Budget Wedding Tips for a Memorable Event

Entry #3335, March 12, 2014

Planning a wedding can get overwhelming. After all, there are so many decisions to be made. However, the pressure is even more intense if you two are working under a tight budget. But don’t despair – with a little forethought and planning, it’s completely possible to throw a top-notch affair with out breaking the bank. Use these  wedding budget tips to help keep your finances on track.

 Budget Wedding Tips for a Memorable Event

wedding shower ideas

Image Via: It’s a Bride’s Life

Prioritize Costs:

When you sit down to start planning your wedding, it can be surprising how many small details go into putting together a wedding celebration – save the date cards, decorations for the venue, favors for the guests, transpiration. Combined, all of these expenses can add up to cost a pretty penny, but there’s no rule that says every wedding has to have them all. Sit down with your partner and make a list of the potential costs or find a pre-made list online. Then, sit down together and decide which areas are most important for you to spend on, whether it’s the perfect venue or an open bar for the reception. That way, as you start planning, you’ll be on the same page on when to splurge on big-ticket items and when to look for a steal.

Sign Up for Savings:

Nowadays, it seems like every store offers the chance to sign up for their online newsletter. However, once you sign up, those emails get ignored or lodged into the dark, dusty corners of your spam folder, which is unfortunate because those newsletters often offer secret savings through coupon codes. If you’re planning a wedding on a budget and have your heart set on specific items, sign up for the store’s mailing list. Then, pay attention to when sales come up. To keep your inbox from getting too crowded, consider dedicating a different email address to wedding-related messages.

Wedding ideas can be more affordable than you think

Image via: One Fab Day

Call in Connections:

One of the easiest ways to save money on a wedding is to call in favors from family and friends. Your mom’s friend who’s been cutting your hair since you were four? She’d be happy to do your hair and makeup as a wedding present. Your cousin who just graduated from art school? He’ll jump at the chance to take your wedding photos and add them to his portfolio. Don’t just use your network either. Be open about the fact that your working under a tight budget and don’t be afraid to tell your family and friends what you’re looking you. You never know who has a friend of a friend who will be able to offer you services for a steal.

If you have connections ask them for wedding favor discounts

Image via: Style Me Pretty

Be Flexible for a Deal:

If you two have your hearts set on a particular item that’s out of your price range, see if you can get it at a discount by thinking a bit outside the box. If it’s a venue that you’re after, keep in mind that Saturday night is the most popular night to hold a wedding, so prices will be at a premium. However, the venue may be willing to cut you a deal if you rent the space out on a Sunday afternoon. Consider an off-season ceremony. Alternatively, see if they offer an all-in-one price to use the same area for the ceremony and reception. If a the designer dress that you’re after, consider buying a sample gown off the floor or looking online for a gown on sale from a few seasons ago. Whatever the item, don’t hesitate to ask the retailer about the ways in which they offer discounts.

Embrace DIY

Image Via: Pinerly 

Embrace DIY:

A large portion of the money spent on weddings goes toward labor costs. If you are not afraid of hard work, you can save by doing the some things on your own. Printers charge to assemble invitations, but you can cut down on costs by putting together the envelopes at home. Opt for centerpieces and wedding favors that can be put together far ahead of time. You could even invite family and friends over for an assembly party to help you get the work done fast. Just make sure to stick to a schedule, so that everything gets done with plenty of time to spare.

A small budget should not keep you from having the wedding that you’ve always dreamed about. If you plan ahead and make the most of your funds, it’s entirely possible to have an amazing affair. Use these budget wedding tips to help you get started. But, if you have a hot tip, feel free to share it in the comments. At Stagetecture, we love to hear what you have to say.

For more wedding budget tips on Stagetecture, click here.