Engagement season is exciting as you share your news with the ones you love. They got down on one knee, popped the question, tears were shed, and you said yes! Now comes the real work of planning. The guest list, invitations, centerpieces, music, and never-ending checklists can be overwhelming. Take back the excitement of your wedding day, stick to your budget, and enjoy every moment of the process with these helpful tips.
Call In The Professionals
You might hear the words “wedding planner” and hear “budget breaker,” but don’t rule it out just yet. Working with a professional can help you stay on track with spending and help to keep the day organized. Someone with experience in event planning can prioritize, schedule, and supervise every step of the way.
Photo by Burst
If you still have reservations about bringing in an outside person to plan your day, consider using an online source. There are free wedding websites that save you the hassle of keeping up with every small detail of your event. You can send save the dates, create a registry, draft a guest list, keep track of RSVPs, and more.
As your guests accept their invitations, meal preferences, plus ones, and other details are saved in one convenient place. You can even keep your entire wedding planning database in the palm of your hand by downloading a mobile app.
Maximize Your Resources
Before spending a small fortune on the details of your wedding, do some research on ways to save cash. Many students in a cosmetology school need opportunities to practice their trade and will offer their services at a lower rate. You can schedule a trial session to find the right fit in the same way that you would with a salon. Booking a student both limits your hair and makeup spending and helps them to grow in their studies.
The cost of invitations grows exponentially as the options for customization expand. Stationers charge for inserts, custom embossing, addressing, mailing, and more. To save on cost, turn your invitations into an opportunity for the bridal party to get to know each other. Invite your team to spend the afternoon addressing envelopes and sharing stories. At the end of the day, you’ll have the invitations done and memories made.
Photo by Bryan Schneider
Choose a photographer that offers hourly rates versus daily. If you book for just the time of the ceremony and most of your reception, you can save hundreds to thousands on photography fees. If you want to document your bridal party getting ready, hire a separate photographer, or ask a friend to step in.
Style The Big Day On A Budget
There are several ways to save when it comes to fashion on your wedding day. While it might be tempting to find an elaborate dress, there are ways to get both beauty and lower prices. Thrift shops, sales racks, and trunk shows have dresses available that can save you hundreds without sacrificing details. Some shops also include complimentary alterations up to a specific dollar amount.
Photo by Bryan Schneider
Cutting out boutonnieres from the budget can save nearly $300 for your groomsmen. Choosing pocket squares to match the bridesmaids’ dresses versus traditional flowers is a cost-effective and aesthetic option. A major trend in the world of bridesmaid dresses is allowing each woman to choose their own dress. Set a color scheme or preferred style for your ladies and let them purchase a dress that fits their budget. Your photos will be just as uniform in aesthetics, and it saves everyone in the party both hassle and funds. No matter which route you take for planning, there are endless options to remove the stress and enjoy your big day.
