5 Wedding Tips to Stay on Budget

Congratulations! Chances are if you’ve found this blog, you’ve found your person, and that’s a big deal. Wishing you all the happiness your hearts can hold!

Now that you’ve gotten the most important part accomplished, let’s talk weddings. You may have a good idea of what you want and you’re now trying to align your vision of the big day with your budget. Never easy.

But take heart. Here are some tips to create your dream wedding without breaking the bank.

1. Don’t rent the suits or tuxes.

This may sound counterintuitive, but you can buy the groomsmen suits for about the same price–or less–as renting them. When the celebrations are over, your party will get to keep their suits instead of temporarily borrowing ones that dozens of people have worn.

You can even sell them on eBay if you want to recoup some of the costs. But when you

see these attractively luxe, reasonably priced suits, you won’t want to!

2. Rent the Flowers

It may seem like I’m just trying to confuse you, but trust me on this. Buy the suits, but rent your flowers. Something Borrowed Blooms has gorgeously designed, premium silk wedding flowers to rent that look like the real thing and smell delicious.

Unlike suits, real flowers won’t last long after your “I do’s.” You might as well save some serious money and rent your flowers and use what you’ve saved for other wedding day must-haves.

Besides, these silk florals are stunning. You won’t be giving up anything you’ve envisioned from your wedding daydreams, and you’ll still save money.

When the festivities are over, just pop them in the labeled packaging and mail them back at no added cost to you.

3. The Menu

How and what you choose to serve can make a huge difference in your budget. If you’ve always pictured a sit-down dinner, can you imagine it any other way?

There are some adorable wedding bars out there. You can serve cheese and fruit, or a pretzel bar, a salad bar, or a wall of donuts. All are on-trend, popular choices.

If you are set on a full meal, consider a buffet. You won’t need to have as many staff on hand if no one’s waiting tables, and you can serve some wonderful meals that guests can serve themselves.

If you’re planning your wedding during a time when the world is still facing COVID-19 restrictions, set up various buffet stations throughout your reception area so people can socially distance easier. Also, consider having blocks of guests arriving and leaving at different times.

And make sure everyone wears a mask when they’re not in their family bubbles!

4. Wedding Party Gifts

When researching gifts, I found that most of the ones geared towards men seemed to be alcohol related, with a smattering of knives. Search results included flasks, six-pack holders, tankards and bottle openers, followed by a selection of handsome knives.

Now this may just be me, but weapons and booze don’t seem to be the ideal combination for a conflict-free wedding day. If you’re leaning towards these choices, then maybe choose one or the other and avoid a trip to the ER? Just a thought.

If you’re looking for traditional groomsmen gifts, then I’d recommend the same company I mentioned earlier for suits. I like their variety, and while there are some handsome flasks, I don’t see any knives.

If you want something a little different, consider what your group of friends likes to do together. If they’re into sports, look into some personalized jerseys. If they’re more into Dungeons and Dragons, how about some fancy dice?

For the bridal party, consider Riish. They’re a company that caters to the modest fashion movement and they have some gorgeous large scarves that can be draped in a number of ways or used as a shawl or a pashmina. Because these scarves are a staple in modest fashion, you can get them for a phenomenal price.

Or, once again, consider gifts that speak to your identity as a group. If you can find something that reflects how you like to spend time together, then the bridesmaid gifts are more personal.

5. The Photographer

Find a photographer who’s willing to give you the digital copies of your wedding photos instead of you having to buy each extra shot at exorbitant prices. This can make a huge difference, especially if you have a lot of family members who want copies.

I hope you find these ideas helpful. Best of luck on your wedding and on your lives together!