CHEAP BUT CHIC WEDDINGS

In Australia, the average cost of a wedding is $30,000 — funds that many young couples would prefer to spend on a deposit for their house. A cheaper wedding doesn’t mean giving up on style or sentimentality; it just means making use of your imagination as well as family and friends.

WEDDING GOWN

As a bride revels in her special day, the dress is pivotal in reflecting the style and ambience of the celebrations. That said, spending $10,000 on a dress you’ll wear once could be seen as over-indulgent. There are many options available that will have you looking a million dollars, without breaking the bank.

• Look through wedding magazines for inspiration, tear out the styles you like and then find a seamstress that can create a similar look for a lower price. If you or someone in your family sews, even better; simply shop for the right fabric.
• Vintage is very fashionable, so search websites such as eBay, visit markets, or simply have a look in your own mother’s or grandmother’s wardrobe.
• If you’re a size 6, 8 or 10, check out sample sales, where you could score a designer gown for a bargain price.
• Renting is a cheaper alternative to buying a brand new gown. While you won’t have it forever, you will have the photographs and memories.
• Shop in boutiques and designer stores, both for yourself and your bridesmaids. You may find an elegant evening gown that costs less than a wedding dress and looks just as beautiful. The best part is that you can wear it again with ease!

PHOTOGRAPHY

When hiring a photographer, do your research and compare hourly rates and package deals to see which is more cost-effective. Make sure to ask about hidden expenses that aren’t included in your quote, such as reprints and travel expenses, to avoid a post-wedding shock. You can also save by having a photographer take formal shots for just a couple of hours and then supply disposable cameras and ask your guests to take candid shots with them. You might also want to consider hiring an amateur or student photographer; it’s great work experience for them and they won’t charge very high rates. A video is likewise a lovely memento of your day but can be very expensive so ask a guest to film the day.

TRANSPORT

If any of your friends or family have nice cars (old vintage cars or modern cars — whatever you prefer), ask them to transport you to and from the wedding. It saves you the cost of car hire and adds a personal touch to the occasion.

INVITATIONS

Your wedding invitation, that special piece of paper that gives guests their first glimpse at your celebratory style, sets the tone of your wedding day. That special piece of paper can also take a big bite out of your wedding budget.

• Avoid embossing, gold or silver adornments, ribbons and layered paper. Keeping it simple will keep it affordable.
• Often things that have been handmade hold the most sentiment. Make the invitations yourself by buying some nice paper and envelopes and printing the details.
• Have a creative friend or relative make your invitations. They’ll feel honoured to be part of your day and you can thank them with a gift.
• Before you order your stationery, count the number of people you’re planning to invite. Only order that number of invitations, plus about 25 extra to cater for any errors or last-minute invites.
• Don’t include an RSVP card, as it may double your postage costs. Instead, ask people to RSVP by phone or email. You can even create a special website about your wedding where people can RSVP online.
• Save on postage by ordering invitations that only require one stamp, such as standard size DL and C6 shapes.
• To avoid postage costs entirely, you and your partner could deliver the invitations in your area. Devote a weekend to visiting as many people as you can. This also gives you the chance to catch up and spend time with friends.

RECEPTIONS

There are a lot of creative solutions to saving money at your wedding reception.

• Be brutal with your guest list. Guests who are not in a relationship should be invited solo. You do not need to invite friends that you have not seen in the past five years, nor distant relatives you’ve never met.
• Consider the alternatives for when to hold the reception. A beautiful morning brunch will set you back less than dinner. Also, people usually drink and eat less at lunchtime and meals are less expensive, so a lunch reception will save a considerable amount. Alternatively, hold the reception at a time when people don’t expect a full meal, such as mid-afternoon. An afternoon tea party is a fun and kitschy theme that would reduce your catering costs.
• Try to avoid the wedding peak period, which runs from November to March. Many venues even have a minimum charge for weddings during these months. Choosing a quieter period will give you the power to negotiate better prices. By planning your wedding during the off-season (AFL Grand Final Day is particularly thrifty!), you can receive the same quality of service at greatly reduced rates.
• Saturday is the most popular wedding day, so choosing a different day, particularly during the week, could save much-needed funds on your reception venue.
• Think about having your wedding reception at your home or a friend’s. A marquee in someone’s garden with buffet-style catering can be cost-effective and equally as fabulous as an expensive reception at a hotel.
• If you do book your reception at a venue, ask about package deals. They can often provide music, cake, decorations and more. Decorating the venue can often cost more than it needs to. Keep it elegant and classic, and have a creative friend or family member make table centrepieces.

CAKE

Your wedding cake is another expense that can be shaved. The cake can always be served as dessert to your guests, avoiding the need for this extra course to be included in your catering costs. Consider having a small cake simply for the cutting ceremony and serve dessert to your guests. If you have someone close to you who’s a whiz in the kitchen, ask them to prepare the cake for you. Alternatively, you can save up to 50 per cent by having your wedding cake made by someone who enjoys making cakes as a hobby. Call the Cake Decorator’s Association in your state to find some such godsend in your area.

FLOWERS

Not every wedding has to feature flowers; in fact, certain alfresco weddings, held in a garden, park or at the beach, offer stand-alone natural beauty. If you have your heart set on floral adornments, however, save money by choosing flowers that are in-season and limiting the amount of flowers that you use. Flowers such as gerberas, daisies, carnations and chrysanthemums are generally well-priced year round, while roses and orchids are pricier. Irises, violets, daffodils and tulips are perfect for spring, while lilies are ideal for summer. Let your florist know your budget restrictions and discuss your options with a professional.

MUSIC

Music at your ceremony is important and a perfect time to showcase the talents of someone you know who can play the guitar, piano or sing well. If you’re being married in a church, check if they have a choir or any musicians and see if you can have them included in the hire fee. Music at your reception can be either a band, a DJ or you can provide your own with a computer, iPod or CDs. If you hire a band, shop around, listen to a few and compare their prices. If you have a technology-savvy friend, ask them to make some playlists for you from downloaded music or CDs and play them off a laptop or stereo at the venue. This is also a good way to personalise your music.

HONEYMOON

Why not get your guests to pay for your honeymoon? A honeymoon registry works just like a wedding registry but instead of buying you china, your wedding guests buy you a trip to China (or the honeymoon destination of your choice). Another popular idea is to have a wishing well at the reception. With your invitation, include a small envelope and a note explaining that if people do not want to buy a gift, they’re welcome to put some money in the envelope and drop it into the wishing well on the day.