2012-03-14 06:00:00 by SMARTBRIDE
Planning Your Wedding on a Budget: Tips From a Recent Bride
Newly engaged and starting to plan your wedding but wondering how you’re going to stay on budget? We thought so!
That’s why we’re pleased to share some tips and tricks from recently married bride LeeAnne. We’ll let her take it from here....
All photos courtesy Kristin Mizo Photo
When my husband finally popped the question, I was elated! Like most girls, I’d been planning my wedding ever since I knew what a wedding was. I envisioned fun fall colors with a pop of pink, and lots of twinkle lights. I wanted a classic elegant wedding while maintaining a down home feel that all of our closest friends and family could enjoy.
While planning my big day, I found lots of ways to save money and I’m going to share 5 tips that I feel will definitely help future brides plan the wedding of their dreams on a realistic budget.
LeeAnne's Wedding Centrepieces
Tip 1: Centerpieces
I saved a very significant amount of money on my centerpieces. I purchased all of the floral arrangements from a local wholesale florist at a fraction of what it would have cost to pay someone to do them. This way, I got bigger centerpieces for less money! My sister had recently gotten married, and had saved all of her vases for me, so I really lucked out there.
If you don’t already have vases you can use, I suggest buying one vase at a time throughout the course of planning your wedding. Stores like Michael’s usually give you coupons each time you shop, therefore you can usually get each vase at 50% off! Or you can check out SmartBride, they have lots of décor items, like vases, for amazing deals.
Tip 2: Alcohol
Usually when planning a wedding, most brides prepare to spend a large amount of their budget on food and booze. If you can find a venue/caterer that will allow you to purchase all of the alcohol yourself, and just pay for the bartender, this is the way to go!
I also recommend purchasing your alcohol of choice from a large store such as Sam’s or Costco. You can definitely get more for your money. Save your receipts and any unopened bottles can be returned for a full refund!
LeeAnne's DIY Wedding Fan
Tip 3: DIY
With all the stress of planning a wedding, it is so easy to fall behind on all the little projects that help make your day beautiful. Instead of paying someone big bucks to make things like programs, invitations, and favors, dig deep inside and bring out your craftiness!
It is so much cheaper to do these projects yourself; and websites like Pinterest make these projects budget friendly and beautiful!
LeeAnne and her bridesmaids
Tip 4: Utilize your Friends!
If you want a wedding planner without the expense, appoint a good friend you trust as your Day of Coordinator. Create a schedule of events for your big day and go over it with your Coordinator so that you both are on the same page. People love to be included in big events like weddings. Your special day should be as stress free as possible, so leave the stress to someone else! You’ve put so much time and effort into this special day, now is the time that your hard work pays off.
Tip 5: Bargain!
In today’s economy, it never hurts to bargain! Shop around and make sure you’re getting the most for your money! However, the two things that I totally suggest not settling on are your entertainment and your photographer. You want your band/dj to be able to keep the dance floor packed and the evening flowing smoothly and you want to have beautiful, quality photos that you can share for a lifetime. After your big day is over, all you have left are the photos!
Lastly, don’t forget to remember what this day is really about, and that’s you and your hubby. So relax, breath, and take it all in. The day is going to fly by!
About our Blogger: LeeAnne Walker
Born and raised in Pensacola, Fla., LeeAnne Walker now proudly calls Orlando home. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and works in Internet Marketing. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their Boston Terrier, the outdoors, and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles.
