Stylish Weddings On A Budget That Are Elegant

It’s easy to get so caught up in the planning of your wedding that you forget what’s most important – you’re getting married! Even if you can’t afford a lavish wedding, with some creativity you can make it the perfect way to start your new life as husband and wife.

Here are some great tips for creating stylish weddings on a budget:

- Limit the number of locations where photographs are taken. Most photographers charge extra for each location where they are required If you’re on a tight budget it’s probably an unnecessary expense to have a photographer at the location where the bride and/or groom are getting ready. Unless of course you are doing your formal photos before the ceremony.

- Look for stores that offer the groom’s tuxedo for free. If several people in the wedding party will be renting tuxedos, look for a store that gives the groom’s rental for free. The requirement is typically if you rent a minimum of 4 tuxedos, the groom gets his for nothing.

- Appoint a friend or family member as your coordinator. There is no doubt that a wedding planner can make your big day run much more smoothly. After all, when problems occur on the big day most people naturally run to the woman in the big white dress! But it’s an expense you can do without. Instead ask a trusted friend or family member to help you by being your honorary coordinator. Give her an itinerary, checklists and phone numbers for all your vendors.

- Educate yourself on what things cost. Before you purchase anything, shop around to see what the going rate is. Unless you know what several different places are charging, you have no way of knowing if what you plan on spending is reasonable. Doing this can also give you bargaining power.

- Cut down or cut out the appetizers. At most weddings there is so much food people can’t possibly eat it all! Reduce your costs by cutting down the amount of appetizers or hors d’oeuvres you order – or consider not bothering with them altogether. If you do want to serve them, simply cut down on the number of different kinds. No one will notice whether there were 5 or 10 different options and you’ll save a bundle.

- Ask your florist to do a “market special”. If you like to have everything organized down to the last detail, this option is not for you. A “market special” is when your florist goes the day before the wedding and chooses whatever she can find on sale at the wholesalers. You never know what you’re going to get but if you’re working with a florist who shares your vision this can be a great way to save.

- Opt for simple but elegant rings. The most inexpensive option is the classic gold band. For these you can expect to pay from $150 to $300 each. If you want a white metal choose white gold instead of platinum (which will cost twice as much). Another option is to choose silver bands. Although silver is not as durable, there are many styles to choose from that wear well. If you want your wedding ring to have a stone, consider semi-precious stones such as opals. It doesn’t have to be diamonds to be beautiful.

Getting married is one of the most wonderful times in your life. So enjoy it! And remember that it is possible to create an elegant, stylish wedding on a budget. All you need is creativity and a willingness to think outside the box.