Of course you want to use your wedding budget, no matter how big or small, as effectively as possible, but here are ten horrible ways to save money.
1. Dry Wedding/Cash Bars. Adults want a glass of wine or three. There are dozens of reasons people *say* they are having un-hosted weddings, but they all boil down to being cheap, not thrifty, and there is a HUGE difference
2. Standing Ceremony. Even the shortest ceremony will have 15 minutes (at least) tacked on for gathering, the processional and recessional. Many people simply cannot stand in one place for 25 minutes or more without extreme discomfort.
3. Self Catering. Unsafe, ugly, disorganized and labor intensive. Many venues won't even let you do this because they will require licensing, liability insurance and workman's comp. And it's rude to make your family cook.
4. Pot Lucks. See above, plus people traveling with food is never good.
5. Cutting Significant Others. Anyone who is in a relationship gets a guest. Random dates? Not so much.
6. Online RSVPs. This sounds easy to you; not so much to all your guests. Get an paper one. Add a stamp.
7. Friendors. Your friends do not want to work at your wedding; if they offer, you will say no. This makes for an uncomfortable interaction that can very often break the relationship. And they may not be as good as a pro.
8. Cheap Vendors. They are cheap for a reason; sub par work, ratty customer service, inexperience. Pass on them.
9. Fake Flowers. Yes. People can tell. And they alway look cheap, unless they're not and then you might as well go real.
10. Bundled Services. No, your DJ can not officiate your wedding, your officiant cannot bake your cake, your b photographer should not do your video. Hire quality pros who specialize in one thing.
1. Dry Wedding/Cash Bars. Adults want a glass of wine or three. There are dozens of reasons people *say* they are having un-hosted weddings, but they all boil down to being cheap, not thrifty, and there is a HUGE difference
2. Standing Ceremony. Even the shortest ceremony will have 15 minutes (at least) tacked on for gathering, the processional and recessional. Many people simply cannot stand in one place for 25 minutes or more without extreme discomfort.
3. Self Catering. Unsafe, ugly, disorganized and labor intensive. Many venues won't even let you do this because they will require licensing, liability insurance and workman's comp. And it's rude to make your family cook.
4. Pot Lucks. See above, plus people traveling with food is never good.
5. Cutting Significant Others. Anyone who is in a relationship gets a guest. Random dates? Not so much.
6. Online RSVPs. This sounds easy to you; not so much to all your guests. Get an paper one. Add a stamp.
7. Friendors. Your friends do not want to work at your wedding; if they offer, you will say no. This makes for an uncomfortable interaction that can very often break the relationship. And they may not be as good as a pro.
8. Cheap Vendors. They are cheap for a reason; sub par work, ratty customer service, inexperience. Pass on them.
9. Fake Flowers. Yes. People can tell. And they alway look cheap, unless they're not and then you might as well go real.
10. Bundled Services. No, your DJ can not officiate your wedding, your officiant cannot bake your cake, your b photographer should not do your video. Hire quality pros who specialize in one thing.