Worried About The Economy? Lower-Cost Wedding Doesn’t Have To Mean ‘Cheap’
If you are getting married in this economy you might be able to say, “I do” in front of the priest. However, you may have to say, “I don’t” when it comes to options for the big day. Unfortunately, for many, cutting back is part of life today. And, while you may wish things were different with your wedding this does not mean that you will not be able to have a great day. There are always ways to save money and still plan for a great day.
First you will have to determine your budget and stick to it. Prioritize what is important to you and then select options that give you the most bang for your buck. Also, look online for discount merchants and vendors. You may be able to get a better deal there. Next, think outside of the box. Use your skills to provide to the wedding day. This way you are not paying someone for his or her services. Lastly remember that your day does not have to be like everyone else’s. This is why it is your day. Make it your own and have fun doing it.
When it comes to your wedding day, be happy with everything that you accomplished!
The Most Jaw Dropping Expensive Weddings Ever!
When one thinks of extravagant weddings one thinks of celebrities and what all that silly money can buy. In some cases, their weddings could have fed a small African country for a year. Following are some of the most glamorous and expensive weddings ever:
Prince Charles and Lady Di:
I remember my friends and I making this an event we had to make popcorn for when we were in high school. We actually planned our own extravagant event around it.
Paul McCartney and Heather Mills:
Now this wasn’t the most expensive by a long shot. Afterall, they spent only 3 million dollars and couldn’t even dish up any meat for their guests. What’s extravagant about it is the divorce. Paul, you should have spent some money on steaks!
Amit Bahtia and Vanisha Mittal:
This might just qualify as the most expensive wedding ever, sixty million dollars. Yes 60. And they gave a whopping 3 million dollars to charity. Can you say ten percent of your income? Toilets at their wedding cost more than their charity. Way to give back to the world when the bride’s grandpa is the 4th richest man in it.
Andrei Melnichenko and Aleksandra Kokotovic:
Who? Who cares. But at least the bride and groom showed an interest in entertaining the guest. They paid Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera $3,6 million each to sing at the wedding. Hey, I do a mean rendition of Tiny Bubbles and I would only charge a million.
Donald Trump and Melania Knauss:
Alright, you can’t mention extravagant weddings and not put in The Donald. And it was worth it for Melania, the last name change alone. Who’d of thought she started off with something as lunky as Knauss.
Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky:
I put this in because I love Ms. Taylor and she deserved better. After all, does anyone really think Fortensky forked out the two million. Way to go girl, pay for what you want. If even for a second.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes:
Okay, for the celebrity of Cruises income and fame, a two million dollar wedding ain’t that extravagant. What’s extraordinary about this wedding is Brooke Shields attended. Months later, the two were all over each other battling it out over drugs and post partum depression. Perhaps Brooke was at the wedding to babysit Katie.
Elton John and David Furnish:
Because they could. In a world where bigots are wasting their time and money to prevent happy people of the same sex from being married, these two did it loud and proud for the world to see.
Guy Ritchie and Madonna:
When the groom wears a skirt to the wedding you know who wears the pants in the relationship. Ultimately this one fell apart because it’s got to be tough playing second fiddle to Madge on a daily basis. But at least you had Disco at your wedding!
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum and Sheilka Hind Bint Maktoum:
I’m going to list this as the most extravagant wedding ever. 44.5 million dollars almost thirty years ago. It’s estimated that it would cost 100 million dollars in today’s standards. But that’s not what I find extraordinary about it. Sheik Mohammend is the ruler of Dubai and he rode his horse to every village and fed everyone and the whole city celebrated for thirty days. Way to spread the wealth Sheik. Now I doubt the people of Dubai are starving like the people of Dafur. But still, bravo. In addition, the guy gives 10 billion dollars to charity towards education in the Middle East. Now that’s a smart man.
You Don’t Have To Spend A Fortune: Weddings On A Budget
My really good friend just got married. She decided she did not want a reception, just a lunch with her family and close friends. However, she did send out announcements that said “no reception, no offense.” It was sort of funny. However, she did not want to make a big deal. Everyone that she cared about went to the lunch, and she did not waste money on what she considered an unnecessary expense. Her wedding was definitely not the norm.
According to reports, the average wedding in the United States costs approximately $28,000. This is a lot of money to spend on a wedding given that the median household income is $46,326.
If you do not have $28,000 to spend on a wedding, don’t worry. You can still have a great celebration. Today there are actually a lot of ways to cut back. One way you can cut back is on your dress. Some designers have come out with affordable wedding day attire. Also, Target has a new Bridal collection that is costly friendly. And, you can always consider saving on the ring and exchanging simple gold bands. After all, it is more about the commitment and your love for each other, not about the things.
How Many People Are Coming? Choosing A Venue
Location, Location, Location. It is critical in so many different aspects of life. And, when it comes to planning a wedding, the right location is key. I was recently at a wedding where the location seemed great. There was a nice view overlooking the ocean. However, the tables were so squished together that once you sat down you were could not move for the duration of the wedding. It made being there a little bit miserable. And, on top of that it got cold. So, it would have been nice to be able to move around. If you are currently deciding where to hold your wedding, keep this in mind.
Every wedding needs the space to accommodate a number of different things – tables, chairs, guests, food, music, dancing, stage, presents, etc. When you are looking into venues, try to visualize the space with the type of environment you have in mind for your wedding. Then, ask yourself – will everything fit? If not, move on to another option.
Today weddings are held in many different venues. Hotels are extremely popular. Some use private homes or gardens. Others are holding theirs are private clubs. You can try holding it outdoors in the mountains, parks, or beaches. Other ideas include having it on a ship or boat, using a winery, or holding it at a historical site. Choose the site best for your price range, style, and the number of guests attending.