{GB} Planning a Themed Wedding – 3 Essential Saving Tips

A beautiful wedding is every bride and groom’s goal, especially when the happy couple is planning for a very special and unique themed wedding. But the dreaded sense of overwhelm can quickly start seeping into the wedding plans and marriage bliss because a themed wedding can begin to feel very expensive and financially out of reach.

It does not need to be this way. There are some great ways to save money while planning the greatest themed wedding that the couple can dream up. Here are some essential saving tips for planning a themed wedding:

Get creative with your reception venue
Rather than forking out a ton of cash for a fancy reception venue, get creative with where you receive your guests after your ceremony.

If you have a beach themed wedding, hold the reception right on the beach. No need to rent an expensive gazebo or building (assuming the time of year is right of course); just decorate the beach with tiki torches and plastic tables you can rent or borrow from friends.

Other ideas include a local park where you can rent a gazebo or two and make use of the barbecue pits. Barbecuing your own food could easily go along with a number of great themes for your wedding save you plenty of money for a caterer, especially if you buy food in bulk at a wholesale store or make your meal like a potluck where everyone brings a side.

Or perhaps you can look into the clubhouse of a friend or family member’s mobile home park. These are often well-appointed with fully equipped kitchens and nice sitting areas and restrooms and will set you back only the cost of a refundable deposit.

Think long-term about the decorations
Instead of splashing out on decorations that are overpriced and can be used only once, think broader.Lovely centerpieces can be made from inexpensive and durable clear glass Pyrex bowls filled with colored marbles and water and floating perhaps a candle or some leaves on top of the water. Not only is it cheap to assemble but after the wedding the bride and groom will have a great dish set too!

Get family and friends involved
From planning to negotiating prices to dress-making to catering, videography and photography,    chances are you know one or more people in your collective circles of friends who can cover    most all the necessary bases for your wedding – and will not only be happy to do it without charge, but would be honored to be a part of your most special day.

What budget wedding tips do you have? Share your stories in the comments!

{GB – Guest Blogger} Diane Ferraro has been helping friends and family plan budget weddings for more than 10 years.  She is currently a freelance writer for a flameless candles company that also sells wholesale wedding supplies.

Photography: Photography by Verdi

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