Ideas for Wedding on a Budget

The ideas for wedding begin from the moment you get engaged. Well, at least that's the truth for us women. Looking around here and there for decorations, themes, wedding gown patterns and other elements which make up for a complete wedding is very essential. You can actually save a lot of time and money, as you browse through different places. We pretty much start to save up for the wedding we have always thought about, but sometimes, things don't really add up the way they should. What I mean to say is that, sometimes our finances don't match up to the "dream" wedding we plan. But that shouldn't put you in a disappointed mood. You can have more than perfect wedding if you want, with simple cutbacks and budgeting. Why not keep an eye on certain ideas that won't break your bank? First things first, always categorize the items for the wedding in three sections like "must haves", "optional", and "nice to have". Once you have your priorities down, planning the rest of the wedding budget will be smooth sailing.

Ideas for Budget Weddings

No girl actually dreams of a "cheap" wedding, however, smart brides do love to spend their money wisely over things that really matter the most to the couple. And since you've dreamed about having a fabulous wedding forever, why shouldn't you try and save a little money as well? There's nothing to worry about, as we have everything you require for an unforgettable wedding.

Location
While discussing and deciding on wedding locations, you need to sort out one important question: will the wedding and reception be at the same venue or different places. And since we are searching for some excellent, yet memorable ideas for wedding on a budget, organizing both the events at the same venue will be a lot cheaper. Here are some suggestions for unique, affordable and stylish locations, as an alternative to the usual banquet halls.

• Look for small chapels in and around your area that also have a social hall (to keep your reception at).
• State and national parks can be an enchanting location for a wedding; all you have to do is decorate it a little bit.
• Be on the lookout of historical buildings and museums in your town.
• Call any local botanical club for a perfect outdoor garden wedding.
• If you live near water, consider the wedding venue to be a beach or lakeside.
• Check for special offers with local clubs and/or organizations.
• You can also consider an old-time barn, farm or ranch to get a country feel for your wedding.
• And if you're more of a unique, adventurous couple, why not choose an amusement park!

As you narrow down your choices for the wedding, even if it is a theme wedding, always keep the color scheme, weather forecast, to and from transportation and the couple's personalities in mind. All these elements will definitely ease the decision. Who says you can't think of outdoor summer wedding ideas on a budget?

Themes
Never mind the color schemes, the flower decorations or any other wedding decorations working with the theme. The wedding theme can easily be included in the engagement party, bridal shower, the wedding and the reception as well. All you have to do is plan as you go along and come up with theme for the wedding. Here are some wedding themes you can debate on.

• Beach or Seaside: Now I know that a beach wedding is a clichéd concept, but you can really go long ways with the theme. Ask your guests to dress in white linen, gauge, aqua blues or sea greens. You can decorate with seashells and beautiful flowers. Have a natural and light wedding celebration.
• Mid-summer: An informal picnic sort of arrangements in the garden will bring a fresh and 'summer' feel to your wedding. It's a great money saver theme.
• White Winter: Yes, all white! Decorate with white wedding flowers, silver bows, rhinestone jewelry, floating candles and inexpensive tiny white lights. You can serve hot chocolate, specialty coffee and hot cider at the wedding.
• Salute your heritage: Are you Indian, Irish, Oriental? Incorporate your heritage as the main essence of the wedding. You can ask your family members to help you make it as authentic as possible.

The wedding theme choices can go on and on. Just remember, you need to find some sort of inspiration from your surroundings and bring it all together. Add or take out as many details as you like and see if it can fit your budget.

Souvenirs
Souvenirs and keepsakes can also make a small, yet important entry while planning a wedding on a small budget. Most newlyweds love to save their wedding keepsakes/souvenirs forever. You too can cherish this day and the memories for years to come. There are so many wedding souvenirs that can be saved in a scrapbook, album or picture frames, such as postcards, matchbook covers, restaurant menus and photos. In order to get you started on saving wedding souvenirs as early as possible, here are some great examples.

• Magazine clippings you use as references and research.
• Print both the bride and groom's vows, laminate it and either frame it or keep it in a scrapbook.
• Remember to save 2 wedding invitations for yourself. One, you can frame, and the other, you can keep in the scrapbook.
• Ask your maid-of-honor to save flower petals and/or buds from the wedding. You can press them for later.
• Save all the paper items used at your wedding, reception, and honeymoon - napkins, menus, brochures, and hotel information.
• Take as many pictures as you can with disposable cameras for candid memories. This is another great way to stay on budget.

Enjoying your wedding is also an important aspect of getting married. So try to ask for help from friends and family with the wedding preparations, so that you too can have some relaxing time.

Transportation Ideas
There are certain things which can't be overlooked, and one of them is your wedding transportation requirements. Besides the classic stretch limousine, there are other means of transport that can fit your overall budget. Which is why, consider these modes of transportation for your wedding.

• Try something cheaper than limousines - town cars.
• Visit an old limousine or antique cars store for vintage cars.
• You can also rent 60s or 70s retro cars, Lincolns or Cadillac within your wedding budget.
• Hire a party bus for large groups and fit your in-town and out of town guests perfectly.
• The perfect bargain, decorate your or a friend's car for your transportation needs.
• Check local listings for horse carriages and buggies for a romantic alternative.

If you're going to hire any vehicle, make sure to visit more than one place for rates. Always check the condition of the car before you select it. See if you can get a wedding discount. Go over the cancellation policy and check for references on potential transportation companies. To save money and avoid headaches, ask your friends and family to finalize the details of the wedding transportation.

As you make all the arrangements, prepare a wedding checklist and timeline. Go over the ideas mentioned in the article above and don't forget to keep yourself present in the entire wedding. The couple's individuality and your creativity is what will show in the end. Just be on the lookout for any kind of inspiration and let the chips fall in place. Think fun, be imaginative and take the worries out of your perfect wedding.