We have some great tips for planning an outdoor wedding on a budget.
As you start planning your wedding, you’ll find that you can spend money on things you never even knew you wanted. You may find that you could spend as much money as you have (and then some!) to achieve your dream wedding, but it may not be financially practical. With some excellent planning and creativity, your day can be exactly what you have dreamt of without breaking the bank. We have some great tips for planning an outdoor wedding on a budget.
Set a Realistic Budget
Begin by taking a look at how much money makes sense for you to spend on your wedding day. This needs to be your first step, as it will impact all of your decisions. Starting your new life out in debt can add unneeded stress and is not ideal.
Instead, consider timing your engagement to give you more time to create savings that you feel will be sufficient for your special day. A wise financial suggestion is to spend no more than 10% of your newly combined household income. Once you have this number in hand, you can start your planning.
Once you have a budget, you can decide how best to use your funds. The venue you choose and the number of guests you invite will significantly affect your spending. Take the time to write down the most important things to you in order of importance, then get creative.
Choose Your Venue
An outdoor wedding venue is great for a budget. The natural beauty of the surroundings will decrease the amount you need to spend on decorations and flowers. Combining your ceremony and reception at the same location is also a way to save money.
As you look around for venues to hold your wedding and reception, you will likely learn that rental fees for some can be much higher than you may have expected. However, don’t be put off by the cost until you fully understand what’s included in the price tag. If your venue includes items like tables, chairs, specialty tables, and wedding coordination, it may be worth it and save you money in rental fees. Be sure you understand all the terms of your contract and that there are no “hidden” fees before signing.
Don’t Splurge on Your Dress
Your wedding is an extraordinary occasion, and your picture will be taken more than at just about any other time in your life. You’ll want to achieve the right look and wear the right dress. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to spend thousands of dollars on a new dress.
The average wedding gown costs anywhere between $1,200 and $2,000. Your dress may be a large part of your budget, but you can consider some alternatives. You can find a dress worth thousands of dollars for a fraction of the price at thrift and consignment stores. Or, you can rent a gown for a fraction of the cost.
Save on Your Cake and Catering
Catering for your wedding can get pretty pricey. However, you can still impress your guests while staying within your budget with a bit of creativity. If you can keep your menu simple, that will help the bill at the end of the night.
A sit-down dinner can be costly. However, you can find some less expensive options by the day and the time of day you choose to have your wedding. Consider a cocktail reception instead of a sit-down dinner.
If dinner is important to you, consider having your wedding on a weekday. Doing so may allow you to ask for a discount from your caterer.
Consider a buffet setup to save on server costs. Choosing a morning or early afternoon wedding can also reduce your costs.
HISTORIC OAKLAND MANOR: THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
Nestled in a peaceful wooded area in the heart of downtown Columbia, Historic Oakland Manor stands proudly in natural splendor. Elegant Oakland is the perfect setting for ceremonies, wedding receptions, bridal showers, holiday parties, family celebrations, business meetings, or retreats. Schedule a tour today with our expert venue coordinators! Please call (410-730-4801), email ([email protected]), or visit our chat on our homepage to book a tour appointment.
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