Planning a Wedding on a Budget?
5 Tips You Should Know

We can all agree that weddings can get pretty expensive, but how expensive are they? The average cost of a wedding ceremony and reception in 2019 (pre-COVID) was $28,000 according to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study. With this amount being up to, if not more than, half of one person’s income for a year, budgeting tips to make a wedding more affordable are definitely needed. We’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best budgeting tips to make your wedding more affordable.

1. Cut Back on the Guest List.

The number one item that can take you out of your budget, is cost per guest. Many parts of your planning and spending for your wedding are going to depend on how many guests you will have. Larger venues, extra tables & chairs, additional centerpieces, food etc. can put your cost per guest well over your expected budget. So why not take a second look at that guest list before you send out save the dates and invites. Ask yourself these questions when thinking about who to invite:

Have I met this person before?
When was the last time I saw them?
Did I attend their wedding?
Are they a positive influence in my life?
Do I spend holidays and other celebrations with them?

2. Secondhand Décor

Many brides have gone out and purchased beautiful candelabras, vases, linens, chargers, and other décor that they will probably never use again after their big day, and guess what? They want to find a way to get rid of it while making a little money back! Join a few Facebook groups and check out local online marketplaces for new and gently used wedding items. You may be surprised at what you find.

3. Repurpose Décor

So you’ve searched for the perfect venue or chapel to hold your ceremony at. You’ve planned out the perfect altar backdrop, aisle arrangements, and bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids. What happens to all of these after the ceremony is over with and everyone heads to the reception? A lot of times they just sit there until the end of the night when it is time to clean up. Instead of letting all of that beautiful décor go to waste, repurpose it. Reuse your backdrop from the ceremony to be your sweetheart or head table backdrop. Repurpose your bridesmaid bouquets as floral centerpieces for your tables. Take those aisle arrangements and use them to decorate the reception room.

4. Faux Cakes

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Many brides are opting for a faux cake for their wedding day. Choose the perfect style and design for your cake, but find a bakery that will do it as a faux display cake while you purchase a sheet cake to be cut in the kitchen for guests to enjoy. Not interested in the faux cake? Opt for a small 2-tiered cake that you and your significant other can cut into and still opt for that more cost efficient (but no less delicious) sheet cake for your guests.

5. Rent Silk Flowers

Since the pandemic, flower prices have been on the rise due to limited availability. Silk flowers are a great option for a couple on a budget. Instead of purchasing them, why not rent them? Our friends at My Fab Florals specialize in high quality silk, foam, and real-feel artificial flowers in custom made orders to match your theme & color scheme. They have great prices and packages for silk flower rental needs. Once your big day is complete, simply return the flowers and you’re done!

Want more tips? Contact us and set up a free initial consultation for assistance with your wedding!