So, you’re recently engaged (congratulations!) and it’s time to start the wedding planning process. Your budget is a little lower than you’d like and you need to put together a wallet-friendly wedding. No worries at all!
Planning a low-budget wedding can actually be really fun because it makes you think creatively, and the finished product is extra special and satisfying. Read on for our wallet-friendly wedding tips for all engaged couples. We talk about dresses, planning, venue, food and the most important aspects to keep your sights on.
Find an affordable wedding dress
There’s so much pressure around the wedding dress when it comes to being a bride. But the pressure is totally needless. You absolutely do not need to spend thousands on a wedding dress. There are so many incredible dresses out there which won’t cost you more than a couple of hundred dollars and will look just as stunning as a dress worth thousands. Check out JJ’s House for a range of absolutely breathtaking cheap wedding dresses with high qualities.
Write down your dreams and get creative
Sit down with your partner and brainstorm your dream wedding, regardless of budget. Figure out which kind of aesthetic you want, what kind of entertainment, food, drinks, venue, invitations and decorations. Once you’ve got an idea of your perfect wedding, write down each category, what you want it to be like, and how to achieve it cheaply.
For example, let’s say you want a garden wedding with hundreds of little lights dotted all over the garden. Don’t buy expensive vases or hire marked-up lights. Start to scour the thrift stores and flea markets for little vases, bowls, jars and colored glasses. Buy in bulk a whole bunch of tea lights and make your own collection of quirky, vintage-style lights to place all over your venue. It’s cheap, it’s individual and it will look amazing.
Save money with a smart venue choice
Venues are one of the most costly wedding expenses. Don’t feel the pressure to hire a fancy venue, because there are certainly other options. Have a think about your family members and very close friends. Does anyone have a large garden, farm or field? If you feel comfortable asking if you could have your wedding there, seriously consider it! You can hire a cheap marquee, get some trestle tables and chairs, find some thrift store tablecloths and set up a makeshift bar. Let the outdoor surroundings be your main decoration feature! The money you save on venue hire could go toward hiring a catering company or a few staff members to take care of the food, bar and clean-up.
Simple is best when it comes to food
Simple, well-cooked food is the best food. At a wedding, all your guests want is something tasty, easy to eat and filling enough to soak up the cocktails and wine! Think about easy options such as gourmet buns, salads and meats, with an array of condiments and sauces. Your guests can make their own hot, tasty filled rolls with chicken, ham, beef and a vegetarian option. It may seem simple and a little less sophisticated than say, a plate of salmon and greens, but it’s completely delicious, rustic and filling. If you have loved ones who are fantastic bakers, ask them if they wouldn’t mind creating a delicious sweet treat for the big day. You can set up a dessert table
filled with homemade dessert treats made by those special to you. What more could your guests ask for?
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Don’t worry about little things like table settings, lots of flowers, party favors or anything else which will suck up your budget. If those things are important to you, then find creative ways of making handmade gifts and settings, and even take a trawl through the thrift stores for funky, retro-vibe decorations. Otherwise, skip all of those details and use your money for more important things such as food, drinks and a venue if need be.
Once your guests are there, the drinks are being sipped, the food is being nibbled and the music is being grooved to, no one will be missing those other little details.
Remember: family, friends, music, love….
Always remember that it’s not the money spent on a wedding which makes it special and memorable. It’s all about gathering family and friends together to celebrate your beautiful love. As long as there’s room to dance, some great music and a warm, welcoming atmosphere then you will have the most amazing wedding ever, even if your budget is tiny!
Conclusion
As long as your wedding is planned with warmth and love, it will be perfect. Even if you have the smallest wedding budget imaginable, you can pool your resources, call on your loved ones for help, and make the most of what you’ve got. As long as there’s a place for people to gather, dance, eat, drink and talk, everyone will have a phenomenal time.
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
