This is going to be your big day; one that you hopefully never have to repeat (unless it’s a vow renewal, some years down the road). Your wedding day; you want it to be unique, joyous and special. You want it to be the best that it can be — on a budget.
Even if you have a lot of ideas in mind for how you’d like the day to go, you’ll need to make your pennies stretch. But don’t think that budget means cheap and shabby — you can do great things with a little if you utilize proper planning.
Tip 1. Shop around. Unless you live out in the middle of nowhere, there are going to be several options for wedding venues (and even if you do live in the country — there is always your own yard). Spend some time looking around to find the places that fit your desired look and feel; then compare their pricing — and even make them bid against each other by citing competitors prices.
Tip 2. Get your uncle to officiate. Everybody has an uncle, grandfather or cousin who’s a minister. They will do the ceremony cheap (or maybe even make it a gift to you — if you promise to visit their church).
Tip 3. Let Big Mama do the catering. Not only will it be familiar food, she will probably do the cooking gratis (as long as you buy the food); she doesn’t want to be outdone by your uncle!
Tip 4. Don’t try to impress everybody with an elaborate open bar. If you just have to have an open bar, buy (or borrow) some nice decanters, and find some low-cost alcohol that will work well in mixed drinks. I guarantee most of the crowd won’t even care after they’ve had a couple.
