This post comes from my friend Jon, co-owner of FocalPoint Cinematic Weddings. Jon sees a ton of weddings each year (both cheap weddings and extravagant weddings) as a Tennessee Wedding Videographer. I was excited when he agreed to share his thoughts on smart ways of keeping wedding costs down.

There is no getting around the fact that a wedding can be a big financial decision.  At the end of that glorious day, someone foots the potentially large bill.  No one wants to have a truly cheap wedding. But here are a few ideas that can help you make smart decisions about wedding costs:

1. Decide on an overall budget, then set a priority list and assign a budget for each item. There is an almost infinite amount of possibilities for the smallest to the largest details of your wedding.  Divide everything into “must haves” and “maybes”.  It’s okay to make a large list, because you might spend a little less on one item and as result free yourself up financially to afford another priority item.

2. Do-It-Yourself when possible.  Make creative centerpieces or decorative frames by visiting your local hobby and craft stores.  For our wedding, my wife’s mom was able to find half price candles and fabrics, which provides savings that can certainly add up over time!

3. Start early! Most costly decisions in life come from a place of last minute desperation.  You do not see any other option around spending the big bucks so you give in.  Wait for a sale and/or haggle.  All they can say is “no.”

4. Think used. There are so many websites for brides that include forums for brides to talk and plan. In many forums, there are typically classified sections where good deals can be found.  I know what you are thinking, “I’m not wearing a used wedding dress!”  Maybe not, but what about “used” set of vases that could save you $100?  That’s what I’m talking about peeps!

5. Look for wedding vendors on the cusp.  You don’t have to pick the vendor that has the most expensive marketing campaign, but look for vendors who don’t know how good they are yet.  Let the products themselves determine how you perceive their value!

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding soon, be sure and send them these tips using the social buttons below. For more ideas, see PT’s old post, Frugal Ideas for a Wedding.

I couldn’t pass up the chance to share one FocalPoint’s videos. Here’s just a sample of the amazing work they do:

David and Hannah :: Trailer from FocalPoint Cinematic Weddings on Vimeo.

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