6 ways to say ‘I do’ in a chic but budget-friendly way

The size of weddings is being scaled back, which is a great help to your budget. (Rawpixel pic)

Getting married is not cheap. In a report by the Asean Post called Rising wedding costs in Southeast Asia, it was revealed that the average cost for a wedding in Malaysia last year was RM50,000 to RM200,000, not including the honeymoon and setting up house.

Covid-19 has caused a major shift in how events are organised, including weddings.

It is an opportunity to have a simpler and more budget-friendly wedding, leaving more money for the couple to start their new life together.

Here are six ways to plan a budget-friendly wedding.

1. Reduce the in-person guest list

The size of the guest list significantly influences the cost of the wedding.

For every 10 guests, a table is needed with decorations, wedding favours, food and of course, invitations to be sent.

The ban on large gatherings is a great opportunity to trim the guest list. Those left out would understand given the circumstances.

Or, host a virtual wedding online with guests participating through a livestream on a video conferencing app or social media.

This would be a money-saving option for both the couple and their guests, especially those from outstation and overseas.

In this way, the in-person guest list can be reduced and dear friends and relatives can still witness the special moment.

2. Choose less expensive food and beverage

Malaysian weddings usually involve food. A traditional sit-down meal or a buffet can be expensive and lead to food wastage.

Compromise with a high-tea or breakfast reception, which are quicker and less formal than lunch or dinner.

Another option is to prepare pre-packed meals for guests to take home. It might be a break from tradition but, under the circumstances, guests might even say thank you for doing it this way.

Prepacked meals can help trim the budget as no tables and chairs or as many wait staff will be necessary. Prepacked meals can also help reduce food wastage.

E-cards save money as there is no printing and postage costs and it saves on natural resources too. (Rawpixel pic)

3. Use virtual invitations

With people trying to avoid too many outside contacts, virtual invitations are an option instead of handing out wedding cards. And e-cards save money.

There are no printing costs and no travel costs for families who traditionally hand over the invitations personally. Add the personal touch by sending out a virtual invitation personally to each guest.

Not only are virtual invitations budget-friendly, they are a good green option for those concerned with sustainability.

And by using e-cards and virtual RSVP, couples can better track how many guests are coming for more effective budgeting.

4. Choose a smaller venue

With fewer people attending the wedding, a smaller and possibly cheaper venue can be used.

Do look for one that is all inclusive and provides enough seating, lighting and space.

Consider the best location to set up a camera for livestreaming. Or, if there is enough space, the couple’s family could host the wedding at home.

With fewer guests the wedding can be held at a smaller, or alternative venue. (Rawpixel pic)

5. Consider cheaper options for wedding dress and suit

A wedding dress can be expensive, especially from a big-name designer. But there are options:

• Rent a wedding outfit. One can still get a designer dress, but cheaper. And there is no problem deciding what to do with the outfit after the wedding is over.
• Buy a less expensive outfit six to 12 months in advance and get it altered. Consult an affordable tailor for inexpensive materials that provide a classy finishing touch.
• Buy a second-hand dress. With online platforms such as Carousell and Mudah, there is plenty of choice.

Consider having just one set of outfits. For a different look, make partial changes, for example, switch a tie to a bow tie for him and change the colour scheme of the accessories for her.

6. Simpler wedding favours

In Malaysia, especially in the Malay community, wedding guests never leave empty-handed.

They are given a wedding favour as a thank you from the bride and groom. The cost of these small gifts can add up.

Choose inexpensive items – a small wooden spoon costs only RM2 to RM3 per piece, or a small cup with nice engraving. Anything that can reduce cost and yet bring benefit to the guests.

To kill two birds with one stone – a nice wedding favour and reducing food wastage – pack leftover food in pretty containers for the guests to take home.

This article first appeared in MyPF. Follow MyPF to simplify and grow your personal finances on Facebook and Instagram.

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