Low Budget Tips

We are skipping save the dates and just opting for invites. Probably not doing programs or menus. Disposable plates (I’ve found some really beautiful ones!). I’m also getting my wedding. Ring on Etsy with white sapphires rather than diamonds!

Do your research! I have gotten literally dozens of quotes for some vendors just to make sure I'm getting the best deal. The more you research, the better you'll be able to negotiate with the vendors you want to get the best price. Also, remember to always come back and re-evaluate with a clear mind where your money is going. My fiancé and I really want to have a great honeymoon, so our contribution to the wedding is small (my parents gave us a generous budget) so we can save most of the money for the honeymoon. It's easy to get carried away if you don't stop and re-evaluate for your priorities from time to time.

Skip save the dates, favors, wedding programs and welcome bags. None of these (expect for wedding programs) were a thing back in the day. Limit your guest list, skip a dance if that is not that big of a deal. We were married in an arboretum, hosted 50 people for an afternoon wedding, hosted a luncheon, had a pro photographer that was just starting out so her fee was lower, we spent just under $3000. It can be done! Our restaurant charged us no fee for the private dining room as it in the afternoon. The room needed no decor. People could order a drink with their lunch, that we paid for, but not a lot of people drank.

Look on Amazon or a bridal consignment for a dress.

Look into high schools to see if their Art teacher does photography as a side hustle - save some money there!

Have a very small wedding cake and supplement with a sheet cake.

Keep your invites small and simple - to be honest most people take a photo to their phone and put it in the calendar then recycle it.

DO NOT: Have family and friends work the venue to save money - they get to be guests.

Best wishes!!

Skip favors, DIY signs, Minimal decor, Us an outdoor area for your venue (natural decor), Chech facebook market place for wedding decor, Davids bridal has a black friday sale it was 50% off the sale price (go in a few days before and find the dress you like and find out your size. Then on black friday either order the dress online or call the store you went to and order it from them.), also JJs house is good for cheap dresses just read reviews on which ever dress you want, thrift stores have great serving wear.

Also make your invites online on the Wedding chicks for free and buy cardstock and print them yourself.