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Is it beginning to seem stressful planning your upcoming wedding on a smaller budget? Are expenses adding up fast and you are in need of ideas in order to cut some costs? A common frustration for some couples when wedding planning is staying within the particular budget they have decided upon.
Here is a list of over ten ways you can save money while still having the wedding you dream of! We have all heard the same ideas such as eloping instead….but there are other options if you still want to give a traditional wedding a try. The frugal way.
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1. Do not get overwhelmed just yet!
...Although eloping may end up sounding fantastic at times. If you are not hiring a wedding planner due to cost; why not schedule consultations with event planning professionals that offer complimentary consultations and day-of coordination rates instead. It may work with your budget more where you can afford that type of service instead of no help at all.
Do you have a cousin whose a musician? Is your nephew in a high school band? They may love the experience of performing at your reception.
In the beginning of your wedding planning stages I suggest you start pinning wedding inspiration to an idea board and order a planner to take with you to wedding consultations and vendor meetings throughout your planning journey.
2. Have you thought about online wedding invitations? Better yet; You can opt to skip save-the-date cards and only send out invitations to guests. A couple of websites some engaged couples use for ordering and creating invitations are Vistaprint and Zazzle.
Online wedding invitations
3. Before you purchase your dream wedding dress; search to see if you find the same or similar dress on StillWhite. StillWhite has gently-used wedding gowns which can save you tons of money if your wedding budget is tight.
The way I look at it; bridal gowns are probably tried on plenty of times before they are finally sold…so technically they are all gently used…kind of. I love a great bargain on fashion so this website that allows brides to buy and sell wedding gowns is probably my favorite resource to share with brides these days.
Find bridesmaids dresses under $100
4. When it comes to alternations; that can take months if businesses are busy. To avoid rush fees and eliminate stress weeks leading up to your big day; try not to procrastinate too much with your alterations.
Be careful not to be overcharged by inexperienced large franchises. I have learned working in the bridal industry that some large bridal shop franchises have their new sales associates doing tailoring work and charging brides tons of money on simple fixes. Before getting their quote; go ahead and chat with other alteration shops that usually are more experienced and cheaper. You may end up even getting better service working with a smaller business.
5. This is a perfect excuse to go to a bridal fair or two in your area if they are inexpensive or free to attend. Oftentimes the wedding vendors offer the bridal fair attendees deals on services such as alternations and honeymoon vacation inspiration.
6. Find alternatives to pricey and fancy wedding venues. With the right décor; you can turn some plain spaces into a beautiful wedding ceremony, reception, or party spot for bridal showers. I have seen some museums or wedding venues that are so gorgeous they do not need additional décor.
D.I. Y. Flower Combos
Maybe you have a relative with a huge backyard? Are there community centers in your area or gardens that rent space? The community centers, public gardens, and small event centers in my area are far cheaper than the fancier event venues. Maybe rent an air b&b versus a hotel for out-of-town guests or for getting ready for the wedding. This may save you money but it never hurts to compare costs.
Consider renting pools for wedding showers, bridal showers and celebrations of the sort if using your own home or apartment clubhouse is not an option. Make it a pot-luck style poolside get-together instead of renting expensive hotel meeting rooms or space from large venues. You may have friends who do not mind lending you their living room for your festivities leading up to your big day.
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7.Do not book the first photographer you see...talk to a few first! Search for their reviews and see if their portfolio style is what you like. I have also heard of some photographers offering a complimentary engagement or boudoir session with some of their wedding packages.
Sometimes you can find special deals online. There are companies such as Flytographer, Photosesh and Shoott. If you use Shoott for any photo sessions such as an engagement shoot; use promo code: AF3B88C4 for a special offer.
8.Having a wedding earlier in the day around breakfast or lunch may be cheaper than having dinner and entertaining guests late into the evening. Not having a Saturday wedding can offset costs are certain venues. Especially if you opt for a wedding that is off-season. When couples have weddings around dinner time; there are usually more costs such as the menu rates, cocktails, a DJ and so on.
9.Limit your guest list to close friends and family. I suggest only inviting people you actually have talked to this year. This does not mean you do not love or care about these people; it just helps to save money and only share your special day with those closest to you currently. It does sound harsh to some but imagine pay $30 a plate for tons of people you do not even speak to much. This happens far too often to couples already in debt planning a wedding.
Countless brides have regrets about even their wedding party they selected years after they get married; so do not feel bad if you want a smaller guest list. The wedding is for your future spouse and yourself. Not others...so do not feel bad if you cannot invite Susie from elementary school. Many couples have plenty of money but choose to share this very special moment with only those that are super close to them such as their parents, children, and a select few relatives who support them unconditionally.
I always said I could have a luxurious wedding if I only invited about ten people. It would actually be better for me since our menus could be better and I can tend to each guest better throughout the day of the wedding. It would be so overwhelming with hundreds of guests and my wanting to please everyone. You simply can't!
Why not just tell everyone you would love to have them over for a housewarming party in the future but right now you and your future spouse will be having an intimate gathering to recite your vows but are not having a large wedding. Who's to say you will not have a large vow renewal one day instead? You also do not have to explain anything to anyone.
10.Do not forget to find out what you can do yourself craft-wise and compare pricing on veils, centerpieces, florals, table cloths, linens, bouquets, vases, table runners, lighting and even flower girl dresses on Amazon. Maybe only have your bouquet as the real flowers and use silk for the bridesmaid. Perhaps do your own DIY crafts for the reception and centerpieces. You can order quite a bit of party and wedding décor from Dollar stores in bulk. You can re-sell them to a bride-to-be once you are done using these crafts perhaps or on etsy.com, ebay and so on.
Party Rentals such as backdrops, chair covers, up-lighting and more
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11.Skip programs and wedding favors. A lot of wedding guests just end up leaving them behind for more clean-up after the event. Use that money to go towards the honeymoon or the purchase of new furniture when you move in together.
12. Places such as Sam's or Costco can save you money when purchasing jewelry since there will not be a sales person there to hassle you to add more items to your total.
13. Make extra money for your wedding by doing side gigs such as instacart, lyft, pet-sitting, baby-sitting, rent your pool or housekeeping. This can help you with off-setting wedding costs if you can bring in some additional income while planning your wedding.
These are nice for temporary side work and there is no-long term commitment if you want to just do it for a few months or while you are engaged. Even a few extra hundred bucks may allow you the ability to afford something special for yourself or the person you are marrying.
The extra money can go towards your savings, wedding planning, honey moon or when you all purchase a new home together one day.
14. Not sure you can afford a bachelorette party or honeymoon get-a-way? Why not rent a day-pass to a nearby resort or hotel instead or a beautiful private pool? It is far better than staying at home I would imagine!
Some couples never get around to a honeymoon due to lack of funds but you can ask your guests to contribute to a honeymoon fund versus gifts like baking dishes. I have seen it worded on invites that the couple would ask you donate to their honeymoon fund versus gifts. It is pretty common these days and I like the honesty! Of course I would be thankful for whatever gift someone gives me since it is really the thought that counts.
15. Sometimes opting for flowers that are not out of season or flowers such as baby's breath or plain greenery can be cheaper options.
Find bridesmaids dresses under $100
Find gorgeous dresses for your flower girl by clicking here
Ever considered re-selling items on eBay? You can start by cleaning out your own closets and home. Sell shoes, clothing, handbags, books, children's items, and home goods such as coffee mugs if you choose! Learn more information here.
Happy Wedding Planning!
