Simple Wedding Blunders: Cheapening The Big Day

There are many ways to make a wedding look cheap. From the dress to the decor, and even the food, there are a few pitfalls to avoid when planning a wedding on a budget. One of the biggest mistakes is going overboard with the details—from ruffles and bows to lace and rhinestones, too much going on can make a wedding dress look cheap. The same goes for decor—a few thoughtful, curated pieces will look more luxurious than several generic, clearance items. Similarly, a simple, all-white colour palette with metallic accents will give a wedding a glamorous feel without breaking the bank.

Cluttered decor

• Focus on high-impact florals: Invest most of your decor budget in floral arrangements. Opt for a simple tablescape with a charger, decoratively folded napkin, upgraded flatware, and a printed menu. Avoid cluttering the tables with too much decorations such as table runners, signage, and cake toppers.
• Keep it simple and minimalistic: Minimalism never goes out of style. Opt for simple table centerpieces, white accents, and affordable greenery. A minimalistic approach will not only make your wedding look sleek and stylish but will also reduce the amount of decor needed.
• Choose a venue that fits your vision: The venue will set the vibe for your wedding. Selecting a venue that aligns with your aesthetic will require less additional decor. Look for venues with built-in decor, such as an exposed brick wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, or a fireplace mantel.
• Use candles and lighting to create a romantic vibe: Candles are an inexpensive way to add warmth and romance to your wedding. Opt for real candles, such as tapered candlesticks or candle holders, and dim the lights to create a cozy atmosphere. You can also use string lights or uplighting to enhance the ambiance.
• Repurpose your florals and decor: To get the most out of your flowers and decorations, reuse them in different areas of your wedding. For example, use your bridesmaid bouquets as centerpieces, the wedding arch as a backdrop for your sweetheart table, or the aisle arrangements around the dance floor.
• Focus on quality over quantity: Instead of filling your space with numerous decorations, choose a few statement pieces that will create a lasting impression. Opt for unique table linens, a floral arch, or colorful candles to accent your centerpieces.
• Avoid too much signage: While escort cards and table numbers are important for your guests' experience, avoid excessive signage that can make your wedding look cluttered. Keep the signage simple and elegant, and consider using the same font and design throughout for a cohesive look.

Poor lighting

Plan for the Right Lighting

The first step in ensuring your wedding doesn't look cheap due to poor lighting is to plan ahead. Visit the venue at the same time of day as your wedding to get a sense of the natural light and built-in lighting. If you're hosting the wedding outdoors, visit the site after dark to identify what needs to be illuminated for safety and ambiance.

Consult a Lighting Designer

Most venues don't offer lighting services, so you'll likely need to bring in a specialist. A lighting designer can make suggestions and show you pictures of various lighting arrangements. They may also have a background in theater, using similar techniques to create dramatic effects.

Learn Basic Lighting Lingo

Understanding basic lighting terms can help you communicate your vision effectively. Here are some common lighting techniques used at weddings:

• Pin spot: A focused beam of light that highlights specific objects, like centerpieces or the wedding cake.
• Color wash: A blanket of colored light that covers an area to create a mood or alter the appearance of decor.
• Gobos: Circular stencils placed over lights to project designs or patterns onto walls, ceilings, or floors.
• LED: Light-emitting diodes that use less electricity, emit less heat, and offer more discreet lighting options.
• String lighting: Strands of lights that create a magical effect, often used for Christmas or market lights.
• Uplighting: A technique that involves lighting "up" the event space to draw attention to architectural details or add color.

Match Lighting to Your Wedding Style

The type of lighting you choose should complement the style of your wedding. Here are some ideas for different wedding themes:

• Classic: Crystal chandeliers, wall sconces, and silver candelabras create an elegant, soft glow.
• Rustic: Market lights or luminaries add a whimsical touch to outdoor spaces. For a more eclectic look, try mason jar or Edison bulb chandeliers.
• Romantic: Twinkle lights hung vertically or draped from a tent create a starry-sky effect. Suspended lanterns or mini lanterns as escort cards enhance the romantic ambiance.
• Modern: Color-wash lighting in hues like pink and purple adds a contemporary vibe. LED lights in floral arrangements and projected patterns on walls or ceilings create a tech-savvy atmosphere.
• Edgy: Wedding uplighting and iron lantern clusters complement a converted warehouse or historic building venue. Custom marquee signs or vertical market lights add a unique touch.

Consider Natural Light and Available Light Photography

Natural light and available light photography can result in beautiful, naturalistic images, but they require careful planning. Identify sources of environmental light, such as windows, doorways, candles, and hanging luminaries. Use fast prime lenses to let in more light and blur out problematic light sources or unattractive details. Bump up the ISO and slow the shutter speed to capture more ambient light.

In conclusion, by planning ahead, consulting specialists, understanding lighting techniques, matching lighting to your style, and considering natural light, you can ensure your wedding lighting looks elegant and not cheap.

Cheap-looking dress

While it's important to choose a wedding dress that suits your style and personality, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to avoid your dress looking cheap. Here are some tips to help you achieve a sophisticated and elegant look without breaking the bank:

Fabric and Material

Opt for high-quality, luxurious fabrics such as silk or handmade lace. Synthetic fabrics like polyester are often used in mass-market bridal brands to cut costs, but they can make the dress look cheap. Choose a simpler dress made from better materials rather than a flashy dress made from inferior fabrics. If you're on a budget, consider buying your dress second-hand and having it tailored to fit your body perfectly.

Colour

Bright, optic white can be harsh and may cause the details of the dress to get lost, especially in photos. Consider choosing a softer white shade like ivory or cream, or even incorporating some colour into your wedding look.

Fit

Ensure your dress fits you properly. If you're constantly hiking up your strapless dress or spilling out of the neckline, it will look cheap. A dress that is tailored to your body will always look more expensive.

Details and Embellishments

Less is more when it comes to details. Ruffles, bows, beading, 3D lace, and giant rhinestone clips can be overwhelming and make the dress look indecisive. Focus on one main decorative statement, and don't be afraid to leave some parts of the dress unadorned for a more balanced look. Be careful with 3D embellishments as they can look cheap if they are too bulky.

Style

Avoid anything that looks like a sexy bride Halloween costume. Visible corsetry, lace-up fronts or backs, and extreme cleavage can make a dress look cheap, especially if it's on the cheaper side. Stick to one or two statement features such as a high slit, plunging neckline, or illusion panelling.

Accessories

Most wedding dresses don't need many accessories, especially if they are already embellished. Heavy-handed accessorising can cheapen the whole look. Limit yourself to one statement accessory, such as a jewelled belt or a tiara, but not both.

Length

Avoid high-low dresses at all costs. They always look cheap. Instead, decide on a length—long or short—and stick to it.

Remember, it's important to feel confident and beautiful in your wedding dress. Choose a dress that reflects your personal style and makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Inappropriate accessories

Accessories are a great way to elevate your wedding look without breaking the bank. However, inappropriate or overly done accessories can cheapen your wedding look. Here are some tips to avoid this:

Avoid Over-accessorizing

Most wedding dresses do not need many extra accessories to complete the look, especially if they already have embellishments. Heavy-handed accessorizing can cheapen the wedding look. It is best to dial down the jewellery and limit yourself to one attention-grabbing accessory. For instance, choose either a jewelled belt or a tiara, not both.

Avoid Inappropriate Jewellery

Avoid accessories that make your wedding dress look like a "sexy bride Halloween costume". Things like visible corsetry, lace-up backs or fronts, and extreme cleavage can make an otherwise sophisticated dress look cheap. Instead, focus on just one of these features.

Avoid Incompatible Accessories

Ensure that your accessories complement your wedding dress and its embellishments. For instance, a simple dress with metallic accents can be paired with gold jewellery or a gold tiara.

Avoid Overly Sparkly Accessories

While a touch of sparkle can add glamour to your wedding look, too much glitter can be overwhelming and cheapen the overall aesthetic. Use glitter sparingly and only on a few elements of your decor to draw attention to key areas.

Avoid Inappropriate Belts

Belts can be a great way to accentuate your waist and add interest to your wedding dress. However, avoid belts that are too attention-grabbing or do not match the style of your dress. For example, a jewelled belt with a simple dress can look mismatched.

Avoid Incompatible Colours

When choosing accessories, consider the colour palette of your wedding dress and the overall wedding theme. Incompatible colours can cheapen the look and make it seem mismatched. For instance, if you are going for an all-white wedding theme, ensure your accessories are in a similar colour scheme.

In conclusion, inappropriate accessories can cheapen your wedding look. It is important to choose accessories that complement your wedding dress and the overall theme, without being too overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is to keep it simple, elegant, and classy.

Lack of transportation for guests

A lack of transportation for guests can make a wedding look cheap. Here are some reasons why providing transportation is beneficial and adds value to your special day:

Convenience and Accessibility

Firstly, providing transportation for your guests can be a thoughtful gesture, especially if your wedding venue is in a remote or hard-to-reach location. By arranging transport, you ensure that your guests can easily travel to and from the venue, eliminating the stress of navigating unfamiliar areas or relying on limited transportation options.

Safety and Comfort

Arranging transportation can also prioritize the safety and comfort of your guests, especially if alcohol is being served at your wedding. With designated drivers or shuttle services, your guests won't have to worry about drinking and driving, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the celebration without concern for their safety.

Timely Arrivals

Additionally, providing transportation can help ensure that your guests arrive at the wedding venue on time. This is especially important if you have a large guest list, as coordinating the arrivals of many people can be challenging. By offering transportation, you can minimize the risk of delays and keep your wedding schedule on track.

Enhancing the Guest Experience

Transportation can also elevate the overall experience for your guests. It adds a touch of luxury and makes guests feel valued. Whether it's a shuttle bus, a vintage car, or a unique mode of transport, it can be a fun and memorable part of the wedding experience.

Peace of Mind

Finally, providing transportation can give you, the host, peace of mind. You won't have to worry about guests getting lost, dealing with parking issues, or driving under the influence. It's one less thing to worry about, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.

While providing transportation may incur additional costs, it can significantly enhance the guest experience and ensure a smooth and enjoyable celebration for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions