Undergoing the journey from engagement to marriage is among the most thrilling experiences one could have. It may also rank as one of the most costly.
We’ve assembled a range of tips for you to use to ensure you don’t completely break the bank during your engagement and wedding. Find out how to celebrate your matrimony at an affordable price.
Engagement ring
The first step to any engagement is picking out a ring. While you may think that this all-important piece of jewellery needs to cost an arm and a leg, in reality it’s quite possible to find a gorgeous engagement ring for under $1,000. You can shop engagement rings in Sydney for any budget at Larsen Jewellery in a massive range of styles.
Some tips for tracking down a more affordable engagement ring are:
- Moissanite is an affordable alternative to diamond which carries many of the same characteristics.
- Other, non-traditional gemstones such as emerald, aquamarine, ruby and sapphire are stunningly beautiful and more affordable than diamonds.
- Opt for a cheaper band material such as palladium or titanium.
Wedding outfits
Everyone wants to look their absolute best on their wedding day. As many a red carpet event has shown, a more expensive outfit isn’t necessarily a better one.
Thankfully, many of the same thrifty tips apply for brides, grooms or non-binary wedding roles.
- Simplicity is key when it comes to saving money on an outfit. So, if you’ve always hoped to go for a simple dress or suit on your big day, you’re in luck.
- Remember to shop around. This will help you not only in saving money, but also finding the perfect outfit for you.
- With fashion consumption becoming a major environmental concern, some lovebirds may be compelled to opt for a pre-loved outfit. This could mean shopping at a second-hand marketplace, or asking around family members to find a meaningful piece to wear.
- As with many other products, floor sample dresses and suits are available at discounted prices, meaning you can attain your dream outfit at an affordable price.
The wedding day
As you begin planning for your big day, you’ll begin noticing your costs rise and rise. While there are so many areas to blow your budget on, this also means there are many opportunities for cost-cutting measures.
Venue
Finding the perfect wedding venue feels like an all-important decision. You’re likely preparing to take a deep breath and open up your cheque book to nab the location you’ve been dreaming of.
But there are tons of ways to find low-cost or even free wedding venues. For example, a simple farm wedding can be very affordable, especially if you know a friend of a friend who’s happy to let you use their property at a cheap price.
Once again, shopping around is a great way to find a better price for you.
Catering
Try to book your wedding caterer far in advance to find a better price. Opting for a seasonal menu can also be a great way to save money here.
Another way to drive down catering costs ties in directly with our next point:
Guest list
If you’re really desperate to save money, consider opting for a more intimate ceremony with fewer guests. A smaller ceremony can be possibly even more special than a larger one as you share your love with those nearest and dearest to you. It also helps you save money in a multitude of ways.
Honeymoon
Are you even married if you don’t jet away for your honeymoon? A beautiful getaway with your beloved is the perfect way to cement your marriage.
The first tip to save money on your honeymoon is to go local. This is a great tip for travel in general. If we’re serious about cutting back on our personal carbon emissions, exploring our own backyard rather than far-flung lands is one of the best places to start.
If you’re committed to going international for your honeymoon, here are some more affordable destinations to consider.
- Greece: Greece’s economy remains rather depressed following its world-famous debt crisis. While we hope the citizens of Greece are soon able to enjoy a more prosperous economy, the good news for thrifty lovebirds is that it’s an affordable Mediterranean location, especially if you time your visit in the low-season.
- Dominican Republic: This nation isn’t considered a premier location for honeymoons, but why not? It offers stunning beaches, a rich culture and is highly affordable to boot.
- Hungary: Forget Germany or France. Hungary offers the same cobblestone-laden European charm as its peers at significantly cheaper prices.
- Cambodia: Southeast Asia is a paradise for money-conscious tourists, and it’s easy to see why. Stop in to Cambodia to relax on the beach or to explore dense rainforests on your honeymoon.
Now you have all the information you need for an affordable engagement, wedding and honeymoon, you can plan with a little bit more ease of mind. Remember that no matter how much you spend in this all-important period, your love is the most important part of it.
