Splurge or save: Planning the wedding of your dreams on a budget

Who doesn't love being at a wedding? It's a celebration of love and happiness. There's music, there's food, and there's cake! Weddings are so enjoyable for guests, of course, but only the couples and families involved in the planning process know how stressful it can really be to plan them. Especially when you want it to be picture-perfect on a budget.

So much goes into planning a wedding—choosing the right venue, your outfits, food, decor, guest list, and all the little details. It’s easy, then, to be overwhelmed about where to spend and where to make cuts. And that's exactly where we come in to help. So whether you’re dreaming of an elaborate celebration or simply want a day that feels special without going overboard, we have some practical advice to help you make smart, budget-friendly choices for your big day without losing the magic. 

Splurge:

Photographer

Your wedding photos are the few things that will last long after your big day. So investing in a good photographer and videographer who will capture each special moment, be it those perfect sunset shots, your first picture as Mr and Mrs, your first dance, and all your memorable moments is important and a worthy splurge.

Food + drinks

Let's be honest here for a second. We love everything about weddings, but your guests—your loved ones—often look forward to the food the most. It is also one of the things they tend to discuss and remember. So splurging on a good caterer and choosing a menu with some delectable options, including desserts is important. If you are going to serve alcohol at your wedding, let it be an open bar. We know there's a lot of debate about this but inviting people to your wedding and expecting them to pay for their own drinks is not a good look. 

Outfits and jewellery

Now, of course, you can decide whether or not you want to splurge on your wedding attire but the way you look can affect the way you feel on your wedding day. So we recommend splurging and choosing a reputed store or label, which will ensure quality outfits to avoid any last-minute hassles. The same goes for your jewellery. While you may not always be able to repeat your wedding outfit, you can certainly re-wear your wedding jewellery for years after. So go ahead and invest in pieces that make you feel confident and special on your big day.

Venue

The venue you choose sets the tone for your entire wedding, whether you're planning a cosy indoor celebration or a boho outdoor extravaganza. Investing in a beautiful location can transform the way your guests feel about your wedding. It enhances the overall atmosphere and provides a stunning backdrop for those dreamy photos, thanks to that amazing photographer that you invested in.

Entertainment

Your wedding is a celebration, which means music, dance, and merriment are incredibly important to enjoy your wedding and keep your guests entertained. You don't want your wedding to be boring with folks just standing around not knowing what to do, do you? Whether it’s live music, a DJ, or fun performances, investing in a good entertainment team is well worth the extra cost to keep the energy soaring high at your wedding.

Save:

Decor

If you invest in a great venue, splurging on decor would hardly be necessary. Decor can undoubtedly help transform a space, but it does not need to burn a hole in your pocket. Simple, thoughtful details like candles, a handful of flowers, or natural foliage can create a beautiful atmosphere without the hefty price tag. You could also consider DIY options or rentals to keep costs down without skimping on aesthetics. 

Cake

For some reason, couples love to spend a large chunk of their wedding budget on a cake. Sure, everyone loves cake but it doesn't have to be an elaborate, over-the-top one with multiple layers and drowned in fondant. A smaller, simpler wedding cake can be just as delicious and beautiful, especially if it's only for the couple and the immediate family.

Wedding stationery

Over the years, people have come to spend more than they need to on wedding invitations and Save the Dates. Why have a save-the-date card in the first place? It's the digital age, and e-invites are all the rage right now. You don't even need to hire an overpriced expert to make the e-invite. Test your Canva or Photoshop skills or get a design-savvy friend who knows their way around to help you out. They're far more aesthetic and budget-friendly, not to mention they'll be much easier to personalise. Plus it saves paper, so it's good for the environment. If you still want to have a physical invite, then you could focus on the essentials, and explore DIY or printable options for a personal touch without the hefty price.

Wedding planner

Hiring a full-time planner can seem like an easy way to not stress about executing your wedding but it comes with a very expensive price tag, which is hardly worth it. Having said that, you will help, so you could always consider a day-of coordinator to handle the details on your wedding day or use online tools to help you. This way, you can still get the guidance you need without the extra expense.

At the end of the day, what to choose to save or spend on should be your decision entirely. It's your big day, and if you want to go all out on everything or enjoy a small but thoughtful wedding, you absolutely should!

Lead image credit: Alanna Pandey/Instagram 

Also read: Here’s everything to consider if you are planning to keep an open bar at your wedding

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