Photomontage from budget-weddings.net
Planning a wedding can make the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics look like a piece of cake. It requires time and effort and attention to detail.
You have to worry about what the bridesmaids are going to wear, where the in laws are going to sit, how far away Uncle John has to be from the bar. A lot of work is required, and it can be expensive.
How are you going to pay for it all? Some people take out a loan while others save for years. Some poor soul (the bride’s father) even has to pay for the entire thing. But sometimes you just have to find a way round the issue of money.
The truth is weddings on a budget are achievable and they’re good too! It doesn’t all have to be paper cups and party poppers from a supermarket (although don’t rule that out). You can find a number of ways to have a great wedding and not have to sell the house to pay for it all.
The dress is very important to the bride. Unsurprisingly as she can’t turn up to the wedding naked. Instead of that fabulous creation you saw in a magazine how about giving charity shops a try? Places like Barnados have Bride By Appointment stores all over the UK which stock end of the line designer dresses and have ex sample stock all at a fifth of the original price so you could end up getting something utterly gorgeous without having to spend a lot. They also stock outfits for bridesmaids and the mother of the bride as well as tiaras, shoes and bags. The best part is that the money you spend goes straight to charity too.
The venue is another factor, which can potentially blow the budget. It doesn’t have to be a highland castle favoured by pop stars. Registry offices are a cost effective choice of venue and are suitable if you want a quieter do. If you’re looking for something a bit bigger then Holiday Inn offer a great wedding package for a fraction of the price. This can cater for up to 50 daytime guests, a private suite for the wedding ceremony, a three course wedding menu and evening entertainment as well as overnight accommodation for the bride and groom. The only worry is turning up on time and what you’re going to wear.
Another thing to think about is the kilt. This can be hired from any good kilt shop along with the jacket and shoes and won’t blow the budget out the window.
Use the recession to bring out the creative side of you. For things like party favours just make them yourself. All you need is sweets, fine netting and narrow ribbon. For the cake you could just buy a plain one and decorate it yourself as well.
By using imagination and ingenuity you can have a stunning wedding, with an equally stunning price tag.
