¨
Choose a
Frugal Venue- Reduce the cost of getting married by addressing the largest
expense, the reception. Consider holding it at a less expensive location (e.g.,
at home with a party tent or at a rented lodge, firehouse meeting hall, college
campus building, library, or outdoor park pavilion instead of at an expensive
hotel or catering hall).
¨
Choose an
Off-Peak Time- Reduce the cost of a reception by holding a wedding in the
late fall instead of the summer. The timing of a wedding reception and
honeymoon can have a big impact on their cost. Another way to cut costs is to
hold a wedding on a Thursday evening instead of a Saturday afternoon.
¨ Choose Less
Expensive Meal Options- Reduce the
cost of a reception by serving a buffet instead of a sit-down meal or a sit-down
brunch instead of a dinner. Another low-cost option is a baked potato bar or
foods prepared by the couple and their family. Limited liquor options instead
of an open bar (e.g., wine only or a couple of kegs of beer) or non-alcoholic
beverage only receptions will also reduce expenses considerably.
¨ Skip the
Fancy Cake- Reduce this expense by
substituting a nice dessert that is served right after dinner for a wedding
cake. Another option, instead of an expensive tiered cake, is a fake cardboard
tiered cake with a small top cake layer to cut for photos and a basic sheet
cake to serve to guests.
¨
Follow
“The Rule of Three”- Compare at least three providers of every wedding
product or service (e.g., gown, gifts for the wedding party, DJ, photographer, reception
hall, and honeymoon). Attend free or low-cost bridal shows to efficiently shop
around for wedding-related products and services.
¨ Do Your Own
Flower Arrangements- Purchase
inexpensive vases for centerpieces and silk flowers for centerpieces and bouquets
at a craft store (e.g., Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and A.C. Moore). Another
alternative is for bridesmaids to carry something other than a bouquet (e.g.,
inexpensive lanterns or candles).
The Kansas State University Extension fact sheet With This Ring…We Plan! has
additional information about planning a beautiful, but frugal, wedding.
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