Most couples preparing for their nuptials will likely consider hiring a wedding coordinator to help with the myriad of tasks and details that come with planning a wedding. However, what many couples may not realize is that hiring a coordinator can add significantly to the cost of their big day. There are steps that couples can take themselves, without the added expense of a professional, to ensure that their wedding goes off without a hitch. Here are some tips.
Set a Budget
Weddings can be expensive. It is important to set the budget you can afford so that you have a clear idea of what you can and cannot spend on your big day. Keep in mind all the other things you need to spend on after the wedding, such as where you will live and the necessities you will need to purchase for your new life. This will help keep your wedding budget in perspective.
Ensure that your budget is realistic by asking around first about prices on the kind of wedding you envision. Based on that, you may have to scale down your plans to fit your budget. Not hiring a coordinator is already saving you a chunk of money. Stick to your budget as closely as possible. This will help to prevent overspending.
Finalize Your Guest List
You need to know how many people will be attending your wedding so that you can make all the necessary arrangements, such as booking a venue and ordering food. Finalizing your guest list as soon as possible is key to making sure your wedding goes off without a hitch.
Start by making a list of all the people you would like to invite. This can be a lengthy process, so take your time and really think it through. Once you have your initial list, start cutting it down to a manageable number. Keep in mind your budget and the size of the venue when making these decisions. It is also important to consider who is actually important to you and who you truly want to share your big day with.
Choose Your Venue
Wedding venues can differ widely in their prices so make sure you research a lot so you don’t miss out on an excellent deal. This is an important decision, as the venue will set the tone for your entire wedding. Consider the type of wedding you would like to have, and find a venue that matches that vision.
If you want a formal wedding, you will need to find a venue that can accommodate that. Conversely, if you want a more casual affair, there are plenty of options for that as well. Sometimes you can find the perfect blend of the two. For instance, you can have an elegant rustic barn wedding in a beautifully restored Gothic building in a historic town. Research is the key so that you do not miss hidden gems like this.
Choose a venue that already looks good even without decorations. Some venues also include decorations in their fees.
Once you have chosen your venue, make sure to book it as soon as possible so that you don’t have to worry about it later. You must look for a venue at least a year ahead of your wedding to have enough time for research and to be sure you can book it.
If your wedding is outdoors, it is always a good idea to have a plan B in case the weather changes. Make arrangements for this with the venue. It is better to be prepared than to be caught off guard by bad weather.
Send Out Save the Dates
Make sure your guests can plan ahead to be available on your big day. Do this by sending out save the dates after you have booked your venue.
It is also a good idea to include any pertinent information about your wedding on the save the date, such as whether it will be child-friendly. This will help guests make appropriate arrangements in advance.
Choose Your Vendors
There are other vendors you have to include in your budget, such as the caterer, wedding cake baker, photographer, videographer, and a band or DJ. You can save if you get a photographer who also provides video coverage and a caterer who also provides the wedding cake. You can also check with the venue if they can provide piped-in music from a playlist that you provide.
Once again, research is key to finding the best deal possible. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and look at online reviews.
Enlist the Help of Family and Friends
One way to save money on your wedding is to enlist the help of family and friends. Ask them to lend a hand with set-up or clean-up. This can take a lot of pressure off you and also help to keep costs down.
The most important thing to remember when planning your own wedding is to relax and enjoy the process. Planning your nuptials should be an enjoyable experience. So, take your time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. By following these tips, you can be sure that you will have a beautiful wedding day that you will remember fondly for the rest of your life.
