Set a Budget and Stick To It

Before you start making any decisions, it's important to set a budget and try to stick to it as closely as possible. Make a list of all the expenses you can think of, from the venue and catering to the photographer and favours, and assign a dollar amount to each. This will help you see where you can make cuts or negotiate prices if needed. Don't forget to include unexpected costs like gratuities and taxes, and leave some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected expenses that may come up.

 

Prioritise Your Expenses

Once you have a rough idea of your budget, it's important to prioritise your expenses. Figure out what is most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. For example, if photography is a top priority, you may want to allocate a larger portion of your budget to hire a professional photographer. On the other hand, if you're not too concerned about flowers, you may want to cut back on this expense.

 

Combine Your Events

Weddings come with many different events, from the bridal shower to the Mehndi, the Nikah/katb Al kitab and Walima. With each event comes more costs. Consider combining the Nikah and Walima and splitting the costs between both families. Although not traditionally done, this can significantly cut your costs, allowing you to spend more on other things or save the rest for a honeymoon.

 

Choose a Cost-Effective Venue

The venue can be one of the biggest expenses in a wedding, so choosing a cost-effective location can make a big difference in your budget. Consider alternative options like a park, community centre or Mosque, which may be more affordable than a traditional wedding hall. You might also want to consider having the ceremony and reception at the same location to save on transportation costs.

 

Be Strategic With Your Guest List

When it comes to your guest list, think about who is most important to you and your partner and prioritise inviting them. You might also want to consider inviting fewer out-of-town guests, as their travel and accommodation costs can add up quickly. If you do have a lot of out-of-town guests, consider offering them a list of affordable hotel options or setting up a group rate at a nearby hotel. This can cause WW3 to break out in your family so please do this at your own discretion.

DIY Decorations and Favours

Instead hiring a professional for wedding decorations and purchasing pre-made favours, consider making your own. There are plenty of DIY tutorials and ideas online for creating your own centrepieces, place cards, and other wedding details. Not only will this save you money, but it will also add a personal touch to your wedding. You can also consider repurposing items you already have or borrowing decorations from friends or family to save on costs.

 

Use Seasonal Flowers

Flowers can be a significant expense in a wedding, but choosing in-season blooms can help reduce costs. Talk to your florist about which flowers are available and most affordable during the time of your wedding. You might also want to consider using fewer flowers and incorporating other elements like candles or greenery into your arrangements to save on costs.

 

Skip The Traditional Wedding Cake

While a wedding cake is a traditional element of many weddings, it can also be a significant expense. Consider alternative dessert options like cupcakes, cookies, or a dessert bar, which can be more budget-friendly and still offer a sweet treat for your guests. You could also consider opting for a smaller wedding cake and supplementing with other desserts, or skipping the wedding cake altogether and opting for something like a fruit platter or cheese board.

 

Opt for a Less Formal Dress Code

Instead of formal attire like suits and evening gowns, consider a less formal dress code like thobes or traditional attire. This can help save money on attire for both the wedding party and guests. You might also want to consider renting formalwear instead of purchasing it.

 

Choose a Less Expensive Photographer

Photography is an important aspect of any wedding, but hiring a professional photographer can be expensive. Consider hiring a less experienced photographer or opting for a package with fewer hours of coverage to save on costs. You could also consider hiring a photographer who is just starting out in their career – they may be willing to work with a smaller budget in exchange for the experience and exposure.

 

Use Your Own Music

Hiring a "DJ" or live singer can be expensive, so consider using your own playlist. You can also ask a family member or friend who is musical to play during the ceremony. Alternatively, you could opt for a more low-key approach and use a playlist or streaming service like Spotify to provide music or nasheeds for your wedding.

 

Consider a Weekday or Off-season Wedding

Weekday and off-season weddings (such as in the winter or on a Friday or Sunday) can often be more affordable than a Saturday wedding in peak season. Venues and vendors may be more flexible with their pricing for these dates, which can help save you money. You might also want to consider having your wedding on a holiday weekend – many people have time off work and may be more likely to attend.

 

Choose a Cost-Effective Catering Option

Catering can be a significant expense in a wedding, but there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality or variety. Consider opting for a buffet-style meal instead of a sit-down dinner, or choose less expensive options like passed hors d'oeuvres or a cocktail reception. You might also want to consider using a family-owned catering company or working with local vendors who are able to offer more affordable rates.

 

Use Your Own Transportation

Instead of hiring a limo or other transportation for your wedding day, consider using your own vehicle or borrowing a car from a friend or family member. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you have a lot of people in your wedding party.

 

Shop Around For Wedding Rings

Wedding rings can be a significant expense, but shopping around and comparing prices can help you find the perfect rings at a more affordable price. Consider alternative materials like sterling silver or white gold, or look for sales or discounts. You might also want to consider purchasing your rings online – many online retailers offer competitive prices and free shipping.

 

Shop Around For Muslim Wedding Service Vendors

Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices for vendors like photographers, florists, and wedding dresses. Don't be afraid to negotiate or ask for discounts – many vendors are willing to work with couples to fit within their budget. You might also want to consider using online marketplaces or search directories like Ummazing to find and compare vendors in your area.

 

Have a Simple Honeymoon

Your honeymoon is a special time to celebrate your new marriage, but it doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive. Consider opting for a more budget-friendly destination or taking a shorter trip. You might also want to consider delaying your honeymoon until after the wedding – this can help you save money on both the wedding and the honeymoon.

Planning a budget-friendly Muslim wedding takes some creativity and planning, but it is possible to have a beautiful and meaningful wedding without breaking the bank. By setting a budget, prioritising your expenses, and being strategic with your decisions, you can have the wedding of your dreams without sacrificing quality or personalisation. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from friends and family, and remember that the most important thing is that you and your partner are married and surrounded by the people you love. If you would like to start planning your Muslim wedding or shop around for vendors in your local area, head over to our website to get started.