Your Dream Wedding On A Budget

"The average Australian wedding costs around $30,000. With today's financial worries, credit card debts, and overall monetary commitments and struggles it's a large sum of money to spend on one day, and many people are starting to think the money could be better used on paying off debt or home deposits.

However, even if the purse strings are tight every bride-to-be still wants a magical wedding day- and every bride-to-be can still have one. There are many ways to cut costs when planning a wedding, without sacrificing style, themes and the vision. Read on to learn some useful tips on how to plan your dream wedding on a budget."
Reception

When it comes to weddings with large guest lists the reception is generally the singular most expensive aspect, and you could expect to pay $100 or more per person. For 120 people, you've already spent $12,000- and more if you're marrying on a Saturday or during peak wedding season. If you really want to cut the price of the wedding reception there are various ways you can do this. Rather than a three-course meal think about a buffet style feast for your guests; they'll still fill up on all the lovely food, will be able to socialise more with each other while sharing, yet is a far more inexpensive way of dining.

Also consider the location. Rather than paying a fortune on a reception centre, hotel or restaurant you could have the reception at a park, your home, or the beach. Hiring a caterer or organising the food yourself will cut the prices dramatically, and outdoor weddings are always a hit. If you're marrying in cooler weather you could always hire a marquee in case of rain. Also try to keep the wedding guest list to a minimum.
The dress

Although you may think your wedding gown is one thing you might not be willing to cut costs for, you can still find your perfect dress without sending yourself broke. Online auction websites like Ebay are a great tool for finding pre-loved dresses- which are likely to still be as good as new since they've only been worn once! Second-hand and Salvation Army stores also have great finds from $200-$500, and another idea is to go to the factory outlet of your favourite designer if possible rather than the main boutique.

And then there's the option that's becoming more and more popular- making the dress yourself. If you, your mother, your friend or anyone close to you is handy with a sewing machine you could create your dream dress for half the cost, basing the design on one you've had your eye on. If you don't know anyone who can sew, consider purchasing the material and hiring a dressmaker.
Bridal party

The modern bridal party is based very much on personal choice. Long, flowy dresses, knee-length party dresses, or elegant cocktail dresses are just a few styles bridal parties tend to opt for. With no restriction on what dresses your own bridal party wears it means the shopping world is your oyster! With large bridal parties especially, the price of the dresses- especially if you're paying for them yourself- can quickly become a high one.

Consider inexpensive shops like Target, Big W, or the women's' clothing chains you often walk past at your local shopping centre. You might be surprised with the styles you'll find and will pay a fraction of the price than if you purchased bridesmaid dresses at a bridal boutique.And again, if you or someone you know is handy with sewing machines why not buy some fabric from a store like Spotlight and make them yourself? You can create exactly what you want, without a huge price tag.
Invitations

Fancy wedding invitations can easily cost into the thousands. We all want to make an impression with wedding invitations, as it is the first aspect of your wedding that will be visible to your guests. But is it really worth breaking the budget for something you could create yourself for less than half the price? An easy way to cut on wedding costs is to browse invitation stores or online for a design you like, purchase the materials, and do it yourself. One great idea is to digitally create your wedding invitations- you could even include photos of you and your fiancé in the design! DIY invitations can look just as good, and add a real personal touch to your wedding. Your guests will appreciate the time and care you spent putting them together.
Decorations

Depending on your wedding theme, decorations can easily be a huge factor to your overall wedding budget. But keep in mind that there is always a way to create a very similar effect for a theme or style you have seen or been quoted for a fraction of the price. For floral arrangements do your research ringing around to get the best quote, or create the arrangements yourself by sourcing artificial flowers from variety stories. If you're opting for a beach wedding consider paper lanterns, fairy lights and tea-light candles.

They all create a beautiful, romantic lighting effect, yet all are cheap to purchase. Making your own place cards, purchasing your own ribbon to drape bows around chairs, using tea-light candles and rose petals as centerpieces and creating simple themes with minimal requirements are other ways to cut decoration costs. Whatever your dream theme is, have a look at variety and craft stores to purchase the materials to put together yourself- rather than hiring someone and paying a fortune.
Cake

Wedding cakes can tend to be expensive yet really don't have to be. Although all brides-to-be would love a stylish cake to impress their guests, it doesn't mean you can't create that effect yourself- so why not bake your own cake? Look up ideas online and you'll probably even find a step-by-step guide of how to go about making the cake online. If you're not much of a cook somebody you know must be handy in the kitchen and perhaps they would be willing to exchange the favour as their wedding gift to you.
Wedding favours

DIY bonbonniere is also becoming more and more popular- and a great way to add more personal touches to your wedding. If you're crafty why not create a personal gift for your guests with sentimental value. For example, you could create an elegant bookmark, hand-painted wine glasses, whip up your own chocolate goodies, or maybe design something sewn, knitted or crocheted. Not only will your guests be grateful for the trouble you went to, but your own design is sure to be something they've never received before, ensuring its uniqueness.
Photography

Good wedding photographers can easily set you back thousands and couples are usually scared to cut corners on photography, not willing to risk the quality of everlasting memories. As understandable as that is, I also can't tell you how many real-life horror stories I've heard about horrible wedding photos after couples paid a fortune for a recommended photographer. Of course that's only circumstantial, however the point is whether you pay a fortune or cut the costs of your photographer, there will always be a risk something could go wrong.

If you have a friend who enjoys photography why not offer them a small fee to take your wedding photos? With a meal thrown in also the person would likely be more than happy to help, and you could save a bundle. And if you do have your heart set on hiring a professional photographer consider hiring them for a few hours rather than the whole day. You'll save a lot of money while still getting all the important pics of getting ready, the ceremony, family shots and the bridal party.
Transportation

Before booking in a wedding car from a hire company ask around- maybe someone you know has the perfect car you could borrow for the day in exchange of a small fee or wedding invitation? And if you don't know anyone with that perfect car you could always look into hiring a self-drive car, with a generous family member or friend offering to be a chauffeur for the day.
Music

The music you have at your wedding is important for creating an atmosphere and keeping your guests entertained- but again it doesn't mean you have to break the budget to achieve that. Rather than sourcing a professional wedding band why not check out your local pubs, hotels or bars for an up and coming band that would jump at the opportunity to be a part of your special day?Or ask your friends if they know of an inexpensive DJ. Another great idea is to compile CDs of all your favourite party songs that you know your guests will love as much as you do. As long as you have everyone up on the dance floor you've achieved the goal of creating a night your guests will never forget.

"Employing some or all of these ideas is a sure way to cut your wedding costs. Starting your life with your partner doesn't mean you have to start a huge credit card debt with it- so cutting your wedding costs without cutting your wedding vision is a winning idea!"