Do-It-Yourself Savings
Although it may seem like more work, this is a great way to save some money. This could include making party favors, the flowers (fake of course) or even the wedding invitations, which would be a great money saver.
Doing your own invitations is a perfect example of do-it-yourself projects. The biggest cost here will be in your computer ink and the paper, but compared to the cost of paying a shop to do it is a benefit to you. If you don’t personally have the time to do it, see if a friend or family member can design it for you, after all there are many templates on line to choose from.
There are so many other ideas that you can do for your wedding that will save on your expenses. Also if you choose to do it in a group setting, you will create fun memories together. In the long run, a do-it-yourself wedding will help make your budget go much farther.
Gift Giving
A great idea to keep costs down is with the gifts that you give your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Instead of something lavish or engraved, get them something small and practical. For the guys, maybe a little something they can use like a bottle opener and for the women a small stationary box. In the box you can add a personal note that is for that person only. A great thing to do is have your Wedding Photographer take a portrait of each guest table or even each couple. You can have prints made after your wedding and even print your own personalized card to thank each guest for attending.
If after the wedding you want to get them something better, then perhaps you could get something from your honeymoon destination for them.
Gifts between the bride and groom are always a nice touch, but with money already spent on the wedding, you could pass on those gifts and put that money towards the ceremony or reception.
As for the parents of the couple, a simple set of flowers for the mothers should be sufficed for the time being. At a later date, you could invite them over for a home cooked meal together.
Your Ring Bearer and Flower Girl
Many brides want their flower girl’s dress to match the rest of the bridesmaids, but to save on money nothing says they have to match. Perhaps they can wear their Sunday best, which will still serve its purpose.
The same goes for the ring bearer. He doesn’t have to don a tux if you are looking to keep costs down. If he has a suit or a really nice outfit, then that should do the trick. If however, you are lucky enough that someone is willing to pay for the children to match, then accepting that offer is an option as well.