Planning a Small Cheap Wedding - Planning a Wedding on a Budget

Although weddings are expensive, not every wedding has to bet. Whilst most blushing brides dream of a fairy tale wedding fit for a princess, unfortunately the reality rarely fits the fantasy.

If planned correctly a It is entirely possible to have a wedding that is both affordable, memorable and beautiful. With some creative thought it is fairly easy to plan a small cheap wedding. Obviously planning an affordable wedding can take longer than using a wedding planner so make sure you give yourself mplenty of time for the planning process. This will ensure you have enough time available to check around for the best prices. Comparison shopping is one of the best ways to save money on all your wedding needs.

One of the areas that you can save money by looking around is the the venue. Since you are planning a small intimate wedding, then a smaller location such as an attractive backyard can work perfectly as a wedding location. Even a public park or garden can be a beautiful yet affordable place to tie the knot. When shopping for your bridal gown, head to wedding apparel outlets and clearance sales whenever possible. You can sometimes save hundreds of dollars this way. For the photos, hire a photographer who's just starting out. Someone new to their business will be more willing to work for less in an attempt to build their portfolio. Need a DJ? Rather than paying for a costly professional, recruit a music-minded pal to spin the tunes.

Decorations are another area where money can easily be saved. Try making them yourself rather than buying them pre-made. Something cheap yet beautiful for any table centerpiece is a pretty glass water bowl with floating candles on the surface. Or, make your own flower centerpieces with cheap vases and silk flowers. Balloons and streamers can bring a festive look to any event for a bargain price. When buying fresh flowers, choose seasonal blooms. Then there's the wedding cake. If you have a friend or family member who is a hobbyist baker, see if they will make your wedding cake. If you must hire someone to do the job, choose a baker with a small home business as their prices will often be more affordable than a large catering company.

As you can see, there are lots of great tips for planning a small cheap intimate wedding. If you are good at bargain hunting then there is no reason why you should not save money on everything from the invitations to the honeymoon. It's a good idea to take some notes when comparing services and prices so you won't forget anything when you sit down to make your final decision. After all it is still one of the most important days of your life and need not be any less special than a large and expensive wedding. What matters most is the moment a couple joins together as husband and wife in the presence of their loved ones -- not how much money everything costs!