Brides on a Budget - Part 3

Brides on a Budget - Part 3

In Part 3 of Brides on a Budget we continue with ideas on ways to trim the budget while planning your wedding!

Photography

Consider shortening the hours to whatever is necessary for you and your budget. Taking a moment to think about the types of pictures you want will give you a realistic time frame. Check out this list of common pictures (include link) to help you get an idea of what types of images you would want a photographer for. Not every moment needs a professional! Having the bridal party take pictures of everyone getting ready will not only keep this moment personal, but it will add to your memories. Having more shots of your guests acting natural, lets you really feel the emotion of the day! Let the photographer spend the time going after big moments, while you and your loved ones are enjoying them! During the reception, include your guests and ask them to take pictures with a note at their table that indicates where they can share their pictures. When purchasing photos, leave out the extras and buy just the retouched images on a flash drive that you can share and print yourself! Shutterfly and Canvas People typically have great prices and offer more specials after your first order. Follow these tips for a good shot at reducing those photography costs!

Flowers

Choose flowers that are in season and grown locally instead of paying a higher price for exotic flowers to be flown in. For seating, instead of including flowers on every row, have them alternate. They are going to be seen for 30-45 minutes and can’t be reused! You can also decorate with bows in place of stems you may need. These can be made by using ribbon found on clearance (YouTube videos on how to make bows are available for assistance, add video). With your bridal party, about an hour of your time and a bottle of wine you’ll get these done in no time!

 Reuse arrangements to enhance the scenery for multiple uses! Instead of letting them go to waste after the ceremony, bring them to the reception site. Have the florist deliver them to the ceremony location and a friend can transport them to the reception site later on. This can be done during cocktail hour and your guests won’t even realize!

 If you’re not planning on preserving your bouquet, consider using yours for the bouquet toss! Save money on something that’ll either wind up in the trash or gathering dust.

Last Minute Décor Tips

Turn those centerpieces into a party favor! Make it a game, draw names or seat numbers to select the luck winner.

Consider the scenery of your chosen venue. If the view was part of the reason you selected it, including pipe and drape is unnecessary.

Back from the 90’s with a more decorative style, last but not least, balloons! You’ll find everything from confetti to flower petals in these translucent balloons. Depending on the theme of your wedding, you might want to decorate the ribbon with greenery, such as vines. Make sure you get enough helium and groomsmen to put to work!

I hope this week’s tips have been helpful and you chose to put some of them to good use. If you found it helpful send us a message of what you did, how much you saved and a picture if you’d like to be included in future blogs.