My wedding ceremony was pretty traditional. We got married in a beautiful chapel with close friends and family, we did our own vows, and we really didn’t need to decorate much so that part was easy. What wasn’t easy, was planning the freaking reception and all the little details. Here’s a breakdown of some tricks and tips on keeping it cheap:
1. Flowers: why must real flowers be so expensive? And why does fake flowers, well look fake? Easy fix. Get fake flowers that look real. My flowers were from Amazon, and it was pretty close to looking real. Also, craft stores have a variety of textures with fake flowers! Go with foam, not silk.
2. Attire: Highly recommend the groomsmen getting rentals. It’s easy, less stressful, and way cheaper than buying suits, unless you get some on a good deal. For the bridal party, definitely look into online options. And for the bride, LOOK AT PLACES OTHER THAN NAME BRAND AND DAVIDS BRIDAL. Yes it’s nice when you can say “my dress is Vera Wang”. But honestly, that detail won’t matter in the end, trust me! For wedding dresses, I personally recommend looking at warehouses online that are credited and have great reviews. Measurements can be done anywhere, even at home. My dress was less than $300.
3. Desserts: Get a personal cake for just the two of you. Provide other desserts like cupcakes for everyone else. Also, look into less expensive bakers. I got all my desserts from a grocery store bakery. Less than $100 and had nothing but compliments! Publix for the win! Also cute customized cake cutters, are not a necessity. I bought customized ones. WE FORGOT ABOUT THEM! We ended up using a plastic one. Definitely reselling them.
4. Back to attire: SHOES. I purchased sandals that were white with gemstones on them. I do not REGRET it. Wearing heels are nice, but very uncomfortable.
5. Timelines: Timelines are awesome! For the day before and morning off the wedding, it’s great to have a timeline to follow to make sure things get done. But for the actual reception, no way. I did one, and we were off track, by a long short. It adds stress.
6. Day Of Coordinator m: I did not have one. But man, would it of been worth every penny. I had my poor maid of honor do mostly everything. It adds so much stress doing it alone. So if you have the budget for it, do it.
7. Decorations: Go cheap and do a lot of DIY projects. My entire decor look was DIY. Garlands with lights (did that myself), bouquets, flower arrangements, centerpieces, backdrop for photos, & dance floor were all DIY. Don’t get me wrong, it was time consuming and very annoying at times but it was way cheaper.
8. Food: Most venues require a licensed caterer. Sometimes, the money is worth it. But if you have a backyard reception like myself or one that isn’t at a licensed venue, try looking into grilling like myself and buy everything from Costco or Sams Club. We spent less than $250 for 80 burgers, condiments, sides, and nonalcoholic beverages.
9. Alcohol: Like stated above, usually venue places require a license to sell alcohol. But if you don’t have it a licensed venue, try doing an “open bar” style and get yourself a keg and some cheap wine boxes from Walmart or something. Kegs aren’t cheap but it beats hundreds of dollars for individual beers. And once the alcohol runs out, it runs out.
10. Final send off after reception: This is one that truly broke my heart, but it happens. We didn’t get to do a final send off because everyone left early. To avoid this, do a fake one for picture purposes and final goodbyes to the people who do want to leave. We didn’t even think about this until it was too late.
11. DJ & Photographers: DJ’s are awesome when you have a big enough venue and more than 100 people to entertain. But for smaller weddings, try being your own DJ. Come up with a playlist for each part of the ceremony/reception and use a speaker. Worked very well for me. FOR FREE. Photographers are a must. One of the biggest things to consider when coming up with a budget. Fortunately, we had family friends photograph our big day, and it was amazing.
Finally, one last tip. Don’t worry about anyone else besides you and your new spouse. Trust me, I spent majority of the reception running around pleasing others and making sure everyone was okay. Don’t do this. This is what family and wedding party is for. I missed out on some things I wished I didn’t do to stressing about everyone else. Relax, and enjoy the moment. You’re never get that moment back.
Just Another Mama 