• Weddings
5 July 2023

How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Wedding

Any mention of 'budget-friendly' during wedding planning some brides may run for the hills in anticipation of a dull, lacklustre and unremarkable day. However, with careful consideration and smart decision-making, it is possible to plan a memorable wedding day without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you plan an unforgettable wedding while keeping costs under control.

It’s a day every little girl has day-dreamed about at least once in their life. From the flowers, to the draping, to the tables’ centre pieces – however, all the decor details of a wedding come with a hefty price tag. While this is a moment that will change your lives forever, it’s no secret that it can be tasking on your relationship as you, at times even subconsciously, aim to make it the talk of the family, if not, the talk of the town.

The shock that comes with the reality of the costs associated with a wedding can not be underestimated and unfortunately if not carefully considered, it can make for an unpleasant wedding experience for the couple. So we’ve come up with a plan on how to manage these costs and save some money on the big day.

Set a Realistic Budget

While costs might be a major part of the event, a budget is key in ensuring your spending is on course. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding and allocate funds to different categories: Venue, catering, decorations, attire, and photography. A budget will help you make informed decisions throughout the planning process.

Having a clear budget will help set expectations early on and reduce potential conflicts arising as planning begins • Pexels • Pixabay
Each partner should start by preparing a list of items that they want to have at the wedding • Pexels • Anna Nekrashevich

Budgeting will ensure that all costs are clear in mind, while further allowing foresight into the arising pre and post wedding needs. This process comes first and prepares the couple mentally on the task ahead while shedding light on the deliverables to making the event memorable.

Prioritize Expenses

This goes hand in hand with budgeting. It simply involves identifying what ranks higher on the budget list. While the basics such as outfits, venue, catering and deco are essential, it is key to tailor-make your budget in respect to what you value on your list. This will vary from event to event as taste and preference will depend on the couple. Most weddings will take the same course of events so avoid stressing and ensure to plan in line with the essentials – ‘don’t sweat the small stuff.

Here is a generic wedding priority list you can start with while planning a budget wedding to ensure you have a guide in mind, and don’t be shy to twist it; It is your wedding after all!

Set a Date During the Off-peak Wedding Season

While most weddings have a set time for Summer and the warmer months, you can opt for a different season that will see a huge cost saving, as venues and vendors often offer discounted rates during off-peak times, which can help you save money.

One key benefit of scheduling during off-peak seasons is that the venue will have less traffic and that allows for planning with no pressure as not many couples will be competing for the same slot. In addition, there’s a higher chance that your guests will be available at this time unlike during holiday seasons.

This will ensure your budget wedding gets all the attention it deserves – even from your guests, because who wouldn’t appreciate a break from the winter monotony or a weekday to miss work and dress up.

Off-peak wedding season is the best time to exercise your negotiation skills with wedding venues and service providers • Pexels • Asiama Junior
Consider escaping the cold and wet weather during off-peak wedding season by using an indoor wedding venue • Pexels • KEREM KSLR

Limit the Guest List

It is likely you come from a large African family and with that comes and undoubtedly bloated invitation list from from your parents. The most difficult thing in the African context is knowing how much family is too much family to invite. Does your father’s, uncle’s, brother-in law who you’ve not seen in over 28 years necessarily need an invite? Although it may sound outlandish, these are potential decisions you will need to make when finalising your guest list. Remember, the number and quality of guests greatly impacts the overall cost of your wedding. Ensure to keep your guest list intimate by inviting close friends and family members. This not only reduces expenses but also creates a more personal atmosphere.

Your wedding day should be a day where you are surrounded by those you love and cherish, don't succumb to any pressure to invite the whole town.

You should know and appreciate every person at your wedding, make no room for extras who you could live without • Pexels • Pavel Danilyuk

Deciding on a venue and a guest list go hand in hand – you can’t lock down your dream location if you’re unsure of how many people it needs to feasibly hold. There are also other tactics one can utilise to reduce a busload of guests making a rush to your wedding. Firstly, you can implement the previous piece of advice and opt for an off-peak wedding. Next, consider doing a wedding out of town or even out of country (within budget of course). A lean and intimate guest list will allow you to pull of the dreamy day you have envisaged for yourself.

Select an Affordable Venue

Budget-friendly wedding venues such as public parks, community centres, or even the backyard of a friend or family member offer options that can be significantly cheaper than traditional wedding venues.

A simple venue set up ensures to keep the costs manageable and reallocate budget portions to other needs for the wedding. In addition to the venue, you can double up on some Cost Saving Measures such as having the wedding and reception at the same venue, doing your own DIY decorations and invites, and borrowing or renting some items instead of purchasing.

Any wedding location and venue can be transformed in your dream wedding, all you need is a clear vision • Pexels • Tamilles Esposito
Go back to basics and where it all began, your hometown or village could hold the key to an affordable yet memorable wedding day • Pexels • XO Motion

A great way to go out of budget is to hold your wedding in a remote town, perhaps your home village or a quiet town a few hours out of the city. Venues, food and other services are likely cheaper further from the city. Other venues to consider would be beach towns, national parks, vineyards, historical sites, college or university campuses or consider eloping to a budget-friendly destination where you can have a small, intimate ceremony. The location is a blessing in disguise as based on this you can further customise your attire to blend with the natural environment going away from the traditional suit and gown.

Celebrate Love on the Day

Remember that the focus of your wedding should be on celebrating your love and commitment. A budget-friendly wedding doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy and beauty of the day. Be resourceful, think outside the box, and focus on what truly matters to you as a couple by embracing simplicity and letting go of unnecessary extravagance. Saying ‘I do’ to these small, meaningful touches can make a significant impact without breaking the bank. Keep it simple.

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