Wedding on a shoestring budget

By Thorn Mulli

A wedding day is probably the one single day event where many people marshal most of their resources to ensure its success.

History is rife with record-breaking expensive weddings. Take an example of the 1981 royal affair between Diana, a stunning pre-school teacher and Charles, the oldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, which cost approximately Sh9 billion when adjusted to inflation.

A great party, sadly, does not guarantee a happy marriage evidenced by the late princess Diana’s troubled union.

If unable to summon millions for the day, fret not as a minimal budget does not automatically relegate one to the poor-show wedding category. Creativity is key to turning little resources into a glamorous and memorable celebration.

Some pointers to consider that might just halve your expenses are:

Dress

Buying a custom-fitted wedding gown for the bride is a feat, but a hired one also looks as good. And for the groom, you really do not have to dress up in a dear tuxedo to cut a clean look.

A kitenge shirt laced with your personal style might suit you better. You also do not have to spend a tonne of money for your hair and make-up courtesy of a new barbershop or salon. Your regular stylist will do just as well. If you can, do your own make-up

Transport

It is not engraved on stone that you have to have an entourage of hooting vehicles for you to create a spectacle. The insane chunk of the budget put aside for transport can be reduced to near nothing by making hard but nonetheless smart choices.

For instance, opt for one trendy mode of transport for the couple as the rest of the party ride in regular vehicles. Or hire a limousine that can fit the entire wedding party, but only for a few hours rather than the entire day to save on cost. Better yet, if your venues are close by, go the healthy way while flaunting your attire. Walk.