Planning a Wedding on a Small Budget

Open A Wedding Bank Account
If you can afford to, start saving money now for the big day. Despite any budget you set you will
be pleased to have extra funds available after all the costs have been met. Let people know that you have started a fund as some of them may want to contribute. If anybody offers to pay for something accept graciously and put the money into this account.

Do not pay anybody any deposits unless you absolutely have to and then keep them as small as possible. Paying too much up front can result in bad service. Some vendors are unscrupulous so select carefully - but not just yet.

Start Sourcing Vendors
Once you have decided on a season, not necessarily a fixed date, start calling in a few vendors for quotes (what you are really after is prices and to check the vendors credentials). Vendors will include wedding planners (make sure you control the meeting), caterers, photographers, videographers, disc jockeys or bands, car hire companies, stationery suppliers, dressmakers and many others. Most of these you will be able to get from the list you made up previously. This exercise will give you an indication of what you can expect to pay and the extent of planning.

Remember though that there are many non-vendor items which should be on your list. Such as favors and attendants gifts. It is these smaller items that will run up costs later so be prepared for them. Start getting prices for everything so that you have a fairly good idea of what the final costs will be. Do not commit to anything, vendors or otherwise, at this stage. If you decide to use a wedding planner, or any other vendors, for part or all of your arrangements ask them how much notice they need. You need to sit up for this next piece of advice: Be aware that weddings are a service related industry - a multi-billion dollar industry - and that there is a ridiculous notion out there that you have to pay extra simply because it is your wedding.

DO NOT TELL VENDORS YOU ARE A BRIDE-TO-BE UNLESS YOU
ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO. GET THEM TO GIVE YOU A QUOTE FIRST.

This could be a little bit tricky but simply ask what something costs. If you get a reply somewhere along the lines of "What is it for?" simply reply with "Does it make a difference?" Also remember a "wedding" photographer is no different to any other photographer but many of them charge you 2 or 3 times as much. Use common sense. And of course it is always cheaper if you get a friend or family member to do it for you. It is often a case of supply and demand and on weekends they are in demand.

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By now you will have some idea of costs and what you can afford. Expect to go over budget, this will likely happen unless you are very well organized. Keep some money in reserve for the unexpected so set a lower budget than what you feel you can afford and stick to it as best as possible. If you succeed then the savings can go towards the honeymoon. As you start to realize just how much everything actually costs you will be glad you haven't made any firm financial decisions. Decide what is a "must have at all costs" and where you could save money on other items that you would like but don't have to have.

Be practical - you don't want to spend the first few years paying off your wedding!

And Guests!! Don't invite the world as soon as you get engaged only to regret it later. You may not like this one but DO NOT buy your dress yet. Unless you know exactly what you want and you can get it at a really good price. You are likely to fall in love with hundreds of dresses between now and your wedding day. New fashions will come in and there will be bargains galore.

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So many weddings go over budget simply because people are so unaware of what things cost. The point of budgeting and sticking to it cannot be over emphasized. Stay within budget by adopting the practical ideas given in the engagement part of this guide: Choose out of season dates, don't tell vendors you are getting married, use friend's and family expertise (photos, catering, stationery etc.) and be practical at all times. You will almost certainly run into budget problems but all can be overcome. Work things out together and stay within your limits. The last thing you want to be doing is starting a marriage with a huge debt.

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