A Wedding On A Budget: Cheap But Chic

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, with the average wedding in the United States costing just under $34,000. However, there are numerous ways to cut costs and make your special day look nice without breaking the bank. From choosing the right venue to clever decoration and catering hacks, here are some tips to help you plan a beautiful wedding on a budget.

Reuse flowers from the ceremony at the reception

Flowers are an essential part of any wedding, but they can be expensive. Reusing flowers from the ceremony at the reception is a great way to save money and ensure that they don't go to waste. Here are some tips to help you reuse your flowers effectively:

Plan Ahead

Before the wedding, discuss your plans with your florist. Ask them to design the bouquets with your table decor in mind and get advice on keeping the flowers fresh throughout the day. If your florist is willing to stay and help move the flowers, it may be worth paying an extra fee for this service. Alternatively, delegate the task to a family member or friend who would feel important being given a job to do at the wedding.

Choose the Right Flowers

When selecting flowers for the ceremony, opt for varieties that will last outside of water. Hydrangeas, for example, require a lot of water and wilt quickly. Ask your florist for recommendations on hardy flowers that will withstand the conditions and remain fresh throughout the day.

Consider the Logistics

If you're moving flowers from the ceremony to the reception, ensure you have the right containers and a smooth process for transporting them. For example, if you're using mason jars filled with flowers, ensure they are wide enough to support the weight of the flowers and won't tip over. If you're moving large arrangements, such as a floral arch, confirm that you have the necessary vehicles and manpower to do so safely.

Repurpose Creatively

There are numerous ways to repurpose flowers from the ceremony at the reception. Bridesmaids' bouquets can be used as centrepieces, either by placing them in vases or scattering the petals on tables. Floral arrangements from the aisle can be used around the dance floor, and a floral arch can serve as a backdrop for the sweetheart table. If you have flowers hanging in jars from shepherd's hooks, these can be transferred to the reception area for additional decor.

Combine with Other Elements

To create visually appealing centrepieces, combine the flowers with other decorative elements. For example, you could place a flower or two in gold bottles or scatter petals on tables with candles or other decorations. This will enhance the visual impact and ensure your tables look elegant and well-coordinated.

By reusing flowers from the ceremony at the reception, you can save money, reduce waste, and create a cohesive and elegant look throughout your wedding celebrations.

Buy second-hand wedding decor

There are many ways to save money on your wedding decor without compromising on style. Buying second-hand is a great way to save money and be environmentally conscious. Here are some tips for buying second-hand wedding decor:

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay are excellent places to start your search for second-hand wedding decor. These platforms offer a wide variety of items, and you may even find people giving away items for free! You can search by area or browse specific items. It's also convenient if you're already a regular Facebook user, as you can see the seller's profile, which adds an extra layer of safety.

Wedding-Specific Platforms

There are also dedicated wedding-specific platforms and apps, such as Wedding Recycle, The Wedding Swap App, and Sell My Wedding, which connect brides and grooms looking to buy and sell pre-loved wedding items. These sites often have a wide range of gently used wedding decor, and you can find some great deals.

Payment Methods

When buying through these platforms, you can use various payment methods, including cash, PayPal, Venmo, or Chase QuickPay. If you're using PayPal, it is recommended to create a detailed invoice for your purchase to protect yourself in case of any disputes.

Items to Look For

The beauty of buying second-hand is that you can find a variety of items, from centrepieces, vases, and lanterns to decorative accents, signage, and tableware. You can also find unique items like oversized martini glasses, heart-shaped ornaments, or even a vintage decorative ladder to add a touch of charm to your wedding.

Benefits of Buying Second-Hand

Beyond the cost savings, buying pre-owned wedding decor is environmentally friendly, reducing waste, and creating a more sustainable event. Additionally, if you plan to sell your decor after your wedding, you can recoup some of your costs, making it a win-win situation!

So, if you're planning a wedding on a budget, don't hesitate to explore the world of second-hand wedding decor. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can find everything you need to make your big day beautiful and affordable.

Opt for a minimalistic theme

Opting for a minimalistic theme is a great way to make your wedding look nice without breaking the bank. Minimalist weddings embrace a "less is more" mindset, focusing on simple wedding decorations and a neutral colour palette. Here are some tips to achieve an elegant and stylish minimalist wedding:

Stationery and Signage

Keep your wedding stationery simple and elegant, with a monochromatic colour scheme and simplified typography. Black and white is a classic choice, but you can also opt for modified neutrals like silver, gold, grey, or dark green. For a modern twist, consider using vellum, a semi-transparent paper, for your invitations, ceremony programs, escort cards, and reception signage. A decorative greenery swag can also be added to your seating chart to dress it up.

Flowers and Centrepieces

Minimalist weddings often feature monochromatic wedding bouquets and centrepieces, with a focus on a single type of flower or greenery. This creates a sleek and elegant look without being too busy or fussy. For a unique twist, suspend your ceremony backdrop from the ceiling using clear fishing line, creating the illusion of a floating backdrop. For centrepieces, opt for simple bud vases with flowers in one colour or potted plants and succulents, accented with candles and fresh greenery.

Venue and Decor

Industrial venues, such as warehouses, lofts, and old factories, pair well with the minimalist aesthetic. These spaces often feature exposed brick, hardwood floors, and beamed ceilings, creating a cool, edgy backdrop that requires minimal additional decor. If you're looking for a more natural vibe, wooden benches and tables can add a subtle, organic touch to your decor. Fairy lights, paper lanterns, and string lights can also be used to create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere without breaking the bank.

Attire and Accessories

Minimalist wedding attire is all about sleek, uncomplicated styles. For the bride, an unembellished wedding dress with a slim silhouette, such as a sheath, A-line, or fit-and-flare, is a perfect choice. Pair it with sleek block-heeled sandals and a low ponytail for a chic and effortless look. The groom can opt for a fitted white tuxedo jacket, adding a modern edge while keeping the look streamlined. Thin metal rings and simple black or white tuxedos for the groomsmen will also complement the minimalist theme.

Cake

A minimalist wedding cake should have clean lines and a simple design. Consider a marbled fondant cake in grey and white, or a textured buttercream cake with just a few flowers or greenery for a subtle, elegant touch. For something truly unique, try a square cake with a Swiss dot pattern, adding a whimsical and understated detail.

By embracing a minimalist theme, you can create a stylish and elegant wedding that focuses on the most important details, without breaking your budget.

Choose an affordable venue that matches your aesthetic

The venue is the most significant expense in a wedding. It is also the most important factor in setting the tone and aesthetic of your wedding. Here are some tips to help you choose an affordable venue that matches your aesthetic:

Opt for a Non-Traditional Venue

A restaurant, a brewery, or a vacation house can be great options for an affordable wedding venue. These spots are unique and help you save money. Ensure that the venue is equipped to handle a large event, and factor in rental fees for additional items like tents, lighting, or portable restrooms. Restaurants, for instance, usually don't charge a venue fee, and you only pay for the food and drinks.

Choose a Venue Close to Home

Destination weddings can be expensive due to travel and accommodation costs for you and your guests. Sticking close to home is a more cost-effective option and feels right for affordable nuptials, as "home is where the heart is."

Explore Free or Low-Cost Venues

If you have access to a suitable backyard, consider holding the ceremony and reception there. Rentals for items like tents, chairs, and tables are relatively low-cost options for a beautiful backyard wedding. Alternatively, you can get married at the town hall, followed by a celebratory meal at a nearby affordable restaurant.

Time Your Wedding Strategically

The off-season for weddings, usually from January to March, offers lower venue costs. Venues would rather have a low-cost wedding than no wedding on a particular date, so you may even be able to haggle for a better deal. Fridays, Sundays, and weekdays are also typically more affordable days to book your wedding.

Hold the Ceremony and Reception in One Venue

Using a single venue for both the ceremony and reception is usually more affordable. It simplifies logistics and skips the need for a cocktail hour while guests travel to a separate reception site.

Pick a Venue That Matches Your Aesthetic

The right venue will already have decor, a colour scheme, and other design elements that fit your vision. This saves you money on decorations, as you only need to add a few personal touches to customise the space.

Use the Venue's Resources

Ask each venue about what is included in the rental fee. Some venues include items like tables, chairs, linens, or other amenities, which can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Be aware of upcharges for higher-quality items, and remember that a DIY venue or backyard wedding may require renting or buying additional items like flatware, serving dishes, and lighting.

By following these tips, you can find an affordable venue that aligns with your desired aesthetic, allowing you to create a beautiful and memorable wedding while staying within your budget.

Use lighting to set the tone

Lighting is a powerful tool to elevate the atmosphere of your wedding venue without breaking the bank. It can be used to highlight specific areas, create a romantic vibe, and even reduce the amount spent on other decorations.

• Consult a lighting designer: Before settling on a lighting style, discuss your options with a lighting designer. They can suggest ideas tailored to your venue and may have worked with your venue in the past. Many event designers, wedding florists, and venue coordinators can recommend a lighting specialist.
• Plan a site visit: The type and amount of lighting required will depend on the venue and time of day. Visit the venue at the same time as your wedding to assess the natural light and built-in lighting. If hosting outdoors, visit after dark to identify areas that need illumination and plan the mood lighting.
• Understand lighting types: Familiarize yourself with lighting options such as pin spot, color wash, gobos, LED, string lighting, and uplighting. Pin spotlights can highlight centerpieces or the wedding cake, while color wash creates a mood with a blanket of coloured light. Gobos are stencils that project designs or patterns, and LEDs offer vibrant hues and wireless capabilities.
• Create a magical atmosphere: String lighting, such as fairy lights or market lights, can add whimsy and charm to your wedding. Hang them vertically to create a ceremony backdrop, drape them from a tent for a canopy effect, or line ceremony aisles and outdoor pathways with luminaries for a romantic touch.
• Enhance the dance floor: A light-up dance floor will surprise and delight your guests. Pin lights or sparkling lights can add a magical feel, while a cool lighting installation will wow your guests.
• Play with colours: Uplighting can transform a space, so don't be afraid to go bold. Add a wash of colour to a converted warehouse or historic building, or give your wedding a frosty feel with icy blue lights. Pink colour-wash lighting will give your venue a romantic, rose-coloured glow.
• Use candles: Candles are an inexpensive way to create a warm and romantic atmosphere. Just ensure your venue allows open flames. Thrift stores often have interesting candle holders at bargain prices.
• Incorporate chandeliers: Chandeliers add elegance and intimacy to any setting. Bring the indoors out by hanging chandeliers over your outdoor dance floor, or transform a barn into a glamorous ballroom with light strands and chandeliers.

Frequently asked questions