Your wedding can be one of the happiest days of your life – and one of the most expensive. One of our staff recently got engaged, and he’s learning fast how costly your big day can be.
Here are some tips
• Timing is everything. You can save big by avoiding summer – and you get the bonus of more venues from which to choose. If you’re really flexible, getting married on a weekday can reap savings, as can exchanging vows in the morning, with only brunch or lunch to fund.
• Pick a venue that can hold the ceremony and the reception. Look at suburban or provincial options, rather than the inner city. Sports and racing clubs are often in great locales. Better still, have it in the garden at home.
• Check you’re comparing apples with apples in hiring a venue. Some charge fees which don’t include staff, decorations and audio equipment, while others include everything, but charge per guest. Some include GST, others don’t.
• Feeding the masses can be the most expensive part. Some venues charge over $100 per head for a buffet. Choosing your own caterers, using volunteers and buying your own booze are all good ways to tie the knot without bankrupting yourself. If you have friends who are chefs, cake decorators, florists, photographers, musicians or sound engineers, tap them for their skills!
• Keep the guest list tight – everyone who attends adds to your bill. Be ruthless!
• Don’t be snobbish. Trade Me has thousands of sellers trying to sell their wedding gear. From bridesmaids’ dresses to invitation stationery, you could easily uncover a bargain.
• The above applies to jewellery, too. Buy at sales or second-hand.
• Have a budget and prioritise spending. The low-priority items can be dropped if necessary.
• Have fun – it should only happen once.
Sue Chetwin CEO Consumer NZ
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