Guest Post By Amy of Belles on a Budget
Dreaming of a celebrity-worthy wedding without the hefty price tag? You can have that show-stopping wedding on a budget! Here are my top five tips for planning that perfect big day without breaking the bank:
1. Be a Bargain Shopper: Shopping the sales and using coupons can help you save a pretty penny when wedding planning. Approach shopping for small details like decorations or favors and big ticket items like THE dress or even wedding rings with a bargain shopper mentality. Wait to buy items on sale if you can, jump on deals when they are available, and compare stores to make sure you are snagging the best price possible. Nothing beats that rush of scoring that perfect wedding detail for a steal!
Photo Credit: startraksphoto.com Photo Credit: Simply Bridal
Loved Kim Kardashian’s ceremony gown but not loving the estimated $25,000 cost? This wedding gown from Simply Bridal has the same silhouette and soft romantic feel at a price any bride would adore- it is currently $320 and you can use code SAVEBRIDAL15 to make it $272! How’s that for bargain shopping??
2. Prioritize: Since you may not have the budget of Reese Witherspoon or Molly Sims, you will probably have to make some decisions about where to spend those precious wedding dollars. Early in the planning process, sit down with your fiancé and decide what aspects of your wedding are the most important to both of you. This will help you determine when to splurge and when to tighten the reins on the wedding budget. Do you want, for example, stunning photos that will make you cry for years to come? Then book that popular photographer and chose a less expensive venue. Or is wowing guests with a gourmet meal at the top of the list? Go for the nice meal and cut down on the guest list.
3. Do your research: Think about how much you research big purchases like a computer or a car. Shouldn’t you be just as prepared for your wedding? Be informed when meeting with vendors. Make sure you know what is included in each vendor’s package so you can make fair comparisons when making your decision. Does Photographer A, for example, include the digital rights to your pictures while Photographer B does not? Even if Photographer A is slightly more expensive, it may be more cost effective to own the photo rights over time. Also make sure to ask potential vendors the right questions to fully understand the cost of their services. Know about typical hidden fees and discuss them with the vendor.
4. Ask for help: Help from your loved ones can be a huge money-saver! Ask your family and friends to participate in the wedding planning by contributing their talents—your grandma, for instance, could make your favorite cookies as wedding favors or your cousins could spearhead assembling centerpieces. Have a handyman in the family? Perhaps he could make you that gorgeous pergola you saw in a wedding magazine. These homemade items won’t just save you money-they will also fill your wedding with personal touches that are meaningful to you. Offer to buy supplies or ask friends and family members for these contributions to be their wedding gift to you. And make it fun! Host a party for a group task (hello bridesmaid invitation stuffing party!) or surprise your wedding helpers with dinner or a thank you gift.
5. Be creative: A little creativity will go a long way in stretching your wedding budget. Think about how you can turn home décor items, bargains you find in a store, or things you already own into wedding details. Borrow items from recent brides or family and friends when you can. Undertake a few DIY projects to create unique, homemade wedding details for cheap. Shop flea markets, yard sales, or antique stores for affordable vintage wedding details. Together, these will help you save big!
I created these Chalkboard Vases from recycled frappuccino bottles. The result? Rustic chic wedding details for just $2.50 each!
Over everything else, make sure to have fun with the wedding planning and soak in this special time. And take breaks- have date nights and just enjoy being engaged. Congratulations on your wedding!
Head over to Belles on a Budget for more budget wedding tips and wedding deals to get you started!
