Updated Tips For An Affordable Wedding
Did you know that between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day is considered engagement season? I know you have noticed all the announcements that seem to happen around this time every year! You aren’t crazy, it really is a thing! Around this time of year everything already feels special, but I think especially all the opportunities to have your family gathered around makes it the perfect time of year to pop the question.
Did you also know that I work part time as a wedding coach? What is a wedding coach you ask? Think of it as somewhere between a full-on wedding planner and being a DIY bride. The average cost of a wedding planner is between $2k - $5k. I have found that most brides don't actually need a full-on wedding planner. What they really need is just someone to tell them the pieces of the puzzle, keep their planning on schedule, and be the master of ceremonies on the day of. That is precisely what I do!
The last time I wrote about weddings I was mostly sharing what I learned from my own wedding. My wedding cost just over $3k. With the average wedding cost being $30k, I feel great pride at pulling it all off on a budget and helping other brides do the same!
Tip #1 - This is not the end of your story, this is just the beginning!
There is simply no need to break the bank on your ceremony, especially if you and your partner have big things you want to accomplish in the first few years of marriage.
Tip #2 - Think outside the box for your venue.
Venue is easily your biggest cost. It’s usually about half your budget, but it doesn’t have to be! Who do you know with a pretty backyard? Is there a local park or nature reserve you love? Even a venue at a park will be more affordable than a traditional hotel or wedding venue.
Tip #3 - Decide ahead of time where you want to save and where you want to splurge.
A wedding on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean no glamor. There are places you can save and there are places you can splurge that will make the biggest impact. I highly suggest discussing with your partner ahead of time what are some non-negotiable splurges and what are some things you can do without.
Some examples of where you can save:
Music - consider a playlist over a DJ (one bride I worked with had guests write down a song suggestion on their RSVP card).
Pictures - consider a short session with a photographer and then having guests take the rest (there are several photo apps where you can all share your snaps).
Florals - stick to just bouquets and boutonnieres
Ask your florist to save any petals or clippings from your order. I did this and ended up with a trash bag full of rose petals that I used for decor.
You can also consider DIY/faux florals. A couple crafting days with your girls before the big day and you’ve saved major money.
Look online for shops that recycle flowers! I had a bride that did this and to my surprise, it worked great. We had to clip and re-arrange a few droopy petals, but it was totally worth it!
Desserts - the days of giant tiered cakes are over. We have finally caught on that most of those cakes go uneaten. Consider something simple, small, and snackable here.
Food - I have been to weddings that were catered by Chick-fil-a, Taco Bell, and Meddy’s and they were no less delicious as the $40/plate chicken or beef weddings. What is your favorite local restaurant? Even if it’s fast-food or not considered fancy, if it’s your favorite restaurant then your wedding is the day to make it happen!
Tip #4 - Upcycle a dress (my favorite tip)!
The average cost of a wedding dress is around $2k. My wedding dress cost a whopping $0. Now hear me out because this is usually where I lose people: I wore my mom’s wedding dress. I had it altered to be a little more current and not only saved money but preserved an heirloom. I am seeing this trend take on steam and I am here for it! It also doesn’t have to be an heirloom, you can buy a cheap dress and take it to an alteration shop or a designer and you will still likely come in for less than $2k! A bride I worked with last year got the best of both worlds: she bought a new dress for the ceremony and had her mom’s dress altered for the reception. It’s THAT affordable. I am also seeing brides do things like using their mom’s dress for the rehearsal and even having it turned into a special robe for the day! The possibilities are endless.
Further Reading:
Downloads:
Please let me know if you have any wedding planning questions or want to work together!
XO - Olivia
