on your reception tables for guests to capture candid shots. It can be fun to see all the pictures that your friends and family took! Afterward, you'll probably want to print some out and this will require ink and photo paper. Approx. cost – $ 75- $ 700
# 7 – Veil & Accessories
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Why not wear jewelry passed down in the family or borrowed from a friend? If you're set on new items, accessory stores offer a big selection at great prices (especially during sales).
You should be able to get all your bridal accessories for $ 150 or under if you shop smart. Veils are fairly easy to make yourself if you have any sewing skills at all. If not, maybe you have a friendly friend? A simple veil would only cost about $ 15 to make yourself !!
# 8 – Cake
This is where your shopper instincts really kick in. Wedding cakes come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Generally, they are fairly expensive. If you know someone who makes cakes, find out if they are willing to make yours as their gift. Another money saving idea is to order from a store or bakery in plain pieces. In other words, order 2 or 3 sections separately, plain, in white or ivory. Decorate them yourself with flowers, ribbons or with other items from craft stores. Approx. cost – Free (if a gift) to $ 250.
# 9 – Music
Try downloading music and making CD's to play for your ceremony and at the reception. Ask your maid of honor or best man to be in charge of making announcements (ie, time to cut the cake, first dance, etc.), and keeping track of switching the music when necessary. Approx. cost – $ 25.
# 10 – Flowers
The scale of wedding floral variations a lot, from very simple to very extravagant and lush. If you are wanting extravagant and lush, prepare to pay for it unless you're willing and able to do a lot of it yourself.
Use fresh flowers from a local store. Before you go, make a list of everything you need flowers for so you do not forget anything. Find flowers suitable for your bouquets and wrap the stems with securing wires and ribbon. Some bouquets are literally just long-stemmed flowers held loosely together with ribbon. If you're not against silk flowers, there are many artificial flowers available at craft stores that can add an elegant, garden feel to your ceremony and reception. Get store bought flowers for your cake, reception tables and boutonnieres as well. Approx. cost – $ 100- $ 250.
# 11 – Invitations
Try DIY invitations. There are many beautiful invitations that you can purchase and print out on your own computer. Or, having them professionally printed costs less if you already have your own paper. Are you skilled at paper crafting? Stamping? Calligraphy writing? Any of these skills could help you make your own invitations. Any way you choose, you'll need to purchase paper, envelopes, stamps, and possibly printer ink. Approx. cost – $ 75- $ 100.
# 12 – Food
Now it's time to feed your hungry guests! All guests expect to see some sort of food at a reception, even if it's just hors d'oeuvres. If you're having a late evening wedding, consider having a dessert bar. Afternoon weddings could have sandwiches or barbequed foods. The easiest way to have food at your reception is to order platters from your local supermarket, or buy snacks in bulk at a warehouse store. Borrow bowls and serving dishes whenever possible to save costs. Some of your close family friends may love to bring food if you asked. What about this idea – use fresh fruit as your reception table decor! It's snacks and decor all in one! Sparkling cider is less expensive than champagne or wine forasting with, and obviously more kid-friendly for guests with kids. Stock up during the holidays, or when they otherwise go on sale. Ask your venue if they have plates, cups and utensils to borrow. If not, purchase coordinating napkins, toasting cups and paper plates at a party store or online. Approx. cost – $ 200- $ 375.
If you stay within these budget recommendations, you'll still have money to spare for incidental things like beauty costs, items for flower girls, alterations, shoes, cake topper figurine, etc. As you can tell, being on a $ 5000 budget requires creativity, planning skills and a bit of spare time. Hopefully with these ideas, you are able to save money and still have the beautiful wedding you dreamed of. And remember, your wedding is only the first day of your married life together. Plan for your wedding and for your successful marriage. Enjoy your wonderful day and happy planning!
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Source by Krista Dunk
