Say ‘I Do’ to Affordable Weddings

Via DailyWorth.com by MP Dunleavey That “Big, White Wedding” Bill As reader Emma noted, many people justify wedding extravagance because “it’s the happiest day of your life,” when in reality it’s just the start. “I think you should spend less on flowers to match your tiara and spend more time planning your life together!” Besides we can all think of better ways to spend $30,000. (ED’s note: Like donating it – or some of it – to a marriage equality organization so we all have our basic civil rights!)

Two Key Steps to Wedded Bliss:

1. Pay for what is most important to you; don’t shell out silly money on things that don’t matter. No matter what Mom says.”Your guests will remember your vows and how great the party was,” says Lori, “No one remembers how expensive your pew decorations were or whether you had designer shoes!”
2. Think outside the wedding box. Millions of couples have battled the wedding industrial complex and found creative ways to save. Here, highlights from readers:
   • Swap. Ask friends to do your flowers, wedding album, hair, makeup, music, etc., in lieu of a gift.
   • Substitute. Wear a white cocktail dress; have a tapas party instead of a dinner; get married on Friday.
   • Track costs. Planning takes months, so monitor spending in a Google doc shared with your mate or parents.
   • Run Away! If you feel that you’re not upto the hectic amount of planning, you could just elope! Opt for a small cabin wedding with just the two of you. You could contact companies like Elope to Gatlinburg (Elopetogatlinburg.com) and arrange for the intimate wedding of your dreams!
   • DIY. Whatever you can, from invites to hors d’oeuvres, DIY is always a good option if you are looking to cut down on costs.

We liked the advice in this SmartMoney article, and the budget worksheet here-and the warnings about rip-off scams here. Budget wedding resources are plentiful, so keep clicking to have the happiest financial day of your new life together!

See Also

My Weight Watchers-Inspired Money Diet

Want tips on how to throw a GREEN and CHEAP wedding? Check out some our *favorite* tips for an ECO Wedding HERE. AND: Check out the top 5 ways to save on your wedding (via the author of “The Tax Deductible Wedding”) HERE.

Have any favorite wedding saving tips that worked for you? Do share in the comments section below!

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