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Congrats! You've decided you want to spend the rest of your lives together. With the average cost of weddings in the tens of thousands of dollars, it can be easy to get into debt before you even tie the knot. But having a theme wedding need not break the bank. In fact, in many ways a theme wedding is easier than a traditional one. You are not limited to the overpriced wedding aisle in stores; you can find many items in craft stores and discount outlets. Here are a few tips to help you plan the wedding you've always wanted.
1. Dream Big.
Do you want simple vows, barefoot by the sea? Or a cathedral wedding with 300 guests? Write down every single detail you can think of-you'd be surprised what slips your mind on the Big Day, no matter how prepared you are.
Go beyond colors, theme, and food to the details, for they are what make the day special. Tear out pages from magazines and paste them in a notebook. You do not need to dissect them at this point-be inspired. Usually a pattern will emerge, and you'll see that all the dresses you picked have a certain neckline, or all the locations you admire have a large patio. When you know what you want, finding it will be much easier.
2. Plan Smart.
Once the image of your perfect wedding has come alive, it's time to plan. As the saying goes: "Time is money". If you have room, buy the items you need as soon as you can afford them. You may have to live with boxes for a few months, but you will not be rushing around at the last minute searching for the perfect vase.
Contact your local parks and recreation for a list of free or inexpensive sites. Most locations are outdoors, but sometimes large pavilions or historical homes can be rented for little cash. An historical house may not have all the amenities of an expensive hotel chain, but the romantic ambiance makes up for uneven floors or lack of air conditioning.
With a bit of research, you can find almost anything at a discount price. From E-bay, to the dollar store, to upscale salons, you can find specials and unique items if you keep looking. Do not be afraid to bargain if you're bringing the entire wedding party in for an event. Businesses want your money, and they will not let it go over a few dollars or a manicure for the bride. Use common sense-they also are not giving away goods and services.
3. Work Hard.
You're doing this on the cheap, right? The only substitution for money is muscle. Look at your budget and decide what's important. Since we paid nothing for our back yard and had friends to make the food, we could afford to have a lavish spread and open bar.
You may consider asking for a gift of service instead of a wedding present. Perhaps you know teens who would appreciate the extra cash to run errands or serve food. If the wedding is casual, a potluck may work. All are ways to save.
4. Compromise.
If you've looked at your budget and can not find room for those orchids, find a similar flower. A single orchid in the middle of a bouquet can look just as elegant as an entrenched bunch.
Most of all, if something goes awry on the Big Day, do not let it upset your pleasure. (And chances are, something will go wrong.) When my guests expressed dismay at the lack of forks, I provided forks. They were unimpressed by my attempt to make a Renaissance wedding authentic – they wanted the familiar. It could have been a disaster. Instead, I took the opportunity to explain medieval customs, and we all had a laugh.
A beautiful theme wedding is within reach, even on the smallest budget. Planning, hard work, and creativity are the only tools you need to have the wedding of your dreams. Congratulations on your engagement, and may your special day be filled with the love and laughter of family and friends.
