HOW TO PLAN A LOW-COST, YET STILL BEAUTIFUL WEDDING
By Nate Hamon
Weddings are one of the highlights of a marrying couple’s collective life. Whether you are opting for a religious or civil ceremony the problem is often the same, especially when a reception is added in. They can be very expensive because we’re stuck in a mindset that that’s the way it is meant to be. “I want to get married but we can’t afford it!” is an oft spouted line. All you really need to be able to afford is a few hundred for a qualified marriage celebrant.
Go here to find a list of celebrants in your area – Find a marriage celebrant | Attorney-General’s Department
Or go here if you’d like to become one yourself – CHC41015 – Certificate IV in Celebrancy – Rose Training Australia
If, as is expected of course, you do want to go for the whole ceremony and reception then that’s a worthwhile goal. If you’re thinking that perhaps you’d like to save a few grand to put towards a house rather than blowing your life’s savings on a couple of hours though, there are ways to go cheap without looking cheap.
Here are 7 tips for planning a low-cost wedding.
- Set a Budget
I know this sounds obvious but many couples run headfirst into wedding planning without determining a limit which can leave the wallet open for abuse. So this is the first step. This will help you to determine how much you can afford to spend on the different aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, catering, decorations, and attire. Once you have a budget in mind, stick to it.
- Choose the Right Venue
The memory of “where” you hold the reception will fade soon after you drive away with confetti in your hair and cans tied to your bumper clanging as they bounce along the road if the venue is little more than a space rather than a meaningful place. The venue is one of the biggest expenses when it comes to weddings. Instead of going for a fancy hotel or banquet hall, opt for a more affordable location. Beaches are a great, environmentally beautiful place. Many councils allow for the booking of spaces at local parks. There are community centers where the imaginative mind can really “pretty up”. Or how about your backyard, or the big backyard of a friend?
- Keep the Guest List Small
Some families for cultural reasons find this really hard but the more guests you have, the more your wedding will cost. Keeping the guest list small by inviting only close family and friends will save you buckets of money. It will also make the wedding more intimate and special.
- DIY Decorations
You could hire a professional decorator, or you could put the heads of your family and friends together (make sure you set a team leader,) and make your own decorations.
- Opt for Affordable Outfits
Brides and grooms will often splurge on attire that is really only purchased for the one day. Be courageous and fend the trend of super elaborate and expensive. There is also the option of renting your wedding attire instead of purchasing it.
- Choose Cheaper Dining Options
Food is a huge expense when it comes to the big day. Fancy need not come at a high price. Go for a buffet, potluck (family and friends pitch in,) or a grazing table. Think of all the weddings you’ve been to over the years. Now try to rank the meals that you were served. Struggling? That’s not why people go. Not most people anyway. You’ll remember a best man’s embarrassing speech or Uncle Joey’s drunken escapades before you remember that the sweet potato mash was a bit lumpy.
- Keep it Chill
The obvious statement is “the more elaborate your wedding is, the more expensive it will be.” Keep the occasion simple. You, the couple, are the focus, not the food, decorations, attire etc. The bells and whistles are a nice touch if you are willing to spend that money but the most important 3 things that you need are:
-The couple
-The certified marriage celebrant
-A witness
An inexpensive wedding is about being creative, innovative, resourceful, and practical.
You can create a gorgeous, memorable wedding without leaving yourself destitute.
This article was brought to you by Rose Training Australia. Australia’s leading Marriage Celebrant qualifier.
Have you ever considered a job that places you smack dab in the middle of a world of romance?
Give yourself the gift of a new career (or even just a side hustle) and enrol to become a qualified Marriage Celebrant.
You could be helping couples on one of the most important days of their collective lives.
Talk to one of our welcoming team about whether or not a CHC41015 Certificate IV in Celebrancy is right for you.
You can fill out a contact form here – Contact Us – Rose Training Australia
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