Planning a Wedding on a BUDGET

A few weeks ago I got engaged to the man of my dreams. Literally 30 minutes later multiple people asked us when we were officially tying the knot.  That's right, we barely had time to be happy and in love and then the planning began.  I am a college student, graduating in December, my fiance graduated this past May (thank goodness he has a job!), he proposed mid-September, and our wedding will be in early April.  Have you done the math now? That's right, 6 1/2 month engagement and practically no money to put on the show that is a wedding!!  In my short time as a bride I have picked up a few hints and tricks how to stay on a budget.  Some of these you won't be able to do and, like me, you'll be aggravated more than ever, BUT some of these you will be able to do and it will save you greatly.

These tips will help you save money, think creatively, and bring out what is most important to you for your big day :)

-First & foremost: remember to focus on YOU, not what everyone else will think.
-Maintain your sanity. (Easier said than done...) When I realize I'm overwhelmed with information and 
  schedules, I close my eyes and breathe deeply for about three seconds.
-Decorate to your taste and not "this season's wedding fads."
-Use the groom's help. Chances are he'll want less than you & this will help you save money.
-BUDGET/"talk money" before you pick out 1 single thing. And stick to it! A reasonable budget is anywhere   from $15,000-$40,000. Do some research and find out the median price for everything; that'll help you
  learn what budget is possible for all the things you want.

Tips:

• Use a wedding planning website, instead of a wedding planner: So many others have been through what you're going through, so learn from them! I use both The Knot and Wedding Wire currently.  Both websites are great, but contain different advice, articles, some different vendors, and different planning styles.  Here's the breakdown for my method to the madness:

• The Knot: 
• Checklist
• Inspiration Boards
• Articles
• Design by Color or Price Range
• Vendors

• Wedding Wire: 
• Budgeting Tool
• Website
• Checklist
• Seating Chart
• Guest List (ceremony, reception, engagement party, etc.)
• Vendors
• Song Lists
• Spend your money decorating the reception hall, not the church: You'll be at the ceremony location for a fraction of the time of the reception location AND you will be focusing on your significant other the whole time & everyone will be focusing on you! Some churches already have decor you can use. If you MUST decorate the church, try some DIY crafts, Dollar Store/WalMart/Hobby Lobby Finds, or gifts from bridesmaids. Buy some tea lights to hang from ribbon. Tulle is another great option. You can wrap a single flower in some tulle to hang from the pew so
• Hold the ceremony and reception in the same location: Many venues offer discounted prices on the reception if you hold the ceremony there too. This is a major money-saver that I was unable to do because my fiance wanted to get married in the church he grew up in, which doesn't allow alcoholic beverages, and 95% of our family and friends expected drinks to be available.  BUT, if you can, hold these at the same venue.  Your guests will be happy they don't have to drive from venue to venue and your wallet will thank you too.
• Get a second opinion: Just because you fall in love with the decoration, don't buy it on the spot unless you have the chance of losing it. You may be able to find the same decoration for cheaper or something you like even better!! 
  
  
  
• Bring a friend along: Someone who knows you well should go with you for every purchase. This way someone will balance our your sudden love for something with rationality.
• Do DIY some things: Table numbers, placecards, programs, party favors or even a photobooth!

• Partially DIY some things: Use DIY websites such as Shutterfly and Vistaprint to create things with photos, such as Save-the-Dates and Photo Guest Books.

• DON'T DIY some things: Unless you have a friend that's a DJ or a photographer, I do not recommend doing these tasks yourself.  I read somewhere that a DJ can read the floor whereas a kick-ass playlist cannot.  The only things left after your wedding day (other than your undying love) are the photos. Do not skimp here!

                                                     

• Leave out the "new fads" that you don't really care about: Don't use a program, don't make out-of-town baskets, etc.
• Ask Questions: Ask yourself questions to find out if you need or want?? Prioritize. 
• Limited/no open bar: I know, it's rough. You invite all these people to watch you be happy & expect them to survive without alcohol. HOW?! To assuage this you can give each guest a limit on how much liquor they are allowed to buy. Give each guest a "ticket" at their table or put each over-21 guest's name on a list for the bartender. Allocate only as much as you can afford per guest.  They'll be happy they get to drink & you'll be saving your pocketbook!! OR consider a beer/wine only or beer/wine + specialty cocktail. Consider only serving alcohol for half of the reception.

• Watch Say Yes to the Dress: Know what you want beforehand when looking for your wedding gown. Watch shows, research online, & browse magazines to get an idea of what you want. THEN FIND IT CHEAPER!!

Happy wedding :D