Photo: Johnathan Borda
Weddings are the most exciting moment in every couple's married life and nothing, even the unhappy events connected with Covid-19, can overshadow this significant event. Of course, the world is going to experience the post-pandemic crisis for some time, even after the official ending of the global lockdown. Most of the big wedding events have been rescheduled for the next year, but if you and your partner aren't ready to postpone your plans, a few ways will help you to minimize the costs and still have the wedding of your dreams. So, in today's post, we are going to find out how to hold the most memorable celebration of your life, without breaking your family's budget.
#1. Revise the Wedding Plans
Based on some independent research, the average US wedding cost is around $28.000, which is quite a serious number. You can buy an actual four-bedroom house and start your life in a cozy new neighborhood. So if you and your partner aren't ready to spend the funds on one event, you should start by revising your wedding plans.
Take the time to go through the list of your guests, and, if possible, opt for an online ceremony for long-distance relatives and friends. This will not only save your budget but will also nullify the spread of any disease. The same goes for pre-wedding events like bridal showers, bachelorettes, and bachelor's parties. Gather your best friends in front of their notebooks, cell phones, and PCs and stream the party. For maximum fun, save the stream to re-watch it later.
#2. Say No to the Formal Dress Code
One of the main wedding expenses is formal clothing. Fancy suit for the groom, expensive designer dress for the bride, and her bridesmaids, and a bunch of beautiful formal wear for every guest. Cut on your clothing expenses and cancel the dress code for your event, and you will save money for yourself and your guests as well. When shopping for bridesmaid dresses go for less expensive options.
Shorter, simple bridesmaid dresses, made from thin, summer materials will cost your besties less and they can wear them more than once. Remember, cheap bridesmaid dresses do not mean they have to be made with low-quality material, have bad cuts, or look unsatisfactory.
Photo: Hannah Busing
#3. Change the Venue, Decorate it Yourself
Holding your wedding on a private beach or exotic botanic garden would be unforgettable, but the more breathtaking the location, the more expensive the cost. Instead of renting a chic venue with its own infrastructure, you can create your own romantic place right in the backyard. A local farm or garden can also be a wonderful option.
There are so many fantastic decorations, which you can use to make up your rustic or farm wedding theme! Starting from dry foliage and crops to fresh tree branches, rocks, and crystals. And when you are one of those who need to complete a lot of assignments and deadlines are approaching at lightning speed. Contact studycrumb and get the most effective solutions.
The same goes for catering services. Why pay more, when you and your friends can organize food and drinks! Check out thematic Pinterest boards for some inspiration, upcycle some natural decorations, borrow some furniture, and add a few key elements around the venue. For example, a creative this must be the place neon sign can be the signature feature of your DIY wedding theme, or you can create your own neon sign.
#4. Ask for Crowdfunding and Discounts
And, finally, don't be shy to ask your friends and relatives for a little financial aid. As a substitute for wedding gifts, you can open a crowdfunding page and gather the necessary amount of money to make the wedding of your dreams come true.
Another thing you can do to save your budget on your wedding ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic by ask your wedding vendors for a little discount. In exchange, you can propose a free promotion on your social media accounts. You can also allow them to stream your wedding ceremony online so that they can attract more clients.
Photo: Ashley Piszek
#5. Do the Makeup & Hair Yourself
The bridesmaids, the mother of the groom, the mother of the bride, and the bride herself spend around $100 on makeup and an additional $100 on hair looks. It is quite an impressive budget, which can be spent on catering or lighting. A great alternative to this would be doing your wedding makeup look and hair yourself. Bridesmaids and other guests of honor can join you, turning the pre-wedding routine into a little fun event. Let everyone bring their own makeup products brushes, and other tools.
Hairstyles can also be DIYed with ease. Just pick something beginner-friendly. For instance, I can't have enough boho hair. This style always looks more approachable, yet still romantic and gorgeous. Curl the hair with the curling iron or a wand. Pull the hair from the crown of your head back from your face, gathering it into a low messy bun or a loose braid. Add some decorative elements like flowers or hairpins to enhance the boho vibe.
You can also watch some fun makeup and hair tutorials and play beauty-related quizzes with your friends while nailing your look. This is a great way to create new bonds and practice your skills. Moreover, you'll be able to save some money for the honeymoon!
Final Thoughts...
The post-pandemic world will not be the same. Still, I believe it will be better in many ways. As the Bible said: “There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance” ‒, so we all should continue to believe in better. If the best option for your and your family's budget would be to postpone your wedding and honeymoon plans, go for it. Don't let this change pull you away! Your health and the health of your close ones should always stay a priority, especially in such uneasy times like now.
For everything else, you'll always find an alternative. An affordable venue, which you can build and customize all the surroundings yourself, doesn't it sound great? It can be better in many ways. With such a creative opportunity, you can build up a range of new useful skills and even have some fun.
Liz
