Don’t think that just because the white dress and sit-down dinner are common, they’re necessary to make your big day a success. The key to personalizing your wedding is feeling free to incorporate whatever traditions you want into your big day—and jettisoning whichever ones you don’t need.
And cutting down on unnecessary elements can save you some cash—cash that you can use for other wedding elements you do want!
Here are a few traditional elements that, if cut, could save you some money:
The Engagement Party
Some couples announce their engagement at an engagement party, a small get-together with family and friends. But such a party can set you back a few bucks, even if you stick to a casual affair with only a few guests. Think about it: decorations, food, invitations…it all costs money. And why bother? Between engagement announcements and the virtual grapevine of Facebook, emails, and phone calls, everyone you know is going to find out that you’re engaged very soon after it happens. Why do you need a big, expensive party just to tell everyone you’re engaged?
Instead of a party, send our email cards or sit down and write individual emails to faraway friends and relatives. It’s free, and they’ll appreciate getting mail!
Save-The-Dates
Technically, save-the-dates are only necessary if you’re having a destination wedding and your guests need lots of time to plan their travel itinerary. So why do so many couples bother with them? If you’re having a local wedding, your guests will receive wedding invitations in plenty of time, and won’t need a save-the-date six months before the event.
If you must send out save-the-dates, do them online. No postage fees, and no wasting printer ink!
The Wedding Party
Who says you have to have bridesmaids and groomsmen? Save money on transportation, rehearsal food, and attendant gifts by getting married sans wedding party. A ceremony with only the happy couple at the altar or wedding space can be a simple, beautiful moment.
Can’t imagine your wedding with no one up there with you? Then just have one attendant each—a maid of honor and best man (or man of honor and best maid!) and no one else. It’ll be cheaper than feeding eight bridesmaids and six groomsmen at a big rehearsal dinner.
The Sit-Down Dinner
A wedding reception doesn’t have to be limited to dinner and dancing. To cut costs, try a morning wedding with a brunch buffet, or a cocktail reception with different kinds of hors d’oeuvres. A dessert reception can be nice, too, as can a picnic reception or a potluck dinner.
And remember—if no reception option tickles your fancy, you don’t have to have a reception at all! A nice wedding ceremony followed by a receiving line will be just as wonderful a memory—and will cost a lot less.
Engagement Photos, Professional Wedding Pics, and Videographers
Years ago, wedding photographers were a vital way for brides to capture memories of their special day. Now, though, everyone and their sister has a digital camera, and the wide availability of programs like Photoshop can help even amateur shots look great. So why pay for a wedding photographer at all?
Engagement photos look good, but they don’t have to be professional. If you need a picture for that newspaper announcement, try getting a friend or family member to go somewhere scenic with you (a nearby forest, beach, mountain, or attractive building) and take some pictures! You’ll be more comfortable with someone you know than with a photographer, so more of your pictures will seem spontaneous instead of forced.
For the wedding, skip the videographer and just ask friends or family members who plan on taking pictures or videos if you can borrow the negatives or the tape to make copies. Instead of paying a stranger to take pictures of the back of your cousin’s head, bring a camera and take photos yourself. This way, you’ll only get the shots you actually want!
Gifts For Each Other
A recent trend among bridal couples has been the exchange of gifts for one another on the day of (or night before) the wedding. It’s nice to be generous with your spouse—but do you really need to give each other purchased gifts when you’re already giving the gift of yourselves?
Instead, take a moment before the wedding to thank one another for everything you’ve shared throughout your relationship. Thank your new spouse for their kindness, their affection, their patience, and their dedication to your future.
Can’t stand the idea of bypassing gifts altogether? Then give each other the gift of time—promise to do something special with your new husband or wife after the wedding is over. If your husband loves football but you’re usually not into sports, promise to watch an entire game with him in the future. If your wife loves massages, pledge a tingling backrub for the next day.
Your wedding isn’t about spending money—it’s about celebrating your lifelong companionship. So don’t be afraid to do things your way!
