Budget weddings - Let’s talk DIY tips and cutting costs for your wedding if you have a small budget | Nottingham & Lincolnshire natural wedding photographer
5 of our best tips on how to plan a wedding on a small budget and how you can save money!
1- Money: Getting organized!
When you get engaged set up a new bank account and make this your SAVINGS for your wedding ONLY - you cannot spend anything other than exclusively for your wedding with this money. This way you can pay through your wedding bank account for your wedding without confusing your day-to-day living costs and keep yourself organized. Some banks even give incentives for opening an account, so look around for those offers, ICA’s can give you interest while only allowing 3 transaction withdrawals a year; which can prevent you from dipping into it, for any reason. Teaming up with a timeline of what you need to buy and when can ensure everything runs smoothly for you - I know that balancing money can be a juggling act for some people.
Ps; Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount, it may not always be possible from small independent businesses, but if you don’t ask, you’ll never know! You may be lucky and get a cheeky little discount, or something thrown in for free.
2- Food:
Want to save on money, instead of having to pay for a wedding breakfast and wedding reception buffet, you can get married later on in the day, say 3 pm, and then have a meal afterward. Therefore, all your guests are already having breakfast and lunch at home before your wedding day, this can save you thousands! You also don’t have to go for a traditional 3-course meal, you can opt for something completely different, after all, it’s your wedding day.
You can also make your cake, or get a family member or close friend to make it for you to save on costs. If no one is a good baker, or you are short on time, just get a plain cake from the shop and then all you have to do is decorate it to make it yours, then you have a unique budget-friendly cake!
3- DIY- Make it yourself:
What can you make and borrow to save on cost? Make your decor, bake your own wedding cake, put together a DIY photo booth complete with props, or create personal wedding details yourself for less than buying new!
Wedding stationery is one thing that you can create yourself. Choose a colorful envelope that goes with your wedding color scheme, opt for just the main details, and ask for RSVPs via email to save on the reply envelopes!
Borrow what you can
One way to get some great wedding decor for less is to borrow items from family and friends. From borrowing vases for your candy buffet to your accessories, and decor on the day - if you are happy to share your theme before your wedding day, you may find you have friends and family happy to help - it'll cover your “something borrowed” and it's planet friendly too!
4 - Choose an off-peak wedding date:
Did you know your wedding date can actually affect the cost of your celebration? But by choosing an off-peak month or having your wedding midweek you could save a considerable chunk. You can reduce your venue costs by around 15-20% by booking your wedding on a weekday.
I hope these tips help and inspire you.
Victoria Lousie.
