How Do I Plan For a Second Wedding?

Answer:

Second weddings are great in so many ways.  You are freed of the expectations and “must-dos” of the first wedding, and can finally do things your own way!  Before you even start the planning and budgeting process, take a few moments together to discuss what is important to you about this wedding.  What would make is special for you?  What do you really not care about?  Spend your money on the aspects of your wedding that matter to you most.  Your wedding should send you into marital bliss, not marital debt and bankruptcy!

When:  Consider a wedding not on Saturday, and not in June or August.  All the vendors will be more accessible, and may be less expensive.  Brunch and lunch meals generally are less expensive than dinners.

Location.  Consider a free location, such as your home, a friend’s home, a park.  Your church or synagogue will likely be less expensive than commercial venues.  Having the freedom to choose your own caterer or bring your own alcoholic beverages can be a great cost saver.  Restaurants can be good options; Chinese restaurants often are used for wedding banquets.

Catering.  Can you avoid a caterer altogether?  Your grocery store and Costco or Sam’s Club have lots of ready to serve foods for a crowd.  Plan your menu around the foods you can get at these places, and ask a friend to pick up and deliver on the wedding day.

Drinking really increases the cost of parties.  An early in the day wedding is likely to involve less drinking.  Or only offer wine and champagne!  If you’ll be serving alcohol, choosing a location that avoids licensing and bartending costs becomes much more cost-effective.

Guest list.  The more people you invite, the more expensive this will become.  Hold down the guest list!

Printing and invitations - Costco or online stationery stores are often quite a bit cheaper, and you can get the same quality in exchange for less selection. Try getting a simple printed card and adding your own creative details.

Floral:  Keep it simple!  Live plants make great centerpieces.  Local farmer's market - can even talk to the farmers ahead of time to save you flowers to pick up.  Or Costco, or the grocery store.  Do you have friends who can make bouquets and arrangements?  Have an arrangement-making party before the wedding. Work with a local florists' program such as at a technical college or high school to make your wedding a final project. Choose flowers that are grown locally and in season. 

Dress and accessories:  Buy off the rack, or at designer’s sample sales.  Borrow!  Anything you buy should be able to be used again.  Buy used.  If you insist on buying new something you won’t use again, at least resell it after the wedding.