Planning a wedding can take an enormous amount of time, energy and effort. From choosing invitations to finding the perfect dress, this major life event comes only once in a lifetime for many people. The information in this article is designed to help you in making sure that every detail is taken care of in the most economical and efficient way possible, whether your guest list includes 10 or 1,000.
Photography
When photographing a wedding, you must be prepared! Don’t forget to bring extra batteries, memory cards and cleaning materials, for your camera. Think up alternate photography locations, in case the weather goes bad. Attend the rehearsal, so that you will have a good feeling for what will be happening and where you should be at all times.
The worst thing that can come out of a wedding is a huge debt. Don’t overlook your budget when choosing items for your big day. If you are cash-strapped, look for savings like having your family cater the event or do all the photography. At worst you can ask for cash in lieu of gifts to help offset the costs.
To plan a wedding on a small budget, consider asking friends or relatives to donate their help or talent in lieu of a wedding gift. From photography to catering to making your wedding cake. Your loved ones may be thrilled to pitch in with the skills they have to keep your wedding day budget-friendly.
You may skimp on your budget for many areas of your wedding to get to the right price, however, do not make this mistake in your photography or video choices. Preserving these memories will be one of the most important parts of your wedding; next to the ceremony itself. Do not be afraid to spend the appropriate amount to get the best for your needs.
Photographer
Even if your budget is small, having two photographers at your wedding can catch shots that might be missed otherwise. Consider asking family members to take on the roll as an additional photographer, or even have both photographers be someone you know personally. Free is the best way to go, and they might even give you the end product as a wedding gift.
To save money on your wedding photographer, consider hiring a student. Someone who is just learning the trade might charge you significantly less, or even provide services for free. The benefit to them is that they build their portfolio. The benefit to you comes in the cost savings.
Ask your friends, family, and co-workers to find out what skills they have that can help you with your wedding. For example, your best friend might have worked as a florist and a cake decorator, one cousin could be a DJ and the other a photographer, and maybe your Grandmother is willing and able to do all the catering!
Make sure that your photographer does not get in the way of your wedding and simply focuses on documenting the experience with pictures. Tell him your wishes in advance so he knows that you will want your space to maximize your experience. This will help you to have a great wedding day.
Engagement
When you are trying to save money when you are purchasing wedding rings, you can usually get a great deal if you buy a set, meaning that you purchase the engagement ring in addition to the his and her wedding bands. This is an easy way to save money and time.
Have your engagement ring professionally cleaned before the big day. Your wedding photographer will almost certainly take the famous ring shot. This is the one where the bride’s hands are placed carefully over the groom’s. It’s a time honored tradition, and a picture worth keeping. If your engagement ring is gorgeous and sparkling, it will also help to make this picture gorgeous and sparkling.
Once you have become engaged and your family and friends have been clued into the news, you and your fiance need to set up wedding registries. It is a great way to start your wedding planning and the wedding process and to identify the items that you would like to receive during your engagement party and bridal shower.
If this is your first wedding and the costs just keep adding up, you should recycle some items. For example, can the bride wear her mother’s wedding gown with a few alterations? Can the engagement ring be a family heirloom instead of buying new? In most cases these items will have more meaning than a new item, you will be glad you chose to recycle.
No matter how large or small, your wedding is an event that you want to be perfect, right down to the smallest detail. Whether you’re getting married for the first time or the third, a wedding still takes months of planning and preparation. The time-saving tips contained in this article can guide you in making the smartest choices and help you to avoid any last-minute emergencies.