Cheap Weddings : How to Have a Great Wedding on Any Budget

By Ray Lam

Probably the most money you will spend for a single day will be that for your wedding; the average cost of a wedding today is 20 to 25 thousand dollars with an industry estimated at 25.3 billion dollars per year. It is understandable that many couples feel pressured into spending money they do not have but it really isn't necessary; carried out properly, the majority of guests will not even realize they have attended a 'cheap wedding'. All you need is a few cost saving ideas to point you in the right direction; which should make for an exciting, memorable day without the financial pain.

Hand Me Down Bespoke Wedding Dresses

Fortunately there are several options available to help reduce this cost, including the option of a dress that has been worn before. The huge cost of a new wedding dress cannot always be justified these days; many bridal shops carry a large number of previously owned dresses that can be hired or bought for considerably less than new.

The Reception

It is easy for couples to get swept up in the excitement and spend a small fortune on the reception; statistics show that an average of 189 guests attend so when you are planning your cheap wedding, this is where most savings take place. Don't invite everyone you know, in particular relatives you haven't seen since you were a child; as far as the meal is concerned why not have a buffet instead of a full, waited on, three course meal.

Although it is nice to hold the wedding reception in a beautiful hotel, this can be another huge expense but alternatives exist; there are many clubs that would be perfectly suitable or even the home of a good friend or relative that is large enough.

Images of the Wedding

Photographers are expensive but there is generally no need to hire one for the whole day; why not have your friends and relatives take pictures during the reception. Although it may sound like an unusual idea, you always have the option to not use a professional photographer at all; there is no reason why the photos can't be taken by your guests and you will find yourself saving many hundreds if not thousands, of dollars.

PC Produced Personalized Wedding Invites

Other areas where you can be assured of saving money is wedding invitations and other stationery; today's home computers and printers are able to provide near professional results. Many people are now competent enough to produce near professional quality work; problems and errors can be corrected quickly without regular visits to the printers.

The Wedding Flowers

Cost cutting measures can also be found in the area of flowers and their arrangement; these can actually be purchased in large quantities from wholesalers or even from your own garden if you have the capacity. Many people have friends who are very capable cooks and love to bake so why not let them bake a two or three tier wedding cake; this can be made from sponge or even a chocolate cake which tends to be favorite amongst people these days.

The Transportation

Most people, when asked, feel proud if their car can be used as wedding transportation; it is surprising how impressive this can look when done properly.

Cheap weddings are possible without the wedding seeming it has been cost driven; the point is that guests enjoy the day