Your wedding day will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most important and significant days of your life. It’s a celebration of your love and commitment to one another with family, friends, and your significant other. However, planning the wedding of your dreams can be an expensive endeavour. If you follow some of these helpful hints and suggestions, you will be able to have the wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget. Here are some ideas to help you stay within your budget as you plan your South Asian wedding in the United States.
Plan Ahead
Getting a head start on wedding planning is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. This will allow you to do research on various vendors and venues, as well as compare and negotiate prices. Furthermore, it allows you to prioritise the things that are important to you and distribute your finances accordingly.
Make a Budget
It is critical to develop a budget once you have decided on your wedding theme. As a result, you will be able to stay on track and avoid wasting money. To begin, make a list of everything you’ll need for your wedding, including the venue, food, photography, and decorations. The next step is to decide how much money will be spent on each item while keeping your priorities in mind. Set aside some funds in your budget to cover any unexpected costs that may arise.
Be flexible with the Date
If you choose to have your wedding during a popular time of year or on a popular day of the week, your costs may rise. If you want to save money on venues and vendors, consider holding your wedding on a weekday or during the off-season.
Curtail the guest list
Your expenses will rise in direct proportion to the number of guests you invite. Consider restricting your guest list to immediate family members and close friends, or consider hosting a separate reception for extended family members and other acquaintances. This could result in significant cost savings for catering, decorating, and renting the venue.
When possible, do it yourself
DIY projects, also known as do-it-yourself projects, can save you a lot of money (but it does add to your stress). To save money, consider making your own invitations, centrepieces, and party favours. You could also enlist the help of family and friends with the decorations and any other tasks that need to be completed.
Negotiate, it’s your right
Do not be afraid to bargain for lower prices with the various vendors you work with. If you book multiple services with the same vendor, they may be willing to negotiate a lower price. Many vendors are eager to do so. Furthermore, it is critical to thoroughly read contracts and negotiate any additional fees before they are initiated.
Choose Buffet-style Catering
Catering in the form of a buffet is typically less expensive than a plated dinner. Furthermore, it provides guests with additional options and gives them the freedom to choose what they want to eat. You could have a few signature dishes and then supplement them with a variety of different sides and appetisers.
Rent Your Attire
The cost of traditional Indian wedding attire can be quite high. Instead, you could consider renting your attire. This allows you to save a significant amount of money while also allowing you to wear designer clothes that you would not normally be able to afford for yourself.
Consider a smaller wedding cake
The wedding cake is traditionally the centrepiece of the reception; however, it can be quite pricey. Consider a smaller wedding cake and supplement it with other desserts, such as a dessert table or individual cupcakes. This is possible as cutting a cake is often looked upon as only symbolic.
Prioritise your must-haves
Before allocating funds from your budget, you must first create a hierarchy of your must-haves. Determine what is most important to you and devote the majority of your financial resources to achieving those objectives. For example, if acquiring a specific location is a must-have, you should allocate a larger budget to that and reduce spending on other aspects of the event.
Conclusion
To summarise, planning a wedding in South Asian culture can be like living a dream, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. If you follow these budgeting tips and advice, you can have the wedding of your dreams while staying within your financial means. Remember to prioritise and plan ahead.
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