Big Wedding; Small Budget
How to Have a Large Wedding Without Breaking the Bank
The time of the year that you decide on for your wedding can save you hundreds of dollars. For one, marrying in the wedding “off-season,” from November to April, might bring on lower prices from vendors. Only about 4.7 percent of American marriages occur in January – the least popular wedding month. Second, if you decide on a Christmastime wedding, churches generally will be decorated already, saving both time and money on ceremony décor.
The time of day is equally important, if not more so, in keeping your budget down, especially when you have a large guest list. The key is for the reception either to be basic – just cake and champagne or punch – or to have the reception in-between meals. This way, guests don’t expect to be fed a lunch or dinner. If the reception begins at 3 pm, you can have finger foods, drinks and cake, and no one should be surprised. However, if it begins at 6 pm, guests will expect a fuller (read: more expensive) meal. Even $10 a plate adds up when you have 250 guests!
Location, Location, Location
Wedding and reception venues can be expensive, so it’s important to do your research before you decide on one. Some venues may seem expensive, but will save you money in the long haul by including everything in the price. Another option is to ask around to any family or friends who have a large backyard. While you will have to rent a tent (in case of the dreaded wedding day rain), this option could end up being much less expensive overall. This web site gives you a list of wedding vendors in your area.
Wholesale Clubs are a Great Resource
When having a large wedding, your best bet is to buy in bulk as much as possible. For inexpensive bulk roses try either Sam’s Club or Costco. Favors can also be bought in bulk from these retailers – such as Christmas ornaments for a Christmas wedding or fun candy for an October wedding. These are also the places to buy food if you do the catering yourself. You can buy large packs of pre-cut cheeses, fruit, and veggies for less than buying many packs at traditional grocery stores. On your way out of the wholesale club of your choice, check out the jewelry – they have both pearl earrings for you and pretty necklaces for your bridesmaids.
Keeping it in the Family (And Friends!)
To keep costs low, ask around to see if any family or friends have any talents that could be useful in the wedding or reception. Perhaps Aunt Carrie has a great eye for design and could set up the reception area, or Uncle Joe plays piano and would like to play during the wedding. Just be sure to ask if anyone wants to help with anything, and see what kind of options you have. Although you don’t want to force anyone to help out, there are sure to be at least a couple family members or friends that would love to participate.
The Bottom Line
While saving money is one of the most important things when planning a large, budget-friendly wedding, keep in mind that some things you shouldn’t scrimp on. If your wedding photos are important to you, make sure that you have someone you trust taking them, even if that means hiring a non-budget-friendly photographer. Or, if the food is the most important thing, spend money there. Cut corners on the details that aren’t all-important, and you will save money and have a wonderful day.
Using a friend's nice backyard can cut your costs.
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