Photographer | Emily B Photo
To all the brides out there, it’s planning season and that means your special day is coming up! Planning season can be a mix of emotions all at once, with joy and stress coupled together. That’s why today on the blog we’ve got some tips up our sleeve to share with you on how to create a budget friendly wedding, highlighting areas of opportunity where beauty doesn’t break the bank.
SET A BUDGET
We get it, finances and planning around a budget can be hard and is not always the most fun conversation to have. Although depending how you look at it, it can be a fun challenge, almost like one big puzzle that takes a village to create your dreamy day. First order of business consists of creating and setting your budget with your fiancé, or whoever else may be involved in paying for the wedding. The amount you set will be the blueprint for every other decision when it comes to finances, so it’s important to choose whether you’re going to aim to spend around $5,000 or $20,000 on this long awaited day. When it comes to setting a budget, it will be important to factor in what you’re going to be spending money on. Things to consider might look like spending money on the venue, food, attire, florals, decorations, a wedding planner, photographer, DJ, dessert, and invitations, along with anything else personal to you! It can also be a good idea to hire a wedding planner or exercise the use of the online budget tracking websites as a resource to help! Spending money on a planner might be something to look over when working with a tight budget, although it can actually be much more helpful, as they are in charge of finding budget friendly options! After all, we want to help YOU in any way we can!
AREAS OF OPPORTUNITY
CONSIDER SEASON AND ATTIRE- Oftentimes we can get wrapped up into the beauty of the late spring to fall months for your special day as this is considered “wedding season,” although looking into a wedding in the months of January or February can be a great opportunity for potential cuts on cost, especially if you choose a Thursday or Sunday wedding, which are typically less expensive as well. When it comes to the beautiful bride’s dress, along with that of the groom and bridal party, it can also be beneficial looking at vintage or secondhand shops which might just have the aesthetic you desire!
LOOK AT GUEST LIST- The more the merrier is oftentimes true but sadly when it comes to cost of a wedding, having more guests makes the day the much more expensive. Consider who you really want there to witness the union of your husband and you!
LIMIT BAR- If you choose to have a bar at your wedding, opting for a fixed supply of alcohol can be a great option or only offering certain signature drinks can be a great alternative to the idea of an open bar.
CATERING- When it comes to feeding your guests and of course the happy couple, utilizing the opportunity for a buffet style dinner and foods that are less expensive can contribute to a lower cost, while also choosing to get a small cake for cutting as the couple, then offering those who came to celebrate with you an alternative dessert option!
HONEYMOON- The idea of going on your honeymoon right after your wedding is traditionally ideal and is amazing if that’s within your means, although don’t feel pressured or obligated if your situation doesn’t allow for it! Shoot for a different time to schedule your honeymoon and use the time in between to practice healthy spending with a steady income!
DIY DECORATIONS- A HUGE area to cut down on spending is decorations, which can honestly be a fun way and opportunity to get creative and allow your mind to go outside of its comfort zone by doing it yourself! This can look like finding a friend who has a cricut to help craft a seating chart, welcome sign, and any other printed signs. When doing it yourself, you might also consider keeping your aesthetic simpler, which is just as elegant and cost effective!
Photographer | Emily B Photo
Planning a wedding can not only be emotionally overwhelming but is sometimes financially stressful especially if a budget or plan isn’t in place to help keep you on track! The amazing thing about weddings is there are so many ways to make your day beautiful but also cost effective through the use of the tips and considerations mentioned above! Now, set that budget and let’s make beautiful on a budget happen!
