Elegant Weddings on a Budget
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Savvy Brides know how to find a good deal and how to be elegant on a budget. Having a stylish and tasteful wedding does not have to break the bank. All it takes is a little creativity and ingenuity! Below are some of tips from Savvy Brides founder, Mandy Daddia on ways to cut the cost, but not the class.
- The most important thing to do is to talk to your fiancé and work out what you will or will not compromise on. If you have always envisaged your wedding in spring, don’t book it in winter because it is cheaper, you will end up feeling compromised. Perhaps neither of you mind if it is not a sit down dinner or that you have candle centrepieces instead of flowers. Pick money savers that are realistic for both of you.
- Use flowers for your bouquets and centrepieces that are in season.
- Skip ‘save the date’ and RSVP cards. 99% of your guests will be able to receive them on email and the other 1% can be dealt with by a quick phone call. You will save on printing and stamps.
- Save money on decor by being creative. Buying antique vases from markets, second hand stores and on websites like ebay can look gorgeous and unique while saving you heaps of cash.
- Use family heirlooms – your mum or grandmother may have the perfect engagement ring sitting in their jewellery box. If they are not exactly what you are after, consider having them reset or altered to suit your needs.
- Find something borrowed! A veil, a dress, a flowergirl basket or anything else. Friends and family are often touched and flattered to be asked to borrow something that they used at their wedding. Just make sure you have it professionally cleaned straight after the wedding. You can also borrow a car from a close friend or family member instead of paying hundreds of dollars to hire a limousine.
- Use local fruit and vegetables that are in season in your menu. Not only is it a money saver, it is tastier and better for the environment too.
- Having your wedding out of season can save you heaps. Many of venues charge a premium for having a wedding in spring. Having your wedding just a week before the start of spring could be a huge money saver.
- Day time weddings are often much cheaper than evening ones and they can be as classy and as much fun.
- Try hunting online for unique and inexpensive wedding items. www.etsy.com has beautiful veils , jewellery, bridesmaid gifts, jewellery and wedding favours that you can buy and have mailed to you. Lots of items are handmade and very inexpensive. Explore other online retailers to see what other bargains you can find.
- Make your flowers go further by using your bridesmaid bouquets as centrepieces or arrangements on the cake table. Use the same flower arrangements from your ceremony venue at your reception.
- Have a monochromatic colour scheme (ie: one colour). This looks very elegant without having to spend a fortune. Think ruby red drinking glasses, red table runners and red flowers.
- There is no need to have a separate dessert course. Serve your cake with some ice cream or berries instead.
- Negotiate with suppliers to see if you can get a better price. Mentioning to your florist or caterer that you are trying to save costs they may suggest a more inexpensive option that you had not considered.
