Best Ways to Keep a Same-Sex Marriage Affordable
Best 7 Ways to Plan an Affordable Same-Sex Wedding
According to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2015, same-sex marriages are now legal in the country. This historic ruling allows couples to hold a same-sex wedding in all 50 states.
But like all other types of weddings, a same-sex wedding affair can be expensive. So, if you are wondering how to organize an affordable same sex marriage, here is our rundown of the best tips to plan a beautiful same-sex marriage ceremony under your budget.
1. Pick a Location that Meets Your Budget and Needs
Finding an appropriate location is essential to organizing a low-cost same-sex wedding. Couples can pick between two main location types: indoors and outdoors. These settings could be religious or secular, depending on your preferences. Just make sure the location can provide everything you require, such as a beautiful background for pictures or enough space to accommodate your guests.
Couples with no religious affiliation may prefer a secular or online wedding.
Ask friends, family, and relatives for recommendations. For example, someone could offer you an indoor or outdoor venue or help you negotiate a price for one.
Whether it be an exotic beach hideaway, a rustic countryside house, or your backyard for an online marriage ceremony, you and your partner should be comfortable.
2. Consider Your Guest List
There’s no need to invite everyone you’ve ever met. Make a draft of the guest list to identify the people you think are important to you and your partner. Then, start cutting down or adding people to finalize the list. Fewer guests mean fewer expenses for catering, décor, and seating arrangements.
If you must invite everyone, online weddings are an excellent opportunity to share your important day with friends and family without worrying about the logistics. Over the past few years, zoom weddings have allowed more guests to join a reception without being physically present. So naturally, that is more cost-effective than having everyone attend the reception in person since you wouldn’t have to pay as much for catering or seating.
If you want to organize a hybrid wedding, you can create two guest lists: one for guests you want to invite physically and another for guests you want to join virtually.
3. Hire LGBTQ-Friendly Vendors
Finding LGBTQ-friendly retailers may be tricky, especially if you live in a more conservative location. The good news is that most of these vendors are vocal about their community support. A quick online search can help you find local vendors who may also offer valuable discounts on catering, décor, or other services.
Once you find nearby vendors, contact them to inquire about pricing and discover which ones fit inside your budget.
4. Pick a Unique and Affordable Wedding Dress
If you don’t like the idea of a white wedding gown or a suit, you and your partner can opt for a color or a boho look. That’s a fantastic way to pick an unconventional yet affordable wedding dress.
Creating personalized looks is a norm for same-sex wedding ceremonies. For example, women can choose outfits, accessories, and makeup looks that reflect their style. On the other hand, men can style different looks by choosing different attires, from chino pants to silk bowties and matching plaid shirts.
Wearing matching colors is another way to create an ultra-styled look without spending too much. Lilac and pink are usually a winning combo for women, while black, purple, and white are popular among men.
5. Set a Timeline
A timeline for the events will guarantee that nothing goes wrong on your big day, triggering additional expenses. It will also ensure that guests arrive on time and don’t overstay, which usually adds to additional fees, depending on the venue.
6. Decorate the Venue Yourself
You found a venue that fits your needs and your budget. However, floral arrangements and décor costs may quickly escalate if you don’t find the best vendors within your budget.
Why not add a personal touch to your wedding venue? After all, a marriage ceremony is all about you and your partner. So from the type of flowers you want to pick to the color of the tablecloth, make the most of this opportunity to express your unique style.
Here are some ideas to help you:
- Pick the LGBTQ flag colors for your same-sex wedding décor theme.
- Choose runners, flowers, bouquets, and cutlery that match your theme.
- Bake your cake in pride colors. Your local LGBTQ-friendly bakers may be happy to offer you huge discounts or customized designs for a perfect celebration.
7. Hire Students for Photography or Live Music
Going for professional makeup artists, DJs, and photographers can quickly escalate the overall cost of your wedding. Don’t hesitate to hire amateurs or students, provided they have a good portfolio and testimonials from past clients.
Final Thoughts
Remember that you are the most critical part of this event. Make sure the wedding is the style you want. If you want a traditional wedding, go for it because they are great for entertaining large groups of friends and family.
However, don’t feel obligated to hold a traditional or an online wedding. Same sex marriages offer an excellent chance to experiment and be yourself. It’s a day to honor your relationship with your partner, so the focus should only be on the two of you.
If you need more help, contact us today. We will happily answer all your queries and recommend the best ideas to organize an affordable same-sex wedding ceremony.
