Another great guest post today that's right up my alley with how we did wedding planning! #3 is definitely depending on your personal preferences - if you want to save even more money go the punch bowl route! 😉
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Your wedding should be the best day of your
life, not a source of insane financial stress. The average American
wedding costs around $35,000. Which is not a small amount of money.
Every little thing adds up. And of course,
most people don't want to "cheap out" on their big day. It only
happens once (hopefully!), and you want to do it right.
Lucky for you, we're here to help. Read on for
7 cute, creative, and clever frugal wedding ideas to keep the big day on a
budget.
1. The Holy Grail of Frugal Wedding Ideas: Be Flexible
Being flexible is the key to saving where it really counts: venue hire. Consider having your wedding
right at the beginning or end of off-season.
This can save thousands of dollars in venue
hire fees and you can still get the benefits of good weather. The day of the
week matters a lot too. Saturdays are ideal for many reasons, but they are
drastically more expensive than other days.
The Sunday before a holiday Monday can be a
great option. Having some flexibility around the date can be the single thing
that saves you thousands.
2. Consider a Longer Engagement
Venue prices spike the closer it gets to the
time. Plus, most of the good venues get booked up at least two years in
advance.
Take your time and enjoy your
engagement. After all, you're planning to be together for your whole
lives. What's the rush?
3. BYOB
This is one of the most repeated words of
wisdom by wedding planners: find a venue that lets you bring in your own
alcohol. And consider having a limited bar.
Offering beer and wine instead of a huge
selection of spirits can save a lot of money (and reduces the risk of
over-drinking). Buy in bulk from local breweries, and offer to display their
logo. They might give you an advertiser's rate.
4. DIY Where It Counts
Taking on too many DIY responsibilities can be
stressful, but it can also be fun. And a huge cost-saver. Get your bridesmaids
together to make centerpieces, bouquets, and invitations. And have fun with it!
Who doesn't love a crafts and wine night?
Stationary can be a surprisingly big cost.
Check out these wedding invitations templates by Adobe and design and print your own.
Hand deliver when possible, and consider e-invites for those who are out of
town.
5. Rent or Wear Second Hand
Wedding dresses and tuxedos are a huge cost.
Especially for something, you're only going to wear once. Consider renting a
dress or buying second hand. There are some beautiful gowns that have only been
worn once. Who has to know?
6. Fake the Cake
If you're attached to the tradition of cutting
the cake, it can save a lot of money to fake it. A lot of bakers will design a
cardboard cake with a real top layer. You'll still get the photos. And you can
serve a delicious alternative dessert to your guests.
7. Support Local for Dinner
Hiring a fancy caterer can be one of
the biggest pieces of the budget. Instead, consider hiring a local mom &
pop shop to provide the main meal. They'll give you a good deal and will
appreciate the business much more than a big caterer.
The Takeaway
There are countless ways to cleverly save on
your big day. In addition to these 7 key frugal wedding ideas, just remember
one thing: simple is elegant.
Don't go overboard on things that don't really
matter. Keep it minimal. Keep it classy. What matters most is celebrating your
marriage with your loved ones, not breaking the bank.
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