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Times are tough, but even if they weren’t, who wants to spend between $15,000 and $20,000 for a one time event? Yes, that’s the average cost of a wedding. And that’s only the average, $30,000.00 is not unheard of! Of course many couples spend less. The “less,” part is what this article is about.

Ask yourself,

For this one day, do I really want to spend what could be a down payment on a house, the price of a car, a big part of my future child’s education or my future inheritance or God forbid, do I want to go into debt or have someone I love go into debt? for 1 day? Of course it’s a very important day and if spending a small fortune was the only way to have perfection, then maybe and only maybe the answer might be yes. But with some creativity as well as some personal touches, perfection can be had even without a fat wallet. And with that being said, how do you create a truly beautiful wedding on a budget? Well here are some ideas to get you started.

First, figure out what you can really afford. in other words, decide on a budget. Don’t forget all the little incidentals, they really add up.

Things like, church fees, minister/priests fees, attendants gifts, marriage license fees, getting your nails done, stamps and on and on cost what looks like a pile of change but adds up to a pile of dollars.There are undoubtedly somethings that you just have to have or at least some things you really, really want. If getting an expensive wedding gown or some particular band or DJ is a must have, then subtract the amount for those items right away so you can get the things that matter most and cut on the rest. And when your purchasing that expensive gown remember to include in the cost not only the dress but the shoes and the things that go under the dress, jewelry and what ever else is part of your outfit. And remember DJs and Band members not only get paid but generally expect dinner as well, as do photographers. As I said all of this small change can quickly add up to big bucks!

One of the first things you will need in your planning is the reception site. You know the place where all of your friends are having their reception, the “best in town,” and all of that? Start by crossing those places off the list of possibilities and if you are dead set on one of these establishments remember buffets are usually cheaper then sit down dinners and being served family style is probably priced somewhere in between.

But, for a moment here lets try thinking outside the box. There are probably places that you haven’t even noticed that would be a wonderful spot for a wedding reception. If you can’t think of any possibilities get in your car and start driving.

… Just as a side note… I once spent 5 hours, on a Sunday afternoon, doing exactly that. I knew what atmosphere I had in mind, I knew how many quests it had to hold, and I knew it had to take no more then 30 minutes to get there from the church, where the wedding was going to be held earlier on the same day. What I found was a golf course, (club) that I didn’t even know existed. I walked in and asked if they had wedding receptions there and the owner said, “no, but we would be willing to”. They were willing to close for the day, there was no charge for the room, only for the food. They were willing to decorate, willing to stay open longer then other reception sites. And were very gracious and willing to accommodate. The room was lovely and the grounds were beautiful!

I’ve seen a wedding reception in a vintage, partially renovated, closed for business facility. It had hard wood floors and 30 foot high columns. This palatial rundown atmosphere gave the entire event a feeling of vintage spender. Check out VFW s, armories, out of business restaurants, and taverns or places that don’t normally hold weddings receptions. These places may not only be cheaper, but they will also, most likely, be willing to work with you. Most wedding reception venues will charge for the hall rental, and the food, the bartenders and the wait staff. There may be a cake cutting fee, and a minimum charge on the number of guests whether that many guests are coming or not. You won’t escape all of these charges, but you will probably save on most of them. You just may find a hidden treasure or a diamond in the rough, that will not only save money but will be unusual as well.

Don’t be afraid to ask those places that you know don’t normally do weddings. They may just be willing to do yours, especially in these tough economic times. Be sure to get all agreements in witting. These places may not have a contract available, as most reception venues do. But get all agreements in writing anyway, even if you create the contract yourself. This is not the time for a friendly handshake sealing the deal.

Flowers, Choose flowers that are in season or use silk flowers.Consider having your bridesmaids each carry a simple arrangement consisting of 2 or 3 long stemmed flowers (long stemmed does not necessarily mean roses). Add some fillers… greenery, baby’s breath or what ever is cheap, lasts well and looks pretty. Tye these together with satin ribbon, or lace, imitation string of pearls, glass beads, or sequins string (all found at craft stores). This way you will have a lovely flower presentation with out the huge expense.

Buy inexpensive vases to place on the table where your bridesmaids will be seated for dinner. Then they can each put the flower arrangement they carried in the wedding into the vase. Have water in the vases, even if the flowers are silk. It adds weight, making the flowers less likely to tip and adds realism as well.

When I say cheap vases, think dollar store. If you want to add a bit of a vintage look, try flee markets and 2nd hand shops for vases in the same colors but varying shapes, or varying colors and the same shape. Tie each vase with a satin ribbon with streamers that hang down the front of the head table.

Having the bridesmaid’s flowers do double duty saves money, it also utilizes the color and beauty of the flowers instead of them being cast aside.

Candles are an inexpensive way to add ambiance to any room.

You can purchase clear glass votive candles for the head table as well as the guest’s tables.

These candles are available at craft and discount stores, Walmart, Kmart, Target as well as online, usually for under a $1.00 each. Be sure to buy long burning candles so they stay lit until the day/evening is over.

If you are set on larger bouquets look online for instructions on making the bouquets yourself. If that seems too stressful for you, than talk to your florist and tell them what you have in mind and stick to your budget. They are usually very good at suggestions and helping you get the look your trying to achieve. If you decide on using silk flowers, you can make your arrangements ahead of time. You can also use a combination of silk flowers and real flowers, Perhaps real for Grandma’s corsage and silk for the bridesmaids.

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Source by Marilee Knapik