Getting married is a unique experience in the life of a person. It isn’t always a once-in-a-lifetime thing, as some couples choose to renew their bonds or others accidentally grow apart. But it remains a meaningful moment that you want to share with the people you love. It is fair to say that weddings one century ago didn’t look like they do today. Indeed, the media representation of weddings has dramatically transformed our expectations and dreams. The little girl who dreams of her wedding day is probably inspired by her favorite romantic movies; princess dress, horses and a carriage, a fancy castle in the background, and a cake tall enough to contain an entire house. There is no denying that our interpretation of a wedding party has changed a lot since imaginative scenarists have injected a little Hollywood magic to the ceremony.
As a result, most people feel uncomfortable at the idea of planning a small wedding. When years of media exposure has wired your mind into aspiring to make a statement for your big day, it can be tricky to align the dream with the reality of budgeting. Dreaming big is one thing, but affording it without breaking the bank is an entirely different kettle of fish. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t match the big and romantic gestures of Hollywood. On the contrary, your statement wedding is still on. All you need is to find out the budget-friendly alternative that works for you.
It all starts with the ring
In reality, your statement wedding begins long before the big day. For many, the choice of engagement rings is the first step of many. It is important to note that the ring continues to be one of the most significant dilemmas for the partner who chooses to pop the question. The first and main thought that comes to mind is the matter of cost. How much should the ring cost in an ideal world? Many planners have suggested you should stick to a two months salary rule, but in reality, there are a lot of factors to consider. The average age to get married in the US is 28. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median earnings at 28 are $40,352 per year. If you were to follow the two months rule, you or your partner would have to scope out over $6,700 for a ring. But it’s not always possible to commit to such an amount. Unfortunately, too many couples fall in the trap of believing that the price of the ring is a statement of love and commitment. In reality, you can find a lot of elegant and sophisticated options that look every bit just as impressive as a more expensive ring, and it’s usually from the same place where you get your wedding bands, which should not also be forgotten. Have a look at the elegant women’s and men’s wedding rings Australia has and you will be surprised at how reasonable their prices can be. Making your first statement at this point is about choosing a ring that you are comfortable with for your budget.
The luxury venue without the castle budget
If you want your venue to stand out and get the seal of approval from your guests, you might be likely to pick a place that inspires luxury and indulgence such as The Ritz in London or even a palace. Ultimately, if you’ve been dreaming of a princess-like wedding all your life, it can be challenging to find a glamorous alternative that suits your budget. But, you need to be creative about it. The addition of a few statement furniture can transform any venue into a haven of luxury. You can hire a piano for the occasion, as it all brings a dramatic touch to your venue decor. The introduction of a chandelier – or even a fake chandelier hanging from the ceiling – can inject some extravagance without breaking the bank.
When it’s all about the wedding cake
Wedding cakes are the moment exciting moments at your wedding party. You’ll hear the enthusiastic “oh” and “ah” from your guests as the catering team brings the cake. The ideal cake, as we know if from movies and stylish Instagram shots, is a tall, tiered creation with an intricate design. Gum-paste flowers embrace its side in a tight and sweet hug. On the top, a small couple representing you and your partner faces the crowd. It’s the perfect Instagram-worthy cake. But if you want to share and enjoy the cake with your guests, you should make sure to stay away from social media inspiration. Indeed, you might be guilty of thinking too big. Your cake is not an Instagram contest; it is designed to be eaten. It should be easy to cut, manageable, and, above all, delicious. The more fondant, intricate decors and details you add, the less likely it’s going to taste like cake. The best wedding cakes are often the most simple designs.
You’ve spent how much on a dress?!
Did you know that the bridal gown can become one of the most significant costs of your wedding preps? Most brides budget for an expensive dress. But, if you can’t afford to buy a designer’s statement gown, you need to think outside the box to be the most beautiful bride around on a budget. First of all, if you’re not concerned about buying new, you can find exquisite preloved dresses on specialist websites. Alternative, retail wedding lines offer a range of styles at budget-friendly prices.
How many people do you want on your big day?
Last, but not least, many couples fall for the trap of inviting too many guests. There is no ideal number of guests; it depends on what you expect from your wedding. If you want an intimate ceremony where you can spend time with each guest, a small wedding party with a maximum of 50 people is the best solution. There is no point to go big for the sake of it. Small weddings are romantic and personal. With a large wedding, you are not only looking at increased costs but also stress, as 200 guests are more tricky to manage than 50!
Making a statement at your wedding is not a matter of how much you can spend. It’s all about figuring out what you are comfortable with, both in terms of budget and planning. Sometimes, small and simple solutions are better suited; they alleviate financing and planning stress and let you make the most of your big day. Ultimately, the best statement wedding you can have is the one that keeps you smiling.
