March 18, 2013 · Wedding

Beautiful Weddings on a Budget

After years of dating and looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right, you’ve finally found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. So, now begins planning the most important day of your life.  We know, we know, no pressure, right?
 
We all know weddings are expensive. From the gown, to the cake, to the flowers – the costs for your big day can really add up. By keeping a few simple things in mind, you can have the wedding of your dreams and won’t have to sell your car, bike or beloved pet to do so.
  1. The Guest list: Do you really need to invite every sorority sister or high school bandmate that you may have? By cutting just 10 people, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars on food, tables and staffing.
  2. The Venue: Did you know you can save money on flowers by simply choosing a location that is beautiful on its own? If you have beautiful scenery, why cover it with flowers? The Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the Governor’s Mansion and the Fox Theatre are all historic Atlanta locations that don’t need any added décor!
  3. Season: Weddings are the most expensive in the spring and fall. A winter or summer wedding could save you thousands of dollars. In addition, look at untraditional days of the week, such as Sunday or even Thursday. Many venues have discounts when using days other than the weekend.
  4. Music: Book a DJ instead of a live band. A great local DJ could cost five times less than a live band.
  5. Stationary: Print your stationary on your own. There are tons of companies that offer great colors and typography for much less than the chunky cardstock. You can find inexpensive, but quality paper, at your local office supply store. Some great places to try are: Modern Day Invite or Vista Print .

Your wedding will be the day you’ll never forget, but you shouldn’t be forced to remember it because it took several years to pay for it. Think about your priorities. What part of the wedding is most important to you – music, food or venue? Then cut back in other places.

With a few modifications, you’ll have the wedding of your dreams at a price you can afford! For more tips on how you can save money on your wedding, visit Huffington Post . For help planning a budget and any other financial services you need, visit your local Delta Community Credit Union branch.