It's not fun. But planning a wedding means considering cost. For all the exciting and unforgettable times, there will be a few moments that you and your fiancé will have to make some tough calls. Here are ten money-saving tips for still getting the day you want without giving up what you want.
1. Timing is key. Have you thought about having your wedding during the week? Sure, weekends are easier for guests but if you have a lot of people attending from in town, it's not a bad idea to book a middle of the week wedding to save on the cost of, well...everything!
2. Do your own floral arrangements. I know it sounds like a lot of work but I was able to delegate a few jobs a couple days before my wedding. I got bulk peonies, which would normally cost a fortune, from Whole Foods! We grouped them into low, full luscioius bunches, trimmed them down to size and double baggied them with treated water and popped them into coffee cans.
Peonies are generally late May/early June flowers so I lucked out. But if you have to have them, you can buy them at a competitive price here. (Notice that they get more expensive the further away from bloom dates you get).
3. Anyone have an iPod? If you love to dance around the apartment to loud music, you'll probably not miss the live element of a band that much. If you feel like you still have to have it, see if they'll give you a better rate for having it on a week night (remember #1?) or if they'll give you an extra half hour. DJs may give you the same discounted rate too.
Image: Civic Photos
4. Email save-the-dates to people that use email, but still send them via mail to your grandparents and anyone that doesn't use the computer. That way there will be no faux pas' and you'll still save on postage!
5. Rather than multiple pieces of the invitation weighing down your envelope, consider printing everything into one lightweight booklet. Then your guests will have a keepsake (that can double as their favor) and you can include all the information in it including a map, hotel accommodations and local sights. Your guests will appreciate having it for the trip and you won't have to spend extra to have these things printed later. (I designed ours)!
6. Now you're thinking, "Isn't that going to cost a fortune to have a book designed?" Call the local art school and get in touch with the graphic design department. A student can show you their portfolio and meet with you to get the right colors and theme down. A job like this will run a wide variety of pricing depending on the student's expertise and your area but be up front about your cost and expectations. You may also have a friend that's tech savvy that can whip something up for you in Adobe Illustrator. Ask around. Support the arts!
7. If you forego taking photos after the ceremony, then you'll save on the cocktail hour and can jump right into the reception. Take your photos earlier in the day. That is, if you're OK with seeing each other before the ceremony.
Image: Austyn Elizabeth Photography
8. Rather than a huge sit-down affair, strolling buffets and appetizer teasers are all the rage. If you're worried about guests not getting full enough, make sure there's enough shrimp cocktail, braised beef and mini hamburgers to satiate the meat eaters. One bite spoons and mini take-out containers will impress the eyes as much as the belly.
Recipe: Potato Chip apps via The Kitchn
9. Cut out the candy bar. Unless you're buying by bulk and the kids are going home with pounds of gummy worms, most of it will get tossed equalling wasted dollars. Instead, pre-package sweet things in clear favor bags before customizing with colors from your wedding.
10. Last but not least, none of this matters. No one cares about the food or if they got favors or how much you spent on the centerpieces. The best weddings I've been to weren't the fanciest. They had a lot of dancing and the bride and groom looked happy. So dance and drink and enjoy. It'll be over before you know it!
