Creating a wedding budget can seem a little scary. There are so many items, both big and small, that need to be included. The more you may add the more expense. Trying to stay within your budget, no matter what size your wedding may be, is actually easier than you might expect. There are certain ways you can cut costs, while still creating a fabulous wedding!
You will first want to create a full wedding check list. Keep your budget at the top of this check list. Lay out all expenses, even if you go over your budget. Once each expense is listed, it is then you should go back and see where you are able to cut costs. You will find that you can eliminate some items or make and inexpensive substitution.
The biggest expense usually for any wedding is going to be the reception. If you are on a very tight budget, you can actually host the reception in your own back yard. (Or a friend or family member if they have more room.) If this is not an option, you can rent out barn space for a very cheap cost. (Usually about 250-500 dollars for the night, depending on where you live.) If you know of someone who owns a farm, and they have an empty barn, this space will not only be cheap, but it will also be large enough for a dance. You can put up tables and have the food placed buffet style. If you live in a city with no farm land around, renting out an empty warehouse works just as well.
Invitations and thank you cards are also a big piece of the budget. Cutting cost here are simple. Try keeping to a small guest list. It may be easier said than done, as I realize that it is hard to decide who NOT to invite. If you run into this issue, simply go with close friends and family only. You can send out a Face book or e-vite to others asking them to come to the dance portion of your wedding. Another way to save costs here is to make the invitations yourself. Keep them simple so when having them weighed for mailing you only need to use one stamp per invite.
The reception and invitations are only two items on your list, but just with those two, a couple hundred dollars could already be saved in your wedding budget. A check list is a crucial tool that will be used throughout the whole wedding planning process. I recommend purchasing a wedding planning book from Barnes and Nobel. Most of these books have every item, and some you may not even think of, that you will need to place on your check list. This way you will not leave anything out, or forget of anything you need to purchase. Just make sure if you do opt to buy a book, that you include that cost in your wedding budget as well.
Also when making your check list, DON’T FORGET TO ADD MONEY FOR TIPPING!! Start planning early and shop around for ideas and best prices. With careful shopping and a little advice, you will be able to stay well within your budget.
