It's time to get real about your wedding...and your budget. While that $80,000 wedding you may have seen on TV last night was quite possibly the most beautiful thing your eyes have ever gazed upon, you know, deep down, that all of that is out of your budget. That's alright, you're definitely not alone. The amount of people with a "less than that" budget is massive. Luckily, there are a ton of ways to still have the wedding of your dreams while staying within your means. Keep these tips in mind to help trim down your wedding costs without skimping on what you want.
Go shopping at home
Before you go out ravaging through stores trying to find what you need, go shopping at your house first. You might be surprised how many things you can find that you can turn into festive wedding ideas. Don't think you're creative enough to know what to look for or what to do with things? You are probably more creative than you give yourself credit for, but use your resources. Blogs and other forms of social media are fantastic ways to pose questions and ask for ideas. The Internet is a haven for creative, crafty people that are just waiting to offer tips and tricks to folks like you. In that same right, don't be afraid to offer your own suggestions about things. Another way to help you come up with ideas for how to use what you found in your house is to call a friend. You most likely have at least one friend that seems to have been bitten (or even attacked) by the creative bug. Call up this friend and ask him or her for advice and/or a crafting session to help you with your goods.
Make it
Invitations, favors, centerpieces, and flowers can gobble up your budget pretty quickly. However, making your own items such as these can help you save a bundle. This might require that crafty friend of yours again to help, but hey, don't be afraid to ask! When making your own goodies, keep things as simple as possible. For example, stamped colorful cardstock cut into fun shapes makes for great invitations. The important thing to keep in mind when making your own stuff is that it doesn't have to be just like what you saw at that $80,000 wedding. Yes, this is easier said than done, but often times, things that have a "homemade" look are perceived as well thought out and super adorable.
Thrift it
One of my all-time favorite wedding ideas has got to be thrift store wedding attire. Some of the most fabulous dresses I have seen have been from thrift stores. Honest! Don't knock it 'til you try it! Thrift stores are a great way to showcase the "character" in you and your crew. Quirky bow ties, suspenders, hats, jackets, dresses, gloves, and jewelry hold endless possibilities for super fun wedding attire and can usually be found at thrift stores. Often carrying fabulous unique and vintage items, thrift stores can be the perfect place to find that "something special" that will help make your day totally your own.
Figure out your budget for your wedding and stick with it. While sticking to your budget may seem impossible at times and feel like more of a punishment than a celebration, trust that you can find a way to still have what you want and not break your bank doing it!
Sarai Garnett - Sarai Garnett believes that every day brings promise for great experiences. Holding a B.A. in Interpersonal and Organizational ...
