How to Have a Great Wedding Without Going Broke

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The “Wedding” industry is a multi-million dollar industry and the cost for weddings keep going up. Most people are paying for their own wedding but haven’t saved up for this big day.

However, instead of yielding to the temptation of borrowing money, check out these cool ways to save on a fabulous wedding.

7 Ways to have a Great Wedding without Going Broke!

WHAT’S YOUR DESTINATION?

Combine your honeymoon and wedding with a Destination Wedding. Go to a resort or cruise where amenities are included. Invite the entire world if you want! Those that want to attend to help you celebrate your special day will pay their own way to get there.

You can pay for certain family members, like your parents, grandparents, children, etc., . Instead of paying for a minister to come, the captain of the cruise can actually perform the ceremony.

HERE COMES THE JUDGE.

Although I was furious when one of my friends did this, I finally understand how fiscally brilliant she was. If you’re not that concerned about everyone watching you jump the broom, go to the Justice of the Peace.

Only the people that really matter and are local can attend to help you celebrate. The money you save can go towards a great honeymoon or better yet, towards a down payment on a home, to pay off debt or savings.

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR!

Got a family member with a big beautiful home or backyard? Having your wedding at their home could be their wedding gift to you. Other family members with “professional” skills like catering, photography, make-up artist, cake baker, singer, band, DJ, hair stylist, seamstress, tailor, etc., can render their services for your wedding as a gift to you.

You can also offer to provide them with free marketing of the services or products they provided during the wedding via a paper program, place cards, or elegant and professional signs. Keep in mind that I said “professional” skills, which means that they do this for a living and have a business or, at a minimum, you have experienced their service or product. You’d be surprised what type of talent lies within your own family, but Be Selective!

WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE GOOSE …

I never really understood the expensive tradition of buying a wedding gown that will only be worn for a few hours and in a closet for years. All this in hopes that the daughter can wear it when she gets married. Ok, maybe I am the only one, but I have no desire to wear the wedding dress that my mother wore in the 70s.

Besides, if men can rent a tuxedo for the wedding and get away with it, the ladies should be able to do the same thing when it comes to the wedding dress! Save the thousands of dollars on that new wedding gown and rent it. Instead, buy a really nice reception dress, since you will be wearing that longer. Make sure you get a reception dress that you will be able to wear again in the future, like to friend or family member’s wedding.

HEAVY HORS D’ OEUVRES

Instead of serving a full course meal, try heavy appetizers, more elegantly called “hors d’oeuvres.” They are just as filling and everyone can choose and eat the foods they like.

Choose a filling and inexpensive protein with lots of carbs and starches to help fill your guests up quick. If you want to be healthier, add more fruits and vegetables.

TECHNOLOGY IS YOUR FRIEND!

One of my celebrity friends recently showed me that sending electronic invitations is not only cost effective, but is elegant as well. She used PaperlessPost.com to send out her invitations, get RSVPs, communicate instructions, and forward necessary documents. This proved that no matter how wealthy you may be or how rich you think are; technology can be just as effective and elegant as those expensive paper invitations.

So save your money on those paper invites, envelopes, RSVP cards, and postage. You can also use other electronic invitations through evite.com or eventbrite.com. Besides, who reads their mail anyway? Oh yeah, that’s just me again!

LIGHTS … CAMERA … ACTION!

Live stream it!

Again … invite the world! They can tune in and share some loving and congratulatory comments to the live stream of your wedding. This way you can cut down on the people that will attend your wedding and reception, but still allow the world to share in your special day!

There are several free live streaming services available, like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Periscope or YouTube Live.

These are just a few ideas to save money and have a great wedding without going broke. But the most important tip to remember is that “TIME IS MONEY!” The more time you have to plan and shop around, the more money you will save!

Best wishes and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.