Its no secret by now that a passion of mine is to find and create things on a shoestring budget. For me there is no bigger thrill than to make something look great and still have money leftover to do other things with. However, I do believe there are SOME things worth spending a pretty penny on. It's a matter of sifting through what is needed and what isn't, what will give you the most for your money, and what wont.
Its about thinking before you spend.
Weddings are a topic for me today. Did you know that the average wedding costs $28,000?! $28,000! Is it just me or does that seem like a lot of money?
My brain sees that number and thinks HOUSE down payment, crazy fun family or friend vacation somewhere awesome, starting a business, etc. It doesn't say one day celebration.
Now don't get me wrong, if you comfortably have it to spend GO FOR IT! It's not you I'm talking to (although I'd love you to read along anyway :)) Also, you may be thinking, Is not MARRIAGE and a wedding worth splurging on? My answer, "it's not about that." Just because something is important and special doesn't automatically translate to multiple dollar signs. I think that's part of the problem people are having. They feel guilty for NOT splurging a little on their special day because they ask themselves, "Aren't WE worth it?" Well, you are also worth a debt free, stress free, fun marriage too.
I would suggest pondering whats MOST important to you about your BIG DAY. Is it photos? Food? Music? Spend the most there. There are so many ways to cut back on costs. You just have to think smarter. Imagine spending $10,000 on a wedding (It is possible-my husband and I spent $8,000 with an open bar) then you can have tons left over to enjoy a relaxing and equally important honeymoon.
Some suggestions:
Connections~Networking is a powerful tool. Think hard about people you may know that have a skill you need. Most likely they will discount their services for you. Maybe it's even a talented up and comer that would just love the opportunity to do it in exchange for some cool portfolio pictures.
Time of Day~Night weddings just tend to be more money. Dinner, DJ, Drinks. These are pretty standard for night weddings whereas during day weddings this isn't as much a necessity. Design~Keep in mind the style of your wedding. The more modern and simple in design, the less expensive the decor will need to be.
Location~Another important element that relates to design. For example, if your wedding is in a beautiful setting less decor is needed meaning less money and less time you need to put in to do it! Also, totally worth it to think of friends you may know that have a cool house/backyard you can use. The most expensive weddings tend to be the -all inclusive- ones. For instance if you are getting married at a hotel, most make you use their catering service which is always generic and overpriced. Problem is, you have no way around it! It's most budget friendly to find a location where YOU can control what catering service you bring in.
Sales~Sample sales are a perfect place to find wedding dresses! Who cares if they are a season old? Does that make it less beautiful? Also, keep in mind in expensive dresses that are simple can be tweaked to become more YOU. For our wedding I bought a $250 Davids Bridal halter dress. It had tacky beading, but was overall simple in style and was made of beautiful material. I spent an extra $150 to add a chartreuse green sash and vintage brooch. It made me happy knowing I didn't spend an arm and a leg and nobody will ever have my same dress.
technology~The music world has evolved soo much. If a DJ isn't super important to you, I totally recommend being YOUR OWN DJ and setting up an Ipod playlist. Sometimes that is better anyway because you can guarantee songs you love! Another cool way to use technology these days is to create a slide show. Everyone loves a slide show and what a cool in expensive way to make your wedding feel personal! Adding a friends and family section to the slide show would be the perfect touch :)
Here are a few cute wedding ideas. For fun.
Photo booths are so popular now and I totally see why. They are so much fun! If you can't afford an actual company to come and set up a professional booth, it's a great alternative to create your own (Martha Stewart has some cute templates for this!) Set up a fun backdrop that matches your decor and have your photographer OR even cheaper, a family friend take some fun shots of your guests.
In love with these cute simple paper props~
Party On A Stick, Etsy $28
Backdrop template, marthastewart.com
Who says you have to do floral centerpieces? I love the look and feel of these lace luminaries. They are romantic and refreshing! Also, if you are on a budget then most likely you will be making a lot of the wedding decor. These can be made way ahead of time whereas floral arrangements need to be done the day of. Doesn't relaxing the morning of your wedding sound so much better?
Lace Luminarias template, marthastewart.com
Last but certainly not least. It's always a good idea to have a something memorable and unique...... ~In love with this sign~
Its about thinking before you spend.
Weddings are a topic for me today. Did you know that the average wedding costs $28,000?! $28,000! Is it just me or does that seem like a lot of money?
My brain sees that number and thinks HOUSE down payment, crazy fun family or friend vacation somewhere awesome, starting a business, etc. It doesn't say one day celebration.
Now don't get me wrong, if you comfortably have it to spend GO FOR IT! It's not you I'm talking to (although I'd love you to read along anyway :)) Also, you may be thinking, Is not MARRIAGE and a wedding worth splurging on? My answer, "it's not about that." Just because something is important and special doesn't automatically translate to multiple dollar signs. I think that's part of the problem people are having. They feel guilty for NOT splurging a little on their special day because they ask themselves, "Aren't WE worth it?" Well, you are also worth a debt free, stress free, fun marriage too.
I would suggest pondering whats MOST important to you about your BIG DAY. Is it photos? Food? Music? Spend the most there. There are so many ways to cut back on costs. You just have to think smarter. Imagine spending $10,000 on a wedding (It is possible-my husband and I spent $8,000 with an open bar) then you can have tons left over to enjoy a relaxing and equally important honeymoon.
Some suggestions:
Connections~Networking is a powerful tool. Think hard about people you may know that have a skill you need. Most likely they will discount their services for you. Maybe it's even a talented up and comer that would just love the opportunity to do it in exchange for some cool portfolio pictures.
Time of Day~Night weddings just tend to be more money. Dinner, DJ, Drinks. These are pretty standard for night weddings whereas during day weddings this isn't as much a necessity. Design~Keep in mind the style of your wedding. The more modern and simple in design, the less expensive the decor will need to be.
Location~Another important element that relates to design. For example, if your wedding is in a beautiful setting less decor is needed meaning less money and less time you need to put in to do it! Also, totally worth it to think of friends you may know that have a cool house/backyard you can use. The most expensive weddings tend to be the -all inclusive- ones. For instance if you are getting married at a hotel, most make you use their catering service which is always generic and overpriced. Problem is, you have no way around it! It's most budget friendly to find a location where YOU can control what catering service you bring in.
Sales~Sample sales are a perfect place to find wedding dresses! Who cares if they are a season old? Does that make it less beautiful? Also, keep in mind in expensive dresses that are simple can be tweaked to become more YOU. For our wedding I bought a $250 Davids Bridal halter dress. It had tacky beading, but was overall simple in style and was made of beautiful material. I spent an extra $150 to add a chartreuse green sash and vintage brooch. It made me happy knowing I didn't spend an arm and a leg and nobody will ever have my same dress.
technology~The music world has evolved soo much. If a DJ isn't super important to you, I totally recommend being YOUR OWN DJ and setting up an Ipod playlist. Sometimes that is better anyway because you can guarantee songs you love! Another cool way to use technology these days is to create a slide show. Everyone loves a slide show and what a cool in expensive way to make your wedding feel personal! Adding a friends and family section to the slide show would be the perfect touch :)
Here are a few cute wedding ideas. For fun.
Photo booths are so popular now and I totally see why. They are so much fun! If you can't afford an actual company to come and set up a professional booth, it's a great alternative to create your own (Martha Stewart has some cute templates for this!) Set up a fun backdrop that matches your decor and have your photographer OR even cheaper, a family friend take some fun shots of your guests.
In love with these cute simple paper props~
Party On A Stick, Etsy $28
Backdrop template, marthastewart.com
Who says you have to do floral centerpieces? I love the look and feel of these lace luminaries. They are romantic and refreshing! Also, if you are on a budget then most likely you will be making a lot of the wedding decor. These can be made way ahead of time whereas floral arrangements need to be done the day of. Doesn't relaxing the morning of your wedding sound so much better?
Lace Luminarias template, marthastewart.com
Last but certainly not least. It's always a good idea to have a something memorable and unique...... ~In love with this sign~
Most importantly, be YOU! Make it feel custom to what makes you and significant other so special. And have fun :)
We spent way too much on our wedding!!! I dont regret it but if I were able to do it again knowing what I know now I would have definatly done it differently... like chose a different venue :)
ReplyDeletei totally know what you mean Erica. Although we kept a good budget, there are a few things I would have done different too. Knowledge is power, huh.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading! Xo