Having a Big Wedding on a Small Budget

As a wedding planner creating and maintaining the budget for your wedding is part of our job. Having a large wedding on a small budget is a challenge, but that’s what wedding planners are for! First-Class Event Planning helps you set priorities, use your resources and be flexible.

 Set Your Priorities

One a tight budget it is important for you to determine what aspect of the wedding is the most important to you. You might want amazing food and drink to really impress your guests or maybe you want a top-of-the line DJ and entertainment to have a great party. Once you have determined your priorities it is the other areas that you will have to cut back on.

Some Basic Budget Cutting Tips:

1.       Don’t hire transportation: Rather than use a limousine or hired car, just get a friend or family member to drive you. They will be really happy to play a role in your wedding and will probably make an effort to make sure their car is spotless for your special day.

2.       Avoid the extras: Although websites like https://www.etsy.com/ are so addicting to look at. It is important not to get tempted to buy things like little signs, personalized cake cutters and toasting glasses or save the date cards. All these little extras are nice, but not necessary and no one will notice they are missing.

3.       Use less Flowers: I would not recommend getting rid of flowers all together, but definitely decrease the amount and choose flowers and colours that are in season. Wherever possible use other decorative items such as branches, stones, candles or mirrors.

Use Your Resources

Use all your connections to call in favours and get discounted prices. If you know someone who can officiate, a great cook or someone who is in a band… use them!

 Be Flexible

Consider a venue that is not typical, maybe a private school, friend’s house or a local park. Ask venues if they have dates that are less expensive than others. A great photographer is extremely important for your wedding day; however you can skip the engagement photo session. Also, ensure you are organized and use the hours you have with your photographer wisely.