We've seen our share of expensive, over-the-top weddings recently from celebrities looking to make the most of their big day but as Dax Shepard, star of the tv show Parenthood, recently revealed on The Jimmy Kimmel show, celebs can have a special day on a budget. While discussing his Beverly Hills courthouse wedding to actress Kristen Bell, Dax revealed that their wedding day cost only $142 (including the cost of gasoline to get there)! While we don't expect you to have your friends bring a cake to your celebration we do have some suggestions on how to cut your bottom line. Here, some ways to reduce and stick to your budget...
THE ENGAGEMENT
A longer planning period means a better chance of getting the best vendors in your price range. Plus, you can often lock in rates that might increase by the time your wedding date arrives.
GUEST LIST
It’s obvious, but is worth mentioning: Each additional attendee means an extra meal, an increased bar tab and one more invitation you’ll have to pay for. With eight to ten extra guests, you’ll also have to purchase another centerpiece. Experts recommend you tighten the list by making guidelines for you, your fiancé and families—and stick to them. Some examples: First cousins, yes, but not second. Spouses (and serious partners), but not random dates.
THE ATTENDANTS
Consider having just a maid/matron of honor and a best man as your bridal party. You could save a considerable amount of money on boutonnieres and bouquets, not to mention all of the gifts you would need to buy for a large wedding party.
INVITATIONS
Engraved or letterpress on heavy stock paper is wonderful. But it’s costly. Choosing a color or design may also increase your costs.
If you’re a DIYer (or if you know someone who is), design and make your own invitations by hand or on a high-quality computer printer. Some calligraphic fonts are so good that it’s really hard to tell they’re not done by hand!
TRANSPORTATION
Hire one car to get you and your groom to and from the ceremony, and then another for the end of the night. Often, you’ll end up paying less for two cars than for one limo with overtime charges. .
Do ask your limo company about wedding packages—they might have just the right one for you.
WEDDING VENUE
A venue’s affordability often depends in part on how much decorating it requires. A grand historic estate, for example, may need only minimal florals for décor—so in the end, this venue might actually cost less than say a bare reception hall.
CUISINE
Worried about impressing your guests with an extensive over-the-top cocktail hour or a seven-course menu? No need. Sushi bars and towering displays of cheese to carving stations may be popular—and costly. Opt instead for passed hors d’oeuvres.
For the main course, a simple soup or salad, followed by the entrée (a fabulous beef or chicken dish or even a vegetarian risotto will impress your guests). End this with a fruit dessert or simply serve your wedding cake. Remember quality far outweighs quantity.
DRINKS
Feel free to skip the Champagne toast. It’s no longer considered a must-do at weddings. Toast with the wine you already have on the table.
As for bar options, remember this is your party, so it’s entirely up to you. Work with your reception site/caterer to create a bar you can afford: Beer, wine, soft drinks, or a signature drink at the cocktail hour; red and white wines with dinner; or less-expensive liquors for mixed drinks rather than the pricey brand names.
FAVORS
Couples feel they have to give favors, but this should be looked at as an extra. If you feel the need to give favors, one option is to DIY. Enlist friends or relatives to help! A bonus: Since homemade treats are more personal and unique, they’re always a hit among guests.
HONEYMOON
Consider delaying your dream destination getaway until the off-season, when rates will definitely be lower. If this is not possible, try to schedule your departure and return on a Monday to secure better airfares.
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