Having A Wedding On A Budget

When a girl grows up to a teenager and then a young adult, thoughts of marriage have most likely crossed her mind on more than just one occasion. In fact, the thought of marriage has probably crossed her mind a thousand times, and the thought of having a perfect wedding with a perfect dress at a perfect location with the perfect man is a dream that she someday hopes to attain. So fast forward a few years, that woman is now ready to tie the knot with that special man (or woman) in her life and wants an occasion that no one would forget. It's easy for couples to marry when money is not so much an issue, but what of those couples where money IS an issue?

In a wedding, there are some important things that need to be splurged on more than others. The location, for example, is one of them. There are many beachside or cliff resorts that offer the perfect setting for a sunset wedding on the beach's sands, but those places are expensive. Whether you and your partner decide on a beachside resort, a private inn in a mountain resort, or a public rose garden in your own city, it's okay to splurge on the location because everything else will fall into place as long as you have the site locked in.

The wedding dress is another big thing, but you don't need to spend a thousand or more dollars on a beautiful dress. There's absolutely no need to spend a few thousand on a Christian Dior wedding dress that you are wearing for just a few hours. The dress is important but it is what it is when you spend a lot of money on it: a huge waste! There are plenty of stores, like David's Bridal, and online retail outlets that offer inexpensive and beautiful wedding dresses. Or consider renting one. That wedding dress will most likely be stuffed away into your closet or the storage room, and you will have to lug around the extra weight whenever you move.

Food is another important factor, but there is a way to go cheap on that as well. Look online through Craig's List for inexpensive food through catering companies. Or visit Yelp for recommendations from other users. Join bridal forums and online communities that offer advice on food. Or you always have the option to order meats and other foods in bulk at your local Costco or Sam's Club and have an old-fashioned barbecue. Some of your family members and friends might actually appreciate the barbecue instead of eating "fancy shmancy" food that doesn't fill them up.

How about the other stuff? Freelance photographers can be found on Craig's List at an affordable rate, and so can a make up and hairstyle artist. Craig's List might be your biggest and best resource, and you would be surprised by what you can find at a great price. Perhaps a violinist? Perhaps a pianist for the reception?

You can have a lavish, beautiful wedding that no one will forget if you put the extra effort into finding a truly great deal. Money plays a big part into how nice the wedding might look, but more importantly, the union between two people in the presence of their family and friends is more than important than any filet mignon or wedding dress.