Cheap Wedding Under $500?

by Shannon
(Anderson S.C.)

Is there any way to have a wedding under $500?

Answer:

I think if you wanted to have a wedding under $500 you could probably do it. I'm based in England, so I don't know what the legal requirements and fees are to get married in the US, but I know when I got married, my celebrant certainly made it clear that its not about all the trimmings, the fancy dress, a massive party or a big diamond ring. It's about your union with your partner.

Keep that sentiment at the centre of what you do and I'm sure you could keep to under $500. Interestingly, those that do have a wedding that's really cheap often have a better day as there's less stress. In fact, the cheap weddings I've been to are often the best.

Some tips I would give you though are to keep it simple. You need to think about where your priorities lie. Do you want to have a party afterwards? Do you want a fancy dress? Are you happy to make a few things yourself? Are you happy to ask people to help out?

You can get cheap dresses from Nordstrom for about $125 or you could go online and try eBay, where you could get a dress for under $100. If you have a party in the back yard, then you can really keep it cheap. Offer your guests one free drink - perhaps a toast using sparkling wine, and then get a paid bar or ask your guests to bring their own alcoholic drinks. If you have a BBQ or buffet, you can keep the food cheap and with a buffet, perhaps your family and friends can bring a dish each? Have you got a friend that could make the cake for you? Could this be a gift?

With your invitations, you can pick up free wedding invitations online. I have a site called Wedding Invitation Ideas that offers free wedding invitations. You just download them and print them off on your home printer - completely free.

Could you make your own veil? It's easy with a bit a tulle fabric. What you have left over, you could use as decorations around your garden.

If you start to think creatively about how you could achieve a wedding under $500, anything is possible.

I hope that gives you some food for thought. Feel free to drop me a note if you have any more questions.

All the best