Before reaching for the Yellow Pages and calling the first wedding planner in the book, read on to find out how you can organise a memorable wedding on a fixed budget. Wedding planners are an extra expense that you can avoid with a bit of preparation.

Get Organised
Invest in a good diary with full pages per day. This means you have plenty of space to scribble notes down as you talk to various businesses. If possible don’t try to plan your own wedding within a timeframe of less than a couple of months. However, this can be achievable as long as you were prepared to compromise on venues, celebrants, flowers, and many other things. Just make sure you have enough time to get the marriage certificate!

Hit the Web
Sign up with a website that will provide you with free planners, and email reminders of when things need to be done. Some online wedding resources also offer discount cards which you can use to get a minimum of 10% discount with members within their website’s directory.

Cast your Net Wide
Utilise skills within your networks of friends and family when in comes to the video, photos, makeup, cake, and invitations. Many people will be more than happy to help out, and flattered that you asked them. Allowing money in the budget for gifts for your helpers can seem an extra expense, however but this will be far cheaper than paying for  these services.

Ask Questions
When wedding planning in New Zealand, don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t always settle for the first quote. Find out from reception venues if you have to use their bar facilities or if you can supply the drinks. Supplying your own can halve your drink costs alone.

Also some venues will provide table decorations, while others will let you choose your own. Be careful though, as you may spend the evening before the wedding setting up tables when you really should be relaxing.

Think Outside the Square
In terms of venues – popular ones are often more expensive, and booked well in advance. Think about more unusual wedding venues for your big day. An old barn, or sheltered beach can make a wonderful setting. Also if you have your wedding in the off season, you may be able to ask for discounts on the reception or photographer (the majority of weddings in New Zealand are held between September and March).

Be Sales Smart
You can save a lot of money by buying things on sale. There are sales held throughout the year for Christmas, New Year, Easter, Queen’s Birthday, winter, summer, and basically any other celebratory reason retailers can think of. Rings, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, lingerie, table decorations, material to make invitations, and alcohol can all be purchased in advance and the savings you make can go towards something else.

Look to the Past
Borrow things, as the saying goes: “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”. Family heirlooms such as jewellery or a veil can be reused time and time again.

Online auction sites such as TradeMe are a budget hunter’s dream and offer cheaper options for many things – from dresses to shoes. Check the sellers feedback however, to avoid wedding day disasters.

Get Crafty
Make your own invitations/place names/thank you cards with stamping or a computer. This way you can design some unique wedding stationary to suit your needs.

Be Ruthless and Save
Forget keeping up with the Jones’. Do you really need four brides maids and a flower girl, just because the neighbour’s daughter did, or 150 guests including everyone from your work? One close friend or family member will offer the necessary support for you as your sole bridesmade on the big day for a budget wedding. Ask others to help with jobs a bridesmaid may do to take pressure of your chosen bridesmaid.

Planning your own wedding ensures you get exactly what you want and your ideas are not misinterpreted by wedding planner. Be true to yourself and have a wonderful day.

This article was kindly supplied by NZS.