5 Inconspicuous Ways to Cut Your Wedding Day Budget

Every wedding has a budget, some larger than others, but there isn’t a bride and groom in the process of planning their dream wedding day that doesn’t ask themselves one hundred times “how can we save more money?” Here are five ways to free up some cash so you can put it towards something you can’t imagine your wedding day without.

 

picture via eHow

1. Winter Wedding. A summer wedding may be a childhood dream shared by millions of brides, but as you start planning your big day, the idea of standing in the scorching sun in the middle of July doesn’t seem like a must-have time of year anymore. And why does it have to be? Over the past few years fall and winter weddings have become a huge trend, but lucky for you, some brides still like the hottest months and many venues are willing to discount their rental fee as much as 20 percent just for booking in their “less desirable months” between December and February. Winter weddings are gaining popularity but they are still quite unique and offer a variety of different theme and color palette options to choose from coordinated just for this time of year.




2. Save-the-date email. Sending a save-the-date card is now, in most cases, a standard procedure that brides follow and is an expected courtesy to inform guests well in advance of the wedding date and location so they can arrange travel and time away from work if necessary. We understand the importance of this “pre-invitation,” but nowhere is it said that you must mail out the save-the-date card. There are plenty of resources online to create fun, colorful images that can be used in your save-the-date email, and you can still print a few of them to send in the mail to your not-so-Internet-savvy guests. Sending your wedding day information in a thoughtful and creative email is not only a budget saving alternative, but an eco-friendly option as well!







3. Borrow ceremony to reception transportation. If you have a friend or family member who owns a vintage car ask if you can use it for transportation from the ceremony to your reception. This is an easy way to save money and add a touch of personal style to your day and will definitely make for some great pictures!







4. Candle Centerpieces. Using candles as an alternative to the traditional floral arrangement is a romantic, budget-friendly, and reusable centerpiece option. Ask your florist if they have candle holders available that you can rent directly through their company, or look into purchasing some of your own. Choose styles, colors, shapes and sizes that you can use in decorating your home after the wedding. You can purchase candles and holders at most craft supply stores, or online.







5. Signature Cocktail. Creating your own signature drink is a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding reception and also save big on your food & beverage bill. Offer your guests a thoughtfully crafted drink that ties in your interests, the color palette of your wedding, or something fun about your relationship. There is something for just about everyone with your signature cocktail in addition to a selection of beer and wine. For an added touch print your monogram or name and date of the wedding on miniature flags for bartenders to include in the drink – there are so many ways to personalize this and really make your reception stand out from all others, so have fun with it!