‘Marriages are made in Heaven’ by god, but they definitely are planned and executed on earth by man itself. All of us have a lot of charm and excitement related to the kind of wedding ceremony we would want for ourselves, however, with increasing costs and hectic schedules of people involved, these celebrations are now planned keeping in mind the cost factor as well as the convenience and availability of guests, along with the bride and the groom. Taking into consideration these inevitable factors, beach weddings, are thus, being organized to suit all pockets, as there is a lot of possibility to cut down on unnecessary costs involved in arranging those extra, unwanted rituals and activities which are an indispensable part of a traditional wedding. Here are some of the best tips to plan an affordable beach wedding for you.
1. Choosing the location
While choosing the location for your ‘D-day’, make sure that the beach that you opt for is at a drivable distance for you. This can save a lot of your extra overhead expenses. Beaches are generally breezy, so pick out a covered area protected from winds and be mindful of the tides as well. You can also rent an outdoor canopy to protect the reception from rain showers and uninvited sea-gulls.
2. Deciding the number of guests
Develop a list of people whom you want as your invitees. If the number is small you might not require a special permit, however, you should check with the local authorities to avoid future confusions. If, however, the list is long, make sure to block rooms at the hotel for your friends and family to pay. This will help you be sure of how many people would definitely be making it for the ceremony, and would also assist the guests to be on the scheduled time for the wedding.
3. Invitation cards and decoration
Getting invitation cards printed can be an expensive affair, instead purchase blank wedding invitations from a local hobby store and embellish them with love poems or scriptures. Also, for the venue, use simple decorations for the number of tables required. The canopy can be ornamented with tulle twinkling mini lights and silk flowers and hurricane candles can be used for lighting purposes. This way you can save tons of money and make your wedding a cost-effective one.
4. Finding a wedding officiate to carry out the rituals
Find a local officiate near the beach of your choice to perform your wedding ceremony with pomp and show. Generally, these people specialize in beach weddings and can be of great help to you in providing you with some useful tips to save on money. They even have contacts with organizers who do up the entire wedding on contract basis at affordable rates.
5. Comfort and safety of guests should be of prime importance
In lieu of making your wedding easy on your pocket, do not forget about your guests safety and security. Seating arrangements for elderly people should be done meticulously and arrangements for walkways and platforms should be made for guests who may have problems in walking on sand due to some ailment. Also, sunscreens and mosquito repellents should be made available as you cannot play with your guests’ comfort.
6. Wedding planners
Many companies plan and organize weddings according to the budget specifications of the parties involved. They provide all-inclusive packages at extremely affordable rates, making your wedding hassle-free and saving your time as well as money with best possible arrangements. But to avail this, you have to be prompt and quick in making bookings for the same as these packages are a lot in demand, so make sure to reserve your wedding date and venue at least 6 months in advance to avoid running out of them.
7. Saving on reception and honeymoon
You can spare a lot of your buck if you act smart and plan a sunset ceremony, followed by a simple, yet, elegant wine and cheese reception. Also, post reception, once all your guests have departed, you can have a fabulous honeymoon at the same exotic venue, thus saving drastically by combining two affairs into one.
8. Wedding dress
A wedding dress is a one-time usage outfit, so, be logical and do not get carried away to spend through your nose for this. Set out to a departmental store of your preference and buy a wedding dress that is on clearance. The extras should also be kept in mind, like undergarments, wedding comb, stockings, shoes and a detachable veil, keeping in mind the windy conditions near a beach.
9. Saving on photography
You can get away from spending tonnes on those professional photographers by requesting all your friends to carry their digital cameras. This can prove to be a great idea in cutting down on your photography expenses, yet getting memorable pictures for a lifetime in a most inexpensive way.
10. Gifts for your guests
Do not forget to make arrangements to give gifts to your guests who have taken out their precious time to share your special day with you. However, these gifts should not necessarily be expensive, they are just like a token to thank them and memories that they can cherish in the form of small souvenirs like personalized sand-dollars, seashell candles or Hawaiian Silk Leis.
A wedding is a lifetime experience for any couple about to tie the knot, so go about and make it the most memorable affair of your life at the best convenient rates possible.