Budget Saving Tips

We all know weddings can be expensive! But if you get creative, there are many ways you can shrink your spending without compromising the experience both you and your guests have at your once-in-a-lifetime affair. Here are some ideas:

• Cake: Keeping up with this tradition can be a major expense but there are ways to cut back on costs. First, select a smaller cake for "the display" and use pre-cut sheet cake to serve to guests. Second, choose buttercream instead of fondant frosting. Not only is it cheaper, it tastes much better! Another option would be to just do a dessert bar, skipping the cake all-together. I’ve heard of people using cupcakes or even miniature pies along with desserts made by family and friends. This adds a personal touch to the event and a down-home feel while keeping some cash in your pockets.


• Invitations: For all you craft-bugs, there are endless options for making your own invitations, RSVPs, Save the Dates, etc. (I'll talk more about this in a future entry since my sister and I plan to take on this task for her wedding). Another way to save costs on your invitations is to use postcards for reply cards ilo a card with an envelope. Not only do you save the cost of the extra envelope, but you avoid paying extra postage (postcard stamps are cheaper!). Also, avoid square invites or mail them in rectangular envelopes since squares envelopes require additional postage.


• Photographer: One of my rules is to never skimp on photography. However, there are many talented photographers out there who may not be well known...yet. Before making your final photographer selection, check out local photography/art schools and assistant photographers to larger named professionals. You may find a perfect photograher at a great price since some of these individuals are working to put a professional portfolio together and are willing to work for less to pull it together. I would have them take a few shots of you and your fiance as well as show you photos they have taken at other events and of people to give you an idea of the quality of their work and style before hiring them however.


• When - Day of the Week or Time of the Year: Who says you have to stick with tradition? Many venues will offer deals if you hold your event on a Friday night -or- Sunday Brunch. Also, selecting off-months (i.e. October thru April) and avoiding holidays and major flower holidays (Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, etc) should result in lower rental fees.


• More Fillers, Fewer Flowers: Besides not picking to have your wedding during major flower holidays, utilize the use of pretty fillers instead of flower-rich arrangements. I have seen some beautiful arrangements done with branches or leafy greens. It also helps to select locally grown flowers that are in season.
  
• Multi-Purpose: Think about making your decorations work double-shifts. For example, bouquets carried by your bridesmaids become part of centerpieces, favors and place cards become one in the same, etc.


• Bar Saver: First of all, if you're able to find a place that allows you to supply your own alcohol, you're going to save a ton of money (venue mark-ups are huge!). Second, stick to beer and wine and add a "signature" drink instead of having a fully stocked bar.

DIY Wedding Decorations

I've always been a fan of homemade decorations for parties especially when they produce beautiful, professional-looking results. Here are some great ideas for DIY Wedding decorations...to help you save some money while making your event truly beautiful and purely customized.


Below are the sources for these ideas - and most links include how-to instructions!

1. DIY Monogram Runner - Do-It-Yourself Weddings (Another alternative to the white fabric would be to use a custom cut, natural fiber runner)
2. Mason Jar Lanterns - A Backyard Wedding Blog
3. Menu Blackboard -A Backyard Wedding Blog (Would be easy and cheap to re-create using a piece of wood painted with chalkboard paint)
4. Car Pom Poms - Martha Stewart
5. Paper Pew Wreath - Martha Stewart
6. Flowery Swizzle Sticks - Martha Stewart
7. Tissue Dahlia Pom Poms - Martha Stewart
8. Twig Centerpieces - Brides (These happen to use tall, clear vases filled with aqua-colored gel, curly willow branches, white orchids and balls of moss)
9. Wheat Grass Centerpieces - DIY Wedding
10. Photo Garland - This Young House Blog
11. Herb Name Cards - Intimate Weddings
12. Branch Candle Holders - Nuptial Nattering (These are from Pottery Barn, but you could easily make some similar ones if you have access to a saw and a drill press)
13. Luminarias - DIY Wedding
14. Clustering of Wedding Photos - Edyta Szyszlo (I like the idea of finding old frames, painting them all one color and showcasing things like your engagement pics mingled with old family wedding photos)
15. Tissue Paper Napkin Rings - Martha Stewart
16. Birds Nest Ring "Pillows" - Elizabeth Anne Designs (Even a simple, grapevine birds nest from the craft store with a few flowers and ribbon stuck to the edges would be beautiful)
    

Some Other DIY Wedding Ideas I LOVE:

• Recipe Cards: Send a blank recipe card with your invitations and ask people to bring a recipe to the wedding and use it instead of a guest book. Alternatively, you could have an open recipe box with some of your favorite recipes on it at the guest table and instruct each person to take one as a gift from the bride and groom.
• Fruit for Centerpieces: I've always liked the look of clear glass containers filled with fresh fruit ilo a traditional flower centerpiece...and guests can take the fruit home with them.
• DIY Photo Booth - Instead of renting an expensive photo booth, hang a sheet on a wall, add a custom "photo booth" sign, and leave some fun accessories (feather boas, glasses, hats, etc.) and a Polaroid camera on a table next to it. Guests can then take photos of themselves and write a message on the bottom of the Polaroid. After your wedding, you can then put the photos into a memory book ilo having a traditional guest book. This idea is great because it showcases the varied personalities of your friends and family.
• Custom Bride/Groom Chair Covers - This is a nice option for brides who don't want use chair covers (which in my opinion look cluttered/stuffy) or rent expensive Chiavari chairs (for a crazy $8-on-up per chair!). Rent white resin folding chairs for around $2.50 per chair (this is often cheaper than renting chair covers) and purchase two chair covers from your local Target, Wal-Mart, etc. (or make your own if you're good with a sewing machine). Embellish the back of the two chair covers with a monogram, silk flowers, beads, etc. and put them on the bride and groom's chairs at the reception. Savers Tip: Many stores have chair covers deeply discounted after the holidays.