Sessy Tips For Low-Budget Weddings

Sessy Tips For Low-Budget Weddings

April 1, 2015 · by · in Good Advice
Small DIY weddings are not for everyone, but if the budget is low and the wants and needs of the couple are clearly realized, there may be no need for a wedding planner, or for an expensive event that breaks bank accounts. Below is some advice for the low budget wedding catered specifically to the couple.
DIY wedding

Photo Courtesy of Diana Antohe

 

1. Avoid adding any element to the ceremony or reception out of unnecessary obligation.

The key to a low-budget wedding is focusing on what the couple wants out of the event, and what they can reasonably afford. Trying to please everyone and make sure no one feels left out isn’t possible.

Two of my favorite weddings to attend had less than a hundred guests, and wedding announcements were sent to family members and friends who weren’t invited to the ceremony or reception. The announcements succeeded in keeping uninvited but no-less-loved people in the loop, and welcoming them to share in the couple’s joy.

I actually was not invited to my brother’s wedding, but then again, only three people were! Him, his wife and her son went to a City Hall near where they live, and invited three family friends (a couple and their child) as witnesses. For my brother and his now wife it was important that they make things official, and since both their families live plane flight rides away, they kept things simple.

 

Photo courtesy of Diana Antohe

Photo courtesy of Diana Antohe

2. Ask friends and family to help out. If they say yes, give them tasks. Chances are they will be excited to help!

If the wedding will be small, it’s likely that attendees will be family or close friends, people you can feel comfortable asking to pick up beer for the reception, help decorate the venue, pick up someone from the airport, maybe even help cook if the reception will be a barbecue, bring chairs, etc etc! Keeping in tune with Tip #1, don’t make anyone feel obligated to help, and be sympathetic if they are unable due to money, time, their small children, whatever it will be.

3. No need to go over the top with reception nosh. 

If you want alcohol at your wedding, go for beer instead of liquor! If you want to feed your guests but a fully catered three-course meal is out of your budget, try for tacos or some other filling snack from a restaurant or place that you and your partner love! That said, having vegetarian and even gluten-free options (depending on your guests) is a considerate way to go.

The Bottom Line: Don’t be inconsiderate jerks, but do you (and you) and feel great about it.

 Stay tuned for an upcoming interview with a couple who organized a lovely, low-budget, highly personalized wedding in February. Coming soon to WTD.
DIY wedding

Photo Courtesy of Diana Antohe

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