So you’re planning a wedding, and you want to see your wedding dreams come true but a wedding budget is holding you back. I am here to tell you it is possible to still have a beautiful wedding. Here are some tips and things to consider for a budget-friendly wedding.
Consider Your Priorities
First things first, you have to know what is really important to you for your big day. Sit down and really deep dive into what both of you want. This won’t be the same for everyone and will really help you figure out what you want to spend money on. Whether that is food, bar service, florals, photographer, planner, etc. Everyone’s priorities and non-negotiables are different.
Faux Florals
There are many reasons to consider faux florals for your wedding but the cost is definitely one of them. They are cheaper, more durable, and much more weather resistant then real florals. Others will argue that they don’t look the same but I have worked with faux florals many times now and honestly they look just as good for a better price. Some faux florists will do rentals as well which helps the price cause you return them after.
I personally have worked with Magnolia Floral Artistry here in Edmonton multiple times and have her on my preferred vendor list. Below is a picture of one of her bouquets, made of fake and dried materials.
Get Flowers On Sale A Couple Days Before
For my aunt’s wedding, she didn’t really care about her florals. We went to Costco the day before the wedding and grabbed whatever flowers we could that were on sale. We aimed for white but obviously if you’re doing it this way you take what you can get and you may have to go to multiple places.
Consider Un “Traditional” Wedding Food
If you are having a smaller wedding this is something to consider. For bigger weddings, I think that traditional caterers are 100% the way to go and save you money. But I went to a wedding where they had Olive Garden cater it, my personal favourite food at a wedding was a pig roast, it was delicious and a great price. Food trucks are awesome! Think outside of the box…
Rent or Buy Used Decor
There are a lot of companies that have large inventories of wedding decor that they rent out for day use. Not only is this cheaper but it’s also a lot better for the environment. A second option is to buy from past brides who no longer need their decor. Facebook Wedding Buy and Sells are great for this.
If you are in the Edmonton area I strongly recommend renting decor from Cassy with Cassidy Brooke Events. Below is a setup full of her rentals.
Use A Backyard
This isn’t an option for everyone, because let’s face it big weddings don’t fit into backyards but for the people, it is an option for it’s a great money saver. Venues can be expensive and guess what lots of venues will let you pay a rate to go take photos there for an hour soooooo… you can consider that for your bridal portraits and save the money. If you have a backyard wedding, make sure to be a good neighbour and warn your neighbours about what is happening maybe gift them a bottle of wine as well. Also, make sure to get all the correct permits for one.
Use Vendors Who Are Just Starting Out
Some people in the industry might crucify me for this because obviously, we want you to spend money on us. But it’s one way to save money on your wedding day. You do have to REMEMBER though you get what you pay for. We all start somewhere and we often are cheaper at the beginning because we don’t always know what we’re doing, and have the experience to charge a lot. I did my first wedding for like $400 .
This does go back to knowing what matters to you on your wedding day. If photos are something that you can’t wait for and want to love forever, please spend the money on them. But if it’s not, then that’s okay, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the individuals who booked me when I was new.
Opt For Digital Invites and Skip Save The Dates
In the age of technology save the dates are not necessary anymore because you can text someone and say “hey ____ is my wedding date please make sure you’re available”! Making, printing, and sending these spends more budget than you think. For your actual invites consider just sending out digital ones. But if you are more traditional, also consider doing them yourselves. A good printer (or sites like vista print) and a basic template are all your really need.
Although custom invites are absolutely stunning if you have the budget for them.
If you’re in the Edmonton area Straight Drive North is an incredible calligrapher. She hand-painted the jacket in the below photo.
Have someone who knows you officiate…
In Alberta (as of 2020) you can now apply to be temporary marriage commissioner. It takes about a week to get it and there is no cost, temporary marriage commissioners are only for civil ceremonies and are not allowed to charge. It’s such a great option on a budget and also who doesn’t want to have someone they love marry them! Just makes it extra special
Read more about this here
Ditch The Wedding Favours
It’s honestly insane how often those favours you spent your money on just get left behind. Ditch the customized shot glasses, please don’t get fish for each table, and everything else. It will save you money. If you must have favours do something like jelly beans in your wedding colours, or a cupcake to take home. But truthfully no-one is going to think anything less of your wedding without these.
BYOB
Ask your venue if you can bring in your own booze instead of using there booze. Look for sales and order in bulk. If you have to use theirs, ask for A La Carte pricing where you pay for what gets used not just a flat rate. Remember that when bringing your own booze yes Kegs seem cheaper but with kegs, you often can’t return any unused but will be able to return unopen bottles of wine and liqueurs.
Toonie bars are also a great way to help cover cost and still keeps guests happy!
Don’t leave wine or champagne on the table
I can’t count on my fingers how many times I’ve had another glass of wine because it was right in front of me and I didn’t want it to go to waste. Guests will drink more if it’s right in front of them. By keeping it behind the bar, it will help you save money because your guests will leave more. Also, professionals behind the bar will spill a lot less.
Enjoy your wedding and remember that the amount of money you spend on your wedding has no direct correlation to how wonderful it will be!
Click HERE to read my blog post 15 tips for better wedding photos.
