So you decided to get married and set a date, but realize you have a small and limited budget. Creating a special and memorable wedding day is possible and you don’t need to feel deprived. It’s a one day event and you can have the wedding of your dreams without all the expense, stress and getting into debt. Rejoice in the opportunity to show your fiancé and family that the heart of the wedding is about love and celebration, not a material show that shouts dollar signs and extravagance. The money you save on a frugal wedding is money that could be used for your future house. Here are 10 ways to create a frugal wedding that will impress and inspire your guests.
1. Create your own invitations. There is no need to pay a printer to typeset wedding invitations when today so many publishing and software design programs are available free and at your fingertips. You can buy your own cardstock online at wholesale prices, and even choose textured and linen papers that are beautiful. You can use free clipart or create your own art design or color splash to match the color theme of your wedding day. If you are especially creative or artistic or have creative friends, they can help you hand paint your envelopes or hand paint cardstock with a splash of real watercolor paints.
2. Choosing your wedding dress. A wedding dress is special, but the most important thing about your dress is that it reflects your personality and compliments your body shape. Don’t rule out a wedding dress that has already been used, because most wedding dresses are only used once! You can peruse vintage clothing shops, consignment shops ,online auctions, newspaper ads, and even look to your family for an heirloom dress that will hold extra meaning for the occasion. Sometimes a simple alteration is all you need. Also consider the idea of a beautiful white dress that may not be a formal wedding gown but would also be perfect for your special day. With the internet at your fingertips you can easily search for white dresses and you would be amazed at what beautiful choices you have even under $200!
4. Make your own centerpieces. Buying matching vases at your dollar store or candles and decorative glass rocks along with ribbon or lace will work beautifully for holding fresh flowers. You might even have a family member or friend who can give you fresh flowers from their rose garden or flower bed. If you have to buy flowers, don’t place so much emphasis on specialness of the flowers, but on simple beauty and low cost. Even daisies, which are an inexpensive flower, are lovely and you can get them dyed in colors if you like.
5. Wedding decorations can be bought for up to 80 percent off if you buy them off season or watch the sales at your local craft stores or craft departments of mainstream stores. Don’t forget to search online for wonderful craft supply deals and items you can buy in bulk for decorating.
6. You don’t need to hire a photographer for the whole affair. You can set an appointment at a photography studio for a small group photo and a few bride and groom wedding shots you intend to make many copies of. You can go there immediately after the ceremony and then head straight to the reception. The rest of your pictures at the reception can be taken for free by family members or friends. Today with digital cameras you have software at your finger tips to do things such as crop a photo, brighten a picture, remove red eye, enhance color etc. Also have disposable cameras available for guests to take pictures and in the end you will have hundreds and hundreds of pictures and there will be at least a couple of dozen you will love. I have personally seen wedding photos taken by guests that were far more natural and professional looking than hired photographers!
7. An outdoor backyard reception will save you money from renting a hall and can be even more beautiful than indoors. You can rent a large tent if you are concerned about whether. For food, you can use a combination of catering and family prepared dishes for an awesome array of buffet food items. If you want liquor, it is not necessary to provide every drink under the sun, but having wine and beer will usually do the trick. So have plenty of ice buckets and your guests will have their fill of alcoholic beverages.
8. Wedding rings are a symbol of love, and if your love is true, you don’t need to measure it by price or designer prices. Simple gold wedding bands are inexpensive. You might even have the option of using wedding bands passed down from family members, such as a great grandmother. It can be an heirloom that is priceless and romantic and costs you nothing.
9. You don’t have to have a live band to have great music. All people care about is music they love and puts them in a festive and dancing mood. Consider making several mix tapes or cds or an mp3’s of all the music you love. It will be even more variety than any band can play anyway! The cost, if you already own the music, will just be time. And chances are, you have a music lover in the family who would delight in putting together such a collection.
10. Instead of buying a high priced fancy wedding cake, why not have a variety of cakes you create in shaped cake pans, such as hearts. You can have a variety of flavors and frostings and decorations that will tantalize both the eyes and the taste buds. You will save literally hundreds of dollars! The cakes can be garnished with flowers, or fresh fruits, or decorative candies. The cake trays can be surrounded with lace and doilies. A few lovely marzipans could be just the right embellishment. If you really want a tranditional wedding topper, you can often buy one from a bakery, or any online store that sells cake decorating supplies.
