How To Have A Wedding On A Low Budget – Ask The Expert Answer

Question from Kathiria:

Hi Angela!  My names Kathy and my fiance and I are planning  a low budget wedding where we live; in Puerto Rico.  The problem is the wedding date is in December 19, 2009.  He just started working, I’m currently studying and I’m looking for a job.  We have no money saved but we still want to get married.  We have help from our friends and family but should we still get married although we don’t have that much money saved? and if we do how can we plan a low budget wedding including a good honeymoon?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Kathy, and congratulations.  You have a few options.  You can plan a low budget wedding and move forward with your life.  You can wait to have enough money to have the kind of wedding you’re dreaming of, or you can get legally married, and have a wedding reception on a future anniversary date. 

The best part about a wedding, is to have it when you want it.  Your family and friends know your situation, and everyone will chip in and help create a warm, loving atmosphere for your special day.  What more can anyone ask for on their wedding day?

A home wedding in less expensive than having it in a hotel.  Family chipping in to supply the food is cheaper than hiring a caterer.  Friends who are musicians might donate their talents to your wedding celebration.  There are lots of ways to do things less expensively.  Certain things will cost money.  A church wedding, the marriage license, and your clothing will all cost.  Friends can all chip in to take pictures at your wedding and share them with you.  Maybe you want to hire someone to take "official pictures" after the ceremony and then have family and friends take pictures at your reception.

The decision is yours.  I know one couple who made a list of all the things they couldn’t afford, and asked close family and friends if they would help pay for those things instead of giving a wedding present.  You can’t do that with everyone, but you alone know how your family and friends will react to that kind of request.   I have also seen the bridal party approach the wedding guests to chip in to pay for the honeymoon.  Although asking for a gift is poor etiquette, it is  done in certain situations.

Some traditional wedding supplies like wedding favours can be quite inexpensive, and still bring an air of celebration and fun into a low budget wedding.

If you have any other questions or if you have comments, please feel free to respond to this blog below. 

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert