Brides on a Budget II - Dos & Don'ts

We've been considering the bride on a budget and wanted to provide our readers with a few more tips - some Dos & Don'ts - that can really help when you're in the cyclone of planning and price tags for goods and services are snapping you into a fetal position. Breathe; we've got you!

Brides should DO these, on a budget

Consider a park or outdoor wedding at a non-traditional venue.

Choose an Off-Peak Date for your Wedding Day
Brides save significantly by opting for a weekday or off-season wedding, like winter instead of summer. Winter holidays aid with time off from work, and boy are they romantic. The colors, the seasonal joy, and the opportunity to go "off script" with decor make off season a smart choice. 

Consider Non-Traditional Venues
Parks, groomed family backyards and garden, community centers, arboretums, and libraries are fantastic wedding venues. These are often more affordable than traditional wedding venues, and they show how creative and inventive you are. 

A library wedding isn't just for book lovers.

Rent or Borrow Items
Borrow decor, jewelry, and reception items like candles, wooden tables, linens and props. Rental services for these one time use items can be budget-friendly. Just read the contract carefully and keep an eye on returning times and other details.

Opt for a Smaller Cake
Display a single-tier cake for cutting and serve guests with a sheet cake from the kitchen—it’s much cheaper, but just as tasty. Brides are also opting for donut boards, cookie towers and even savory options like caramel corn in fun containers for those late night munchies you need to keep dancing.

Hire a New Photographer
Book a talented, up-and-coming photographer instead of a high-profile professional. Many offer packages at a lower price to build their portfolio. And let's face it, a great photographer with an eye will focus on exactly what you want and be willing to experiment with you. 

Limit the Bar
Offer just beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full open bar. Alternatively, consider a BYOB arrangement with a licensed bartender.

Send Digital Invitations
Use online tools like Canva or Paperless Post to design and send digital invites. They’re budget-friendly and eco-conscious. If you still want paper, you may purchase bulk card stock and work with a local printer to handle the design and printing.

Focus on Lighting
Affordable string lights, lanterns, or candles can create a magical atmosphere without expensive decor. After the holidays, home stores will put these on sale, so buy them up, set them aside and you'll thank yourself later.

Brides Should Consider Avoiding These, When ON a Budget

Feeling Obligated to Invite Everyone
We mentioned this in a prior blog, but there is no sin or shame in keeping  the guest list small and intimate to reduce costs on catering, rentals, and venue size.

Overcomplicating the Menu
A buffet or family-style meal can be more affordable than plated dinners. Stick to a simple but satisfying menu. Charcuterie is making a comeback over muliple courses, and food trucks are also a fun and cool idea. Guests enjoy the vibe and who doesn't love a low-fi meal in a fancy setting. The juxtaposition is always memorable and the food truck owner can customize a few menu options for your guests to keep costs down.

Going Overboard on Party Favors
Many guests don’t expect or keep favors. Opt for a single meaningful item or skip them altogether. A hand written thank you card can often mean way more than a beer coozie or book of matches. Often favors are completely unnecessary and discarded after the event. 

Assuming DIY is Always Cheaper
Calculate the cost of supplies and time for DIY projects. If it's more expensive or stressful, simplify or outsource. Now, dear reader, we've promoted DIY for brides on a budget in the past, but this is an important distinction. If the resources of time, materials and willingness are going to be stressed, consider buying or renting or eliminating that particular element from your day altogether. 

Forgetting Hidden Fees
Ask venues and vendors about extra costs like corkage fees, service charges, or overtime rates, and plan accordingly. If you have a friend or close acquaintance in hospitality, and you're providing bottles of wine and beer from a big box store, then perhaps ask for help if the venue will allow it.

​Don’t Book a Traditional DJ
Create a custom playlist and rent audio equipment instead of hiring a DJ or band. With platforms like Spotify, it's easier than ever to curate a list of songs that resonate with the bride and groom and get others onto the dance floor. 

Don’t Pay for a Full Floral Design
Focus flowers on high-impact areas like the bridal bouquet and ceremony arch. Use minimal greenery elsewhere. Whoever said "more is more" should check out the wedding photos of the truly chic set. They know when to stop and let elegance - simple elegance - speak for itself. 

Don’t Obsess Over Trends
Stick to timeless and personal choices rather than chasing the latest Pinterest trends, which can quickly inflate costs. "Timeless" is timeless for a reason. We've all seen those wedding albums and heard the bride say, "that was the year setting butterflies free was the thing." And then they invariably tell the story about a bunch of dead butterflies.

Don’t Stress Over Perfection
Guests won’t notice small imperfections, and your happiness will overshadow any minor hiccups. So, focus on the details and components that matter most, keep your budget and priorities front and center, and just know that your day will be magical!

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