EASY WAYS TO CUT YOUR WEDDING COSTS

Dreaming of your big day, but dreading the cost? Take our tips on cutting the price tag without losing any of the magic.

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Of course you want your wedding day to be one you’ll always remember – for the right reasons rather than for the hole in your wallet. Plan it cleverly and you can cherish the happy memories with no financial regrets.

TALK MONEY, HONEY
It might not seem romantic, but it’s vital to sit down early with the love of your life and talk wedding finances. Draw up a budget together, and use your engagement period to save and plan for your big day. Don’t be tempted to take out a personal loan with high interest rates; rather wait and get married when you have enough money saved to cover the costs.

VENUE
Hotels and restaurants often give discounts during off-peak periods. Having your wedding on a week night, or early in the day (a breakfast or brunch) can also be far less costly than a Saturday afternoon. (You also save hugely on liquor costs with a breakfast). Even more affordable is a wedding at home. Having it outdoors with a braai or ox on the spit is a great option – just add fairy lights and beautiful decor.

DRESS
If you’re set on custom-made, discuss cheaper fabric options with a dressmaker, as well as shortcuts (do you really need all that beading?). After all, you’ll only wear it once. Off-the-rack dresses for you and your bridesmaids can be tailored to fit perfectly, for a lot less than custom-made. You can also explore second-hand dresses – and some bridal companies offer wedding dress rental options. They alter the dress to fit your size and you return it after the wedding. Guys simply hire tuxes or matching suits.

STATIONERY
Forget pricey invitations on fancy paper – go digital, so guests can reply online. You can create your own website for this with the likes of MyWeddingOnline or E-Invites, or use Apps available to design your own invite and send via text or WhatsApp.

MUSIC
For live music, affordable options can often be found though the music departments of universities, where students welcome gigs. But a DJ is usually cheaper. You can even do it yourself, with the likes of WeddingDJ, an iPhone app to run your wedding music from pre-ceremony to the bridal procession and reception, using songs and playlists you have in iTunes. Or, if you have a music-mad friend, ask them to DJ as a wedding present.

WEDDING HELP
Instead of wedding gifts, ask family and friends for help. Those who are foodies can be asked for help with catering. Ditto those good at photography or videography, flower arranging or decor. It’s a win-win situation – you save on costs and they get a chance to show off their talents and get in a bit of free advertising.



GO DIGITAL
You can now use apps such as My Wedding by Hitched to log your costs on a budget planner, compile a to-do list and keep a close eye on exactly how much you’re spending, to stay within budget. Other good app options are Wedding Happy and AppyEverAfter.

FLOWERS
Consider a single beautiful bloom for each bridesmaid, and a Bible or favourite book wrapped in ribbon for you, instead of bouquets. Tables can be decorated with a single elegant bloom, or you can buy at your local flower market and do the arrangements yourself (or ask that cousin who’s an ace flower arranger). An even more affordable option is to grow succulents in small pots in the months before the wedding, for table decorations and wedding favours.

DRINKS
Alcohol can be one of the biggest expenses at a wedding. Forget running a full bar – simply have bartenders or obliging friends offer wine, beer and a signature cocktail. If the venue allows, buy liquor from a discount store that will take back unopened bottles.

Here’s to happily ever after!