Getting engaged is a very exciting time in someone’s life. But after all of the excitement wears off, there usually comes a moment when the happy couple stops to think, “How on Earth am I going to afford a wedding?!” Unless, of course, you’re a celebrity or the heir to a large fortune. In that case, this post probably isn’t for you. 

1.  Don’t feel obligated to attend a Bridal Expo. You can find everything you need at a reasonable price from the comfort of your own home, without feeling the pressure to buy from everyone you meet.

2.   Sit down with your fiancé, and anyone else who has offered to contribute monetarily to your wedding plans, and figure out the cold hard data. Come up with your overall budget up front, then divide that into sections based on the things you’ll need.

 

3.   Ask your friends/coworkers/acquaintances for their input. I’ve heard from many brides that they found a good majority of their vendors by word of mouth. The great thing about doing this is that you have a real person who can give you the facts (and the bottom line!) about their services.

4.   Don’t cheap out on the things that matter to you. This all comes down to when you’re setting your initial budget. If makeup is what make your heart soar, then allot more money for your makeup. I’m all for spending as little as possible, but do not go cheap to the point that you will be unhappy.
 

5.  Don’t invite the world. It’s your big day, so it’s important to have your loved ones present. But that may not necessarily mean inviting your mother’s cousin’s friend’s sister who came to your fourth birthday party that one time. 

6  Research. Research. Research. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to do your research ahead of time, especially when it comes to picking a venue for your ceremony/reception. Don’t fall in love with your first choice if the price isn’t right. Chances are you can find something very similar within your budget.
 

7. Don’t get crazy with gifts. It’s very popular to do grand proposals when choosing your bridesmaids. I’m here to tell you that’s not necessary.
 

8. Don’t give in to the spam coming to your inbox. It’s very easy to succumb to the millions of emails that start rolling in once you make your big announcement. But don’t. In most cases what seems like a deal on stationery isn’t.

9.  Just know what you really want. Take time to think about your perfect wedding and then spend even more time figuring out how to turn that into reality. It’s okay to eliminate things you don’t need – don’t print a billion programs when you KNOW they’re going to fill the trash cans at the end of the night. Likewise, if you’re crafty, give your wedding a personal touch and create some of the things you want.

At the end of the day it’s important to remain true to you and I think these tips could help anyone planning any type of wedding on a budget. Only you know best what you can’t live without and what you would just be wasting cash on if you opted to buy it.

What are your wedding planning questions? Do you have any special tips you’ve learned? I’d love to hear them! Leave me a comment or send me an email to africanweddingbliss@gmail.com.