Ditching the Frills for a No-Frills Wedding

If you are about to tie the knot, chances are you are caught up with budgeting your money for the perfect wedding. Nowadays, getting married has become so expensive it is not practical any longer. In China, traditions put extra pressure on men in proving that they are successful before they get married. However, rising living costs make it more difficult to do so.

Chinese netizens recently made "naked marriage" a popular term. No, it is not what you are thinking. Naked wedding means getting married without all the frills. It just means getting a marriage certificate. So, when you say a NO FRILLS wedding, what are some frills that you can be without? Here are some things we are suggesting:

Frill no. 1: The Diamond Ring

You may dance to Beyonce's Single Ladies lyrics: "If you like it, then you should put a ring on it" but you do not have to put it into reality. A diamond ring costs a fortune and you are not even married yet! Go for the inexpensive ones if you really must give her a ring. Other girls would not even look for a ring, they just are happy enough that you have taken the relationship to the next step.

Frill No. 2: The Grand Proposals

And while we are at it with the pre-wedding expenses, ditch the grand proposals that will make you spend more or less the same as the wedding itself. Proposals are supposed to be between the both of you. The more intimate, the better (and the more practical, too!)

Frill No. 3: The Cards

There are so many cards sent to guests out there and it takes cost to design, layout and print them. Examples are save-the-date cards, RSVP cards, wedding invitations, etc. Instead of sending them out, try to take advantage of social media and do your wedding invitations, special announcements, etc. on the events section. It is interactive, most of your friends are there and it is free. For those who do not have social media, pick up the phone and make a personal invite.

Frill No. 4: The Expensive Wedding Suppliers

Wedding suppliers more than you can imagine. We suggest that the couple should do the planning themselves instead of hiring a coordinator.

For your pictures and videos, you can actually be amazed at how talented and artistic your friends are if you ask. Again, take comfort in the presence of social media. Let your guests take pictures and videos and ask them for a basic hashtag so you can easily locate said pictures and photos.

Brides who also do their make-up and styling come out radiant as any bride can be.

Unleash your creativity and you will be surprised of the many things you can do without the help of expensive wedding suppliers.

Frill No. 5: The Venue

During the wedding day itself, you don't have to throw a big bash. You can ditch the DJ or the band by just creating your own playlist. For food, we suggest potluck or a breakfast buffet. A destination wedding is also a practical suggestion wherein you can tie the knot far away from home, maybe a place with significance for the both of you, with no other guests aside from very important people.

There are still a lot of creative ways to cut down frills for a no frills wedding. The most important thing is, you both love each other and you are acknowledging your partnership for as long as you both shall live, without the frills.