Planning A Budget-Friendly September Wedding: Tips And Tricks

Planning a wedding on a budget? It is possible to create your dream wedding for $1,000 or less, and September is a great time to do it. Suppliers are in high demand during the summer months, so you may find better rates in the autumn. You can also save money by sending digital invites and doing your own hair and makeup.

Venue selection

To save money, you could consider hosting your wedding at home, or in the backyard of your childhood home. This creates immediate intimacy and a comfortable ambiance. If you don't want to host at home, you could consider a public space such as a national, state or city park, beach or garden. In most cases, you'll need an event permit to reserve the space without running into legal issues. While some public locations are free, most cost a couple of hundred dollars. Prices may fluctuate depending on the specific area, number of guests, presence of food or alcohol, length of event, insurance fees and other factors.

If you're set on a specific venue, consider getting married in the off-season. Suppliers will charge more during the summer months, so you might find better rates in the autumn and winter.

• The courtyard of the Boston Public Library
• The Guastavino Room at the Boston Public Library
• Providence Public Library in Rhode Island
• An open rooftop event venue in NYC

Flowers

If you have your heart set on real flowers, you could try to save money by doing your own flower arrangements. Ling's Moment offers a DIY flower kit for $279.99.

Attire

September is a popular month for weddings, which means suppliers will be in high demand and therefore more expensive. To save money, you could opt for a second-hand wedding dress or buy one from a high-street store. You could also rent a tuxedo, which is cheaper than buying one.

If you have your heart set on a new wedding dress, look for sample sales or dresses from previous seasons, which will be heavily discounted. You could also consider buying a dress online, which is often cheaper than buying from a bridal boutique.

When it comes to hair and makeup, you can save money by doing it yourself or asking a talented friend to help out. If you want a professional, look for someone who is just starting out and building their portfolio, as they will charge less.

Finally, don't forget to set aside a small amount of your budget for any last-minute emergencies or oversights. Experts recommend setting aside 10% of your budget for miscellaneous expenses.

Hair and makeup

Planning a wedding on a budget can be challenging, but it is possible to have a beautiful and affordable celebration. One way to save money is to avoid having your wedding during the summer months, as suppliers will charge more due to increased demand.

When it comes to hair and makeup, there are a few ways to keep costs down. Firstly, consider doing your own hair and makeup or asking a talented friend or family member to help. This can be a fun and budget-friendly option, but it may require some practice and experimentation beforehand. You can find many tutorials and inspiration online or in magazines, and it is a good idea to do a few trials beforehand to ensure you are happy with the look.

Another option is to look for student hairdressers or makeup artists who may offer their services at a discounted rate. You can often find adverts for these services at local colleges or universities, or you could contact the institutions directly to inquire about student rates.

If you prefer to hire a professional, be sure to shop around and compare prices. Ask for recommendations from friends or family, and look for reviews online. You may also be able to save money by having your hair and makeup done at the salon rather than having the stylist come to you.

Finally, consider the products you will use. If you are doing your own hair and makeup, you may need to purchase some supplies. Look for affordable options at drugstores or beauty supply stores, or ask friends and family if they have any products they are willing to lend or give you. You could also consider buying multi-use products, such as a lip and cheek tint, to save money and reduce waste.

Photography

One of the biggest expenses of a wedding is the photographer. To keep costs down, consider hiring a student photographer. You can find one by contacting a local university or college and asking for recommendations. Student photographers will charge a lower rate than professionals, and you can also ask them to provide you with the raw image files so that you can edit them yourself.

Another option is to ask friends and family members to take photos. This can be a fun way to involve your loved ones in the wedding planning process, and it will also save you money. You can provide them with a list of must-have shots, such as the first dance and the cake cutting, and let them capture the rest of the day as they see fit.

If you're not comfortable with the idea of hiring a student or relying on friends and family, you could also consider a professional photographer who offers a package deal. Many photographers will offer a discounted rate for a certain number of hours or a specific number of photos. Shop around and compare prices to find the best deal, and don't be afraid to negotiate.

Finally, remember that you don't need to have a professional photographer for the entire day. You can hire someone for a few hours to capture the ceremony and key moments, and then rely on your guests' photos for the rest of the day. This will save you money and also give you a variety of perspectives and styles.

Frequently asked questions