Tips for Planning a Small Cheap Wedding

Not every wedding has to be expensive and extravagant. While most little girls dream of a fairy tale wedding fit for a princess, the adult reality rarely fits the fantasy. It is entirely possible to have an affordable wedding that is still memorable and beautiful. Planning a small cheap wedding is easy with a little creative thought. First, give yourself plenty of time for the planning process. This will ensure you have enough time available to check around for the best prices. Comparison shopping is one of the best ways to save money on all your wedding needs.

The first area where you can save is the venue. Since you are planning a small wedding, then a smaller location such as an attractive backyard can work perfectly as a wedding location. Even a public park or garden can be a beautiful yet affordable place to tie the knot. When shopping for your bridal gown, head to wedding apparel outlets and clearance sales whenever possible. You can sometimes save hundreds of dollars this way. For the photos, hire a photographer who's just starting out. Someone new to their business will be more willing to work for less in an attempt to build their portfolio. Need a DJ? Rather than paying for a costly professional, recruit a music-minded pal to spin the tunes.

Decorations are another area where money can easily be saved. Try making them yourself rather than buying them pre-made. Something cheap yet beautiful for any table centerpiece is a pretty glass water bowl with floating candles on the surface. Or, make your own flower centerpieces with cheap vases and silk flowers. Balloons and streamers can bring a festive look to any event for a bargain price. When buying fresh flowers, choose seasonal blooms. Then there's the wedding cake. If you have a friend or family member who is a hobbyist baker, see if they will make your wedding cake. If you must hire someone to do the job, choose a baker with a small home business as their prices will often be more affordable than a large catering company.

As you can see, there are lots of great tips out there for planning a small cheap wedding. If you are good at bargain hunting, you can save money on everything from the invitations to the honeymoon. It's a good idea to take some notes when comparing services and prices so you won't forget anything when you sit down to make your decision. As a woman who had her own small, cheap wedding, I can tell you that it was no less special or memorable for me or my husband than if it had been large and expensive. What matters most is the moment a couple joins together as husband and wife in the presence of their loved ones -- not how much money everything costs!

Copyright 2007 Janice J. Sterling - All Rights Reserved