Introduction A wedding should be one of the most special occasions in your life, but sometimes counting the cost of the event can leave the newly weds feeling less than a happy couple. The average cost of a wedding in the UK is 18,000 and $32,000 in the US. But does the perfect wedding have to break the bank? This article explores how you can plan an affordable wedding. 1. Timescale The key to an affordable wedding is all in the planning. Whilst it is tempting to get married as soon as possible, sometimes patience can pay off and not leave you and your spouse with hefty debt as you start your new life together. Where possible having a minimum of twelve months to plan your special day can really make a difference to costs. Not only does it give you more time to shop around for the best prices but it also offers time to save extra money for the weddings plans. 2. The importance of the wedding date The date you choose for your wedding can make the difference to how much things cost. People choose different dates and times of the year for a variety of reasons including to ensure good weather. But think about your wedding date carefully. Is it close to peak season where there is likely to be an increased demand for a venue, photographer, catering specialist etc; therefore pushing up prices. Will your honeymoon be more expensive because of increased travel at that time of the year. Is there a major sports event or conference occurring in your local area during this period I.e. the Olympics, the G8 conference or a rock gig? It is definitely worth checking with your local government body to find out if any major events are planned before deciding upon your final wedding date. 3. Marriage Venue Choosing a venue in which to get married is critical for setting the tone of the big day. Do you get married in a formal place of worship or as some countries now permit, a venue of your choosing, providing a legal official is there to witness the event. My advice for planning an affordable wedding is to think creatively. Getting married on a beach for instance, has no cost attached to it other than the cost of the person charged with conducting the ceremony. A close family friend actually got married in the middle of a woodland area with hay bales being used as seating! 4. Reception Venue The reception venue is also another major area where you can save money. If you are keen to go for an established venue like a hotel or function room then do consider bringing in your own catering team. Don't automatically accept the catering provided by the venue host as some will charge a lower venue fee, but overcharge on food provision. If you're feeling more creative you can find cheaper venues which can be transformed into the perfect place to host a reception. Think about some of the following; a) A Barn Find a local farmer and ask if they have a disused or presently empty crop barn that you could hire for a nominal fee. b) A private beach Some areas of beach are privately owned and landlords are often willing to hire then out for a small sum. Watching the sun set whilst dancing the night away can be highly appealing. c) A social Club or school hall Any room can be transformed into a beautiful Oasis of pleasure as long as it is clean and well ventilated. Whilst the initial thought of using such a venue might be unappealing to some, it offers the opportunity for you to create your perfect venue. A friend recently got married and decided not to choose the $6,000 hotel venue closest to them. Instead they hired a school hall for $300 and spent a further $900 transforming it into the perfect reception venue with stunning fabrics for drapes, water fountains and chandeliers. It really looked stunning with a little creativity and saved $5,000 on the previous venue quote. 5. Transport Most people like to arrive and leave in style on their wedding day and why not? Unfortunately chauffeur firms regularly charge excessive amounts for wedding transport so why not ask friends and family if they know anyone with a stylish or unusual vehicle. Perhaps they own a classic car or a horse and cart that they would be willing to let you use for the day. Far from being offended by you asking , people often feel privileged that you have asked. The fact that they are likely to be the first guest to see how beautiful the bride looks as they transport you to the wedding venue will be an added incentive for them! 6. Entertainment Most couples who get married opt for either a DJ or a live band for the wedding reception, but this can prove costly. Consider asking friends or family if they know people with good musical skills who can play on the night. This can save hundreds of dollars, but make sure you hear then play first! 7. The Wedding Dress The wedding dress is perhaps one of the largest expenses long with bridesmaid dresses. It is very possible, however, to look a million dollars without spending excessively. The most costly part of a dress is the labour time that goes into making it. Ask friends or family if they know of anyone who would be prepared to make you the perfect dress if you source the material yourself. There is almost always someone who has the skills to create a great dress without breaking the bank. Perhaps there is a skill you have that you could offer in return for their time and effort. Perhaps you or your husband to be is a builder or other trades person, a lawyer, accountant, book keeper, beautician, physiotherapist and you can trade your skills in return for theirs. Also try and source your material from a wholesaler rather than high street retailer as it is likely to save you money. Some communities also have a thriving Asian population many of whom use exquisite types of material for making traditional dress. These shops often provide excellent value for money material and they are often willing to haggle on price as this is part of their cultural upbringing. Summary Your wedding day should be one of the most special events in your life but it need not leave you with substantial debts. Planning is key, so try to allow plenty of time to research your options and think creatively about ways to reduce costs without it effecting the overall experience. Following some of the suggestions in this article will help you plan an affordable and enjoyable wedding.
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