Wedding money saving tips

A wedding is all about hopes, dreams and getting exactly what you want!

It can be hard to let go of your aspirations for the ‘perfect wedding’, especially if you’ve been planning it your entire life. If you loathe the idea of scrimping on a hired dress, there are many ways to save money and still have exactly what you want.

1. Budget

Unromantic perhaps, but setting a dollar amount early, gives you perspective. Plan the whole thing and before spending any money, see if you can simplify any of it.

2. It's your party

Don't let tradition or expectations affect your decisions - guest list included. It's your special day, make it what 'you' want. When you look back at the photos, will you smile to see each and every person?

3. Timing

The season, the day of the week and the time of day all affect the cost of your wedding. A morning ceremony followed by lunch can save on reception, catering, alcohol and other costs.

4. Think outside the box

Find a photographer who will provide all your finished photos in high quality on a CD. This way you get the photos you want, and can put more money into the ones you really like later on.

If you want to capture the day on video, consider looking at local TAFE or university groups. They often have the latest technology and great skills for much cheaper rates. You can examine their work before you hire them, so it really is a no brainer.

Catering colleges and new businesses will be keen to provide you great service and savings to build on their portfolio of clients. Jewellery design students and independent designers will give you more control over the end result, as it's in their best interest to make you something beautiful they can use as a reference.

5. Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Instead of going for the caviar stuffed pheasant drizzled with truffle oil, you might find people appreciate a good steak and well prepared and presented vegetables. If you want a wedding cake, consider making it dessert. After all, what's nicer than having it cut up so everyone around you can symbolically share in your marriage?

If providing alcohol, consider buying in bulk rather than through caterers or venues (unless the caterers can provide discounts), or buying a limited amount and offering a cash bar.

6. Keep Silent

Mention the word wedding and prices double. When sourcing flowers, cakes, catering or anything else, don't let on it's for a wedding. Say it’s for your Dad's 80th, family reunion - anything will do, and it's hard for them to change the price when you finally tell them "Yes I'd like that delivered for my wedding please".

7. Substance over Style

With flowers and decorations, less is often more. A coherent theme of well-placed arrangements and picking out detail with smaller decorations can be more beautiful than draping tables in flowers. Consider lanterns and candles as well as flowers, and larger tables to save on centrepieces.

8. A Simple Invitation

If you're not crafty, you can still reduce the price of invitations by omitting an RSVP card or envelope. When you're picking stationary make sure you spend some time looking for different sources such as buying bulk from stationary or signage companies.

9. Build the mood with a DJ

An MP3 player can handle music for both ceremony and reception, but if you want something more organic then hire a DJ. They can work with the crowd and build whatever kind of party atmosphere you want, with your choice of music – and they’re much cheaper than a band.

10. Quality Time

For your honeymoon consider going somewhere less exotic but private. Turn off the phones, forget about the world and do nothing but enjoy each other at the beginning of this new phase of your life. You can always go on a beautiful romantic holiday later on!