With the economy at a downturn, I have received several requests to post ideas for planning a budget friend South Asian wedding. It is easy to get carried away with the conventional, but it only takes some creativity and exploration to cut costs without significantly sacrificing quality. Before beginning the planning process, you should sit down with your fiance and your respective families to compile a list of items that are really important for you to have at your event. With this list in hand, it will be easier to find areas where you can afford to cut back.
Here are a few ideas that will help you save:
1) Wedding Date: Peak wedding season is between April and September. If you pick a date between November and March, not only will more resources be available, but they will cost you atleast 20% less. Additionally, more venues will be available and you will receive more personal attention from vendors.
2) Centerpieces: Many brides default into purchasing centerpieces from their decorators. These centerpieces usually range from $80 to $100/piece. This can be a significant cost considering you may havae 30 to 40 tables. By being a little creative, you can supply your own centerpieces that cost considerably less. Try to think outside the box and visit discount stores or order in bulk from India. Remember, you don't have to have extravagant flower arrangements to project elegance.
3) Lighting: If your budget does not have room for wall to wall LED lighting, limit the lighting to either the reception stage or to the entire wall. LED lights are usually charged per piece plus technician cost, so this can save you a considerable sum. Your guests will be awe struck as their attention is drawn to center stage when they enter.
4) Flowers: Ask your florist/decorator to reuse the flowers from the wedding at the reception. In a different light and ambiance, the flowers will hardly look the same. You can also request for any extra flower petals and tea lights to be used to decorate the cocktail tables. You will be adding a touch of elegance at no extra cost.
5) Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can take up a considerable portion of your budget. You can cut costs by limiting the amount of alcohol you offer your guests. Etiquette does not require that you provide alcohol on the night of the Sangeet/Garba. In retrospect, alcohol and raas sticks are a pretty dangerous combination! Instead of alcohol, you can opt for a cheaper alternative such as a Lassi bar. For the cocktail hour, you can limit alcohol to a signature drink and select wines and beers.
6) Cake: We love how magnificent four tier cakes look, but we hate that they cost so much! To cut the per slice cost, ask your bakery for only one or two real tiers (depending on whether you want to save the first tier for your first anniversary). Most bakeries will give you the option of installing as many fake tiers as you choose for a minimum per tier charge. This can easily save you a few hundred dollars and still give you the magnificence you are looking for.
7) Linens: I am a big fan of quality linens. However, if a full linen ensemble is not in your budget, you can get away with just chair covers and chair sashes. Simply use the white/beige table linen provided by your venue, and rent the chair covers. To complete the look, select a chair sash/bow to match the main color on your centerpiece (which should ideally match your lighting color). Chair covers give the ballroom a richer feel, and the dash of color will bring vibrancy. If you don't like chair covers, you can rent chivari chairs. However, keep in mind that though they look opulent, they are significantly more expensive.
These are only a few cost saving alternatives. With a little creativity and research, you'll be able to unearth several more ideas that will help you plan your dream wedding...within budget!
