The average cost of a wedding is $28,000. Weddings, and everything associated with weddings, are expensive!
Even pre-wedding activities can cost a pretty penny. Many people get sticker shock between the bachelor(ette) parties, showers, and other important steps in the wedding process.
Not everything has to be so expensive, however. The bridal shower, for example, can be budget-friendly.
We’re here to talk about how you can plan a bridal shower without breaking the bank. Read on to learn more.
Write Down an Actual Budget
Even if you know you’re on a budget, having that in your head is not helpful. You need to write down your budget (either on paper or digitally) so you can keep track of your spending and what you need.
Start with a firm number that’s the maximum you’re willing to spend.
Then, make a list of everything that you know you’re going to need. Some of these things can be free or cheap, but writing them down is still helpful. This also stops you from forgetting anything!
You’re going to need the following:
- A venue
- Food
- Drinks
- Entertainment of some kind
- Decorations of some kind
Depending on your specific bride and her personality, there may also be other necessities.
Once you write down your budget and your needs, start dividing up money. Give yourself a set amount you’re willing to spend per section. You will likely end up spending less than you think on certain things, and in that case, you’ll be able to shift around your budget if necessary.
Ask People to Chip In
Typically speaking, the maid of honor takes care of the bridal shower, but you can also split responsibilities with the rest of the bridal party.
If you decide to split up the responsibilities and costs, you’ll be able to save a lot of money. People in the bridal party may end up only spending a few dollars each on what turns out to be a fantastic party.
Never feel too nervous to ask other people to chip in. It’s helpful to set a low minimum amount so everyone will be able to contribute regardless of their budget.
If someone can’t contribute financially, they may be able to help with decorations or planning entertainment. This way, it’s fair for everyone, and that person can still be part of the fun.
Keep the Guest List Small
While the bridal party will chip in, it’s not customary for guests to chip in if they’re not part of the bridal party. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t invite them, but it does mean that you should limit the guest list to some extent.
Keep it to close friends and family members. Request that people don’t bring friends with them.
You should also request that people RSVP ahead of time so you don’t end up overspending on food for people who won’t attend anyway.
The guests will likely be bringing gifts for the bride, so you don’t want to limit the list too much, but keep it reasonable. Always get the bride’s opinion on the list before you send out invitations.
Host at Home
If possible, plan to host the bridal party either at your home or at another bridal party member’s home. Ideally, someone has a nice enough indoor or outdoor space for a fantastic party.
Venues are often the largest expense of any type of party, so this will save you a lot of money.
DIY As Much As Possible
DIY is a lot of fun, but it takes a certain amount of preparation. DIY as much as possible for your party.
Start with decorations. Yes, you can get a bunch of expensive (and often risque) decorations from stores, but these cost money, and, likely, you’ll only use them once.
Instead, get the bridal party together to make your own decorations. You can make your own streamers, posters,flower arrangements, and more for a fraction of the price of store-bought ones. You also get the opportunity to customize them.
You can also DIY your entertainment. Focus on fun bridal shower games that don’t require many materials to start with. Everyone will have fun, and you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg to keep people happy.
Keep the Menu Simple
A simple menu is a good choice for a bridal shower. Most people won’t be as focused on the food as they are on the activities and the bride herself.
Instead of preparing a meal, just serve snacks. Prepare some finger food yourself or buy it from a professional (because it will still be more affordable than an entire meal).
Stick with wine and a signature cocktail instead of a bar.
Or: Consider a Potluck
If you want more food for the guests, consider asking everyone to bring their favorite food. This way, you can have a diverse menu that includes at least one thing every person can eat, even if they have dietary restrictions.
Most people will be happy to bring some kind of snack to share as long as they’re given enough time to prepare it. Ask them when you send out invitations.
If they can’t prepare a snack, they can bring a drink.
It’s Time to Plan a Bridal Shower
Planning a bridal shower on a budget doesn’t have to be hard! Save the big spending for the bachelorette party and the wedding gifts. The bridal shower can be sweet and simple!
Remember, the goal is to provide a great experience for the bride. You don’t have to break the bank to do that.
Are you looking for more wedding tips and advice? Check out the rest of the site!Start hereto learn how to plan an entire wedding on a budget.
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