Are you organizing a wedding on a tight budget? It may appear challenging, but with a dash of creativity and careful planning, it’s entirely possible. Here are another five strategies to lighten the load on your wedding budget. Don’t forget to refer to the first installment of this series: 5 Strategies to Trim Your Budget Before the Wedding Cake.
Reducing Invitation Expenses: With a color printer at home, you’re already on track to save a significant amount on invitations, thank you notes, and other paper products. Numerous software programs enable you to design and print stunning invitations right at home, complete with templates for ease. Just insert your details, hit print, and you’re good to go. Consider exploring Uniquityinvitations.com, a site that provides elegant, downloadable templates at an affordable price of $79. Etsy.com is another excellent place with a myriad of customizable, printable options. Once you’ve downloaded and filled out the template, you can print as many items as you need, keeping costs manageable.
Saving on Photography: Undeniably, photography plays a crucial role in any wedding. But breathtaking photos don’t have to devour your budget. Opting for digital-only packages, like proofs and a CD of all shots, can save you a tidy sum. You can print only your favorite photos at affordable places such as Wal-Mart, Costco, or Sam’s Club. You might also consider hiring aspiring professionals from your circle, local photography students, or novices seeking experience. Make sure to review their portfolios, but remember to check their technical and editing knowledge. If you own a color laser printer, you can even cut out the middleman for printing!
Trimming Cake Expenses: Taste and aesthetics are key when it comes to wedding cakes. If you’re on a budget, consider buying a small yet beautifully decorated cake for the photos, while using inexpensive but tasty sheet cakes to feed your guests. You could also use a decorated fake layer to make the cake look larger without increasing the cost. Some couples choose alternatives like cookies, cupcakes, or even donut cakes!
Lowering Decoration Expenses: While it’s easy to get carried away with elaborate wedding decorations, keep in mind that intricate decorations aren’t always necessary. Find cost-effective ways to DIY your decor. Consider trending outdoor weddings with simple decor elements like mason jars, candles, and tissue poms, or swap expensive seasonal flowers for wildflowers. For my own wedding, I used Manzanita trees decorated with candles and rhinestones, repurposing ceremony decorations for the reception. I also invested in uplighting, which enhanced the venue and allowed me to save on rentals.
Other Cost-Cutting Measures: Popular wedding months are May through August. Consider an off-season (excluding December) or weekday wedding to save significantly, while securing your preferred venues. Always remember that your wedding day should be a joyful celebration. Therefore, prioritize spending on aspects that matter to you, and save on less important elements. Sometimes, vendors may offer discounts for cash payments – it’s worth asking!
