Wedings are glorious, but pricey affairs. After the initial shock of the diamond subsides, panic sets in. How are you going to afford a wedding with your savings?!
The average cost of a wedding in Ireland is €25,000, reasonable? well no, realistic? not necessarily. In Ireland, couples are increasingly falling into debt, borrowing money they simply do not have in an effort to mould their ‘perfect’ day. But don’t go cutting your losses just yet, there are several ways you can pocket pinch, and without anyone the wiser. Transport, stationary, dresses and food all add up, before you know it you’ve spent your honeymoon fund on centrepieces. The two most important pieces of advise are these; 1) set a budget, and 2) stick to it.
Planning a wedding is a two man job (no matter how much he says it’s not), so before the inevitable madness ensues and you get sucked up in a tornado of favours and invites, sit down with your husband to be and discuss what you can actually afford. Take into account your income and how much you are both prepared to fork up. You simply have to be realistic about these things, there’s no point daydreaming about gold plated place settings if it means remortgaging your house now is there?
The venue
The majority of the budget will go on the location you choose to hold your reception. With four-course meals averaging €60 per guest, you’ll find most of your money will be sucked into a big room (it’s the Bermuda’s triangle of weddings!) Having your big day on a Saturday is notably more expensive than having it three days earlier. More and more locations are now promoting the mid-week wedding. This is an excellent way of saving money so be flexible. Speak to representatives about varying costs before you book. You might leave with more money in your purse than you expected.
The Photographer/Filmographer
It’s advisable to not scrimp on the photographer. Photos are the memories you can hold in your hand (or for some of your guests, evidence that they were actually there!) so after the event it would be heartbreaking to discover they’re not up to scratch. Instead of going for your young neighbour who swore they took a six month course in how to focus a lens, shop around. There are many professional photographers around the country who will do a good deal for you. Check online (at weddingsonline.ie) and make some get on the phone.
Transport
The car can be a fun part of the wedding. Most of the time your too nervous to enjoy the ride so don’t be too picky on the interior. Focus on the essentials. Ask around to see if a friend owns a decent, or unusual car and go with that! Alternatively you could walk to the church and get the bus out to the reception (not really).
Stationary
This is one area it is easy to save some pennies. For invitations buy in bulk as they will be cheaper. Hand write names and addresses rather than have them engraved. Talk to other couples who have shopped around and look around the country, not just in your hometown. I would suggest making your own but I’d imagine late nights sticking hearts to cream cardboard sounds as appealing to you as it does to us! Always handwrite thank you cards, or even write small letters, not only is it cost affective but it’s a much more personal way to show your friends how much you appreciate their gifts.
Accessories
Added extras like jewellery, veils, shoes, underwear etc are the items you will more than likely underestimate the cost of. While these finish off your, or your bridesmaids’, dresses, cheaper alternatives are just as effective. Look to high street stores for shoes and jewellery and be flexible about headpieces. A trip to a second hand or vintage store could open your eyes to original pieces that could make your dress spectacularly different. Have fun with it!
Ten top tips on how to save money
1) Go for fake flowers instead of real ones
2) Stick to the essentials at the reception, think minimalistic
3) Have a mid-week wedding
4) Go abroad to get married
5) Serve appetisers rather than entrees
6) Stay in the country for your hen, it’s the people who make it, not the location
7) Do your own make-up, nails, hair (only you know the way you like it!)
8) Don’t go all out on favours. Something small and inexpensive will suffice.
9) Keep the cake simple, you can do with less than 25 tiers
10) Talk to other brides to be about their experiences on WeddingsOnline.ie
Main photo by Jen Kroll
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Submitted by Kandy on Wednesday 15 June 2022