by Nziga Mukakinani

Created on: February 22, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

It is easy to have a low budget wedding if you have a big family, many friends, or belong to a church or community group that are willing to help.
Talk to them like six month before and see who can help with what. Many people have different gifts and knowledge. You will be amazed of how when it comes to a wedding everyone wants to help. People like to be thanked and praised especially in public.

0. A comity made of friends and relatives in charge of organizing the wedding will be free and bring in more input than a wedding planner.
1. Rather than paying for church and reception halls, hire a town or community hall in which both events can be held in, they come cheap than hotels or even restaurants. Make sure they have free parking as it is always a headache for guest to spend more time looking for parking spaces.
2. Many priests won't mind bless the wedding in the hall, just tell them in advance.
3. See if one of the relation can decorate the hall for you.
4. Buy the material for decoration yourself, they come cheap if you buy them in shops near a market.
5. Flowers can be bought and arranged at home, it's less expensive than calling on a florist. A few ribbons around them will make them look a million dollars.
6. Rolls of table clothe and paper napkins are best deals and can be used on any occasion. Two colors will make the place look special.
7. Balloons can be also bought to match the table clothes and they give a party atmosphere.
8. Decorate mainly the high table it will detract the attention from the remaining of the hall and the buffet table is usually well decorated by the caterer and it will be on the other side and will balance the whole thing.
9. You don't need very expensive invitation cards, take time to shop around you will surely find nice ones on sale.
10. A "Buffet" is varied and less expensive then "Menu a la Carte".
11. Ask everyone for a catering service whose chef is renowned for his tasty food. Once you get to talk to him, you will discuss the menu and often he will offer you deal.
12. Buy drinks from whole sale companies, it's the best option for cost cut.
13. for your wedding gowns and suits, it is best to buy them when the sale is on, even if it means to buy those months earlier.
14. Avoid spending on maids of honor, a flower girl and a page boy are less costly.
15. Don't hire an expensive limousine but see if you can hire a nice regular car which you will be able to keep for the whole night or even the week-end.
16. Camera man and photographer hired from the same company will charge less.
17. Speeches can be typed ahead of time in case one speaker fail to attend someone else can easily be found, and don't forget to thank each person who helped.
18. Take time one month before the wedding to put together your favorite music, if you can get a friend to play the music, often the halls have their own music players. If you ask like three months before, they might let you use them for 10% of the hiring price.
19. For the wedding gifts, to avoid receiving the same gifts, choose a store in which the whole house items can be found. Divide your list in Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom, this will help you everything you need. Especially for a young couple.
20. Above all look for a nice scenery around the wedding venue, such as a nice garden, water feature, open spaces, it adds to good feel of the whole thing.

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