Hard times make would-be brides opt for budget weddings
Or REALLY budget weddings, to be more precise about it.
If even celebrities are cutting down on cost, there’s no reason why ordinary mortals like you and I can’t. The times simply call for it. Am sure budget brides will reason out that all the moolah spent on a one-day affair is better allotted for big-ticket priorities after the wedding, such as a house or car downpayment and saving up for when the baby comes.
It’s all a matter of spending creatively. Here are some ways to do this before the Big day:
1. Comparison shop between suppliers. Do not be afraid to engage in some dirty leg work or conduct serious research which may be via the internet or plainly asking your friends for referrals. I assure you this makes a difference, rather than relying on what you hear on TV or read in magazines.
2. Do-It-Yourself. DIY, the magic word in wedding preparations. There are a lot of aspects of the wedding preps which you can designate for DIY such as the invites and giveaways. Pool together the talents of your friends and families. This can save you as much as 40 per cent.
3. Tap volunteers among your circle. If you have talented friends, kindly request them to do the singing and emceeing jobs or do the styling for your wedding venue.
4. Haggle hard with your suppliers. If business is bad because of the crisis, they should be able to compromise on a few things. Even a 10 per cent discount goes a long way, or at least ask for more freebies to throw in with your package. The people in charge of the lights and sounds during our wedding gave us free use of their bubble machine which added a fun element to our reception entrance.
5. Attend wedding fairs and related events. This is where suppliers give discounts and irresistible offers like make-up trials, food tastings and free rooms for your honeymoon if you book them on the day.
There are of course countless other tips and pointers. Knowledge is power. This is so far the most important lesson in wedding planning. Write down all your negotiables and non-negotiables when it comes to cost and see how it gets you a long way, in a significant way.:D
