Ways to save money on your wedding

What is it about weddings that makes even the most rational of us lose our heads and throw caution - and our hard-earned savings - to the wind? Especially in tough economic times, how can we possibly justify that it's "ok" to spend tens of thousands of dollars on just one event (or just one dress... you know who you are)? That's not to make light of the significance of the big day, and, truth be told, most of us will only get married once, but is it worth starting married life in debt?

For some, the answer is a resounding no.  Elicia Murray reports in The Age that love is not only blind but apparently "it's skint as well".  Cut-price weddings are rapidly gaining favour with brides as they plan their fairytale weddings on shoestring budgets.  Then there's the other end of the bridal spectrum, championed by the outrageously over-the-top extravaganza of Yanna and Costa. Each to their own, of course, but considering the wedding is reported to have cost an astonishing $70,000, doesn't it make you wonder if it's all worth it? 

Like any major occasion in life - be it buying a house or going on holiday - weddings require meticulous planning, a detailed budget and a commitment to save.  So, time to start thinking creatively about achieving your ideal wedding day on a budget that you can afford. 

Alex at savingsguide.com.au itemises the essential wedding items that will cost you money and suggests how to save money on each.  A simple decision, such as the time of year or day of week you choose to get married, can have a major impact on your budget. Winter is definitely the cheapest so invest in a warm cardigan to throw over the wedding dress and go for it!

Here's a sure-fire way to save valuable dollars.  Buy a wedding dress off-the-rack or even second-hand on ebay. Who's to know? But if your heart is set on that $10,000 designer frock and you simply won't be budged, then maybe you'll need to make your savings elsewhere.

What's with the entourage?  Sure, the more, the merrier, but is it necessary to have everyone you hold near and dear to you as part of the wedding party?  If you're rapidly reaching the stage where your wedding table won't fit at the reception, then perhaps it's time to rethink and reduce.  Your bank balance will love you for it.

We've all attended weddings where we don't know the bride or the groom.  So to avoid that awkward moment of kissing people you've never met (there is a time and a place for that!), really think about the guest list in a very rational and objective way: do you want to spend $200 for your Mum's best friend's daughter and her boyfriend to eat, drink and be merry at your expense? Exactly.

Teddy Lenderman, an author and wedding consultant provides a wealth of suggestions including having a mid-afternoon wedding where you serve cake and punch or champagne, instead of a full three-course meal. Post-wedding cocktail soirees are becoming increasingly popular as modern couples look to keep costs down but still enjoy a very stylish event.

Ask a simple question and you might get some great answers in response. Kati posted a question on Yahoo about how to save money on her wedding and received some very ‘real' tips and tricks in reply.  

Grab yourself a copy of "1,001 Ways to Save Money . . . and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding" by wedding expert Sharon Naylor. With the average Australian wedding costing more than $25,000, this is a great source of budget-trimming tips and helpful websites.

Immerse yourself in the industry! It's a little known fact that in Australia we have more magazines per capita than any other country in the world, and we're sure not short of bridal publications. Aside from magazines, there is a wealth of virtually free knowledge available online, from real-life other couples in forums and blogs. The bottom line is the more you read, the more you'll hear of innovative cost-cutting options and discover there's a gorgeous budget alternative to almost everything.

Finally, consider setting up a SmartyPig profile, work out your goal (the budget!), tell your friends and family and you'll soon be on your way to achieving your dream.

So before you walk down the aisle to say I do, I do, I do, take a moment to put things in perspective. When you really cut to the chase, what are the most important aspects of any wedding?  It's simple really: the happy couple, friends and family.  Everything else is optional.  So whatever your budget, weigh up your priorities and enjoy the ride!