Wedding hacks

A wedding hack I like is making the RSVP cards as a postcard. The stamps for postcards are cheaper than regular stamps for mail. The caveat is it's not very private and the chances of it arriving back a little beat up are there.

Really utilize the dollar store - it's amazing what you can make happen with some ingenuity

A couple things that I'm doing to save some money:

1) My mom is making my wedding cake (she is such a great baker), so if you know anyone who would be willing to make your cake that would be a great help.

2) I'm using a wholesale florist company for my flowers. By doing this, I am paying wholesale for all the flowers/greenery that I will be using for my wedding, and they will be arranging them for me for only $200 total!

3) I got a catering company that includes plates and silverware, so that I do not have to spend money to rent those items (something I didn't even think about).

4) I'll admit though, I did splurge on my gown.... ($1,500)

ANYWAYS... moving on...

5) I will not be having a videographer. Rather, I will be having a recorder at the back of the ceremony space recording the ceremony, as well as have all my guests take videos throughout the reception, and then make a collage video from those.

6) Depending where you are located, for a photographer you can cut costs by having a photography student at a local college/university shoot for your wedding.

7) DEFINITELY go to some bridal shows that come to your area as this is a great place to see multiple vendors and possibly get deals from them.

Of course DIY projects are great ways to save money, however try not to take on TOO much as this will cause too much stress and can ruin the planning process for you.

Good luck with everything and hope this helps!!!

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Where are you getting your flowers from? I was thinking of going this route as well, but haven't found anywhere that is cheap enough.

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I live in Hampton Roads area in Virginia, so I'm using Norfolk Wholesale Florist

1) finding someone with a sound system for the ceremony so your DJ only needs to do the reception is a big money saver. Reduced my cost from $1,100 down to $600 with venue and wedding wire discounts.

2) Limiting flowers also helps. That budget got reduced from $1600 down to 660 for me because I found a relatively cheap bouquet at a small local florist.

3) Finding a local seamstress to create or update a simple dress can significantly cut your costs there.

4) I completely cut the photography cost by having a friend do the photography and allowing her to use the pictures on her website.

5) We wont be having a videographer as my groom and I both feel they are not necessary. Knowing my mother, we will end up with a video anyway.

Skip the transportation. No one "needs" a fancy ride.
Check parks and rec for buildings/venues to rent in your area. Lots of beautiful ones!
You may have to bring in your own catering, decor, and linens. But you also get the freedom of choosing your own catering and sometimes bringing your own alcohol. Big savings on the alcohol.
Diy centerpieces. Dollar store is your friend. There design ideas that can be done for less than $10 a table, more likely $5.
You don't need chaircovers!
Keep it simple with the flowers.
Price hunt, price hunt, price hunt.

Totally agree with making the dollar store your best friend.. I'm surprised I'm not on some sort of watch list there. I bought 8 plastic planters (each $1 of course) and just spray painted them gold with a nicer, more on the pricey end spray paint (like $8 for a can). My dollar store also has flowers there as well so I bought some to use as little filler flowers and then got some nicer ones at Michaels.

Also agree with not stressing over the small decorations that can add up, we don't have an aisle runner and our venue has some brass lamps that we're using as aisle decorations (our setup is quite different though, attached is how our venue will be set up). We're trying to keep décor to a minimum because we're going straight from the reception to the airport.

Skip favors, skip wedding programs. Just do wine and beer if you're offering alcohol. We bought our flowers from Sam's club and did our own bouquets. Check them out.

There are websites that show you how to make Dollar Tree crafts & centerpieces for your tables.

How has your planning been coming along Brenda? Do you need some more tips and tricks on planning on a budget?