Barefoot on the Beach... Shoestring Weddings

Shoestring weddings, can be fun and creative!

Just remember that, when you are being pressured by sales people to have a traditional wedding with all the bells and whistles and the price tag.

Your first step in planning a shoestring wedding, is to figure out exactly what you want. Ask yourself these three questions:

1) Are you inviting many people? ... or is it just a small group of friends and family

2) Are you a traditional sort of girl?.. or are you up for something different.

3) Do you need or want lots of wedding presents?.. this may sound spoiled, but if you and your partner are well set up, then do you really need a bunch of presents that you have no room for..

Start with your first answer.. if its just a small group, say 25 and under, then why not consider a small wedding chapel or city hall, and rent a room in a nice restaurant for your reception and skip the DJ's, speeches and dancing. Book ahead of time, and pick something off of their menu... This alone will save a lot of money, and your guests will have enjoyed a nice meal with you. With the smaller numbers this can be nice and personal.

Second answer... if you are willing to part with tradition and start your own traditions, then start with the day.. get married on a Friday night, or Saturday morning. Purchase a nice gown, rather than a "bridal gown", dress it up with a pretty headpiece or hat or veil.. huge savings there. Having a reception on any other day from Saturday evening, will save you a lot.

Third answer... if you are pretty well set up, then why put the pressure on yourself for a big wedding and the expected gifts that you don't have room for?..

In this particular case, going bare foot on the beach of some exotic island for your wedding, might be your best choice! Your guests can be given a good package deal on a great holiday, see your wedding, and you tell them, that if they pay their way down there that is a great gift to you!. They wont' need to spend hundreds on "bridesmaid dresses" or “wedding gifts” and you can wear that skimpy little dress and bare feet.. Think what you will save on shoes!

There is always a way around these expensive weddings. A lot of it is just simple emotional pressure brought on by the industry. There are many more great ideas out there, just do a bit of research, and learn from people who have managed a great wedding and memorable day on a shoestring budget...
save big bucks on a wedding

save big bucks on a wedding article by Diane Palmer