Saving money on a wedding does not have to mean compromising personal style. With a little imagination and creativity, you can have a gorgeous wedding on a very limited budget. The following ideas will get you on your way to putting together a beautiful celebration that doesn't break the bank.
Location: For many couples, some of their biggest expenses are the rental fees for the ceremony and reception spaces. Look into free or inexpensive options in your area including beaches and parks. If you know someone who owns a beautiful property, don't be afraid to ask if you can use the land for your big day. You may be surprised how little it costs to rent one of your favorite spots in town.
Time of day It is considerably more expensive to serve dinner than it is to serve lunch or dessert. Think about planning a late morning wedding followed by brunch or lunch or a mid-afternoon wedding followed by dessert. With a beautifully prepared spread waiting for the guests, no one will be concerned about the fact that it's not a sit-down dinner.
Dress: Shop annual sales at popular wedding establishments such as Filene's and David's. You can save as much as 70 percent on dresses as well as shoes, veils, headpieces and other bridal accessories at these sales. Alternatively, you can think about borrowing or renting a dress for the big day.
Flowers: For less than $100, you can pick up enough flowers at any local grocery store to make bouquets and boutonnieres for the entire wedding party and the close family members. Craft stores have the supplies that you need to put the flower arrangements together. You'll spend more to make the centerpieces, but it'll still be much less than you'd spend to hire a florist.
Invitations and programs: If you are crafty or you have some close family members or friends who are crafty, think about making your own invitations and/or ceremony programs. There are lots of samples and templates that you can browse for free online to get you started.
