A wedding is an expensive affair that often breaks the bank for newlyweds. Instead of pouring thousands of dollars into one single day, why not take on some of the essentials yourself, saving some of your hard-earned money for the honeymoon or your future home? Here are some beautiful and simple do-it-yourself tips that will save you money, and also give you the fairytale wedding you deserve.
- Make your own bouquet and don’t over-do the flowers
Bouquets can become expensive quickly, especially if you tag the word “wedding” onto the order when you decide on a florist. Many florists and other wedding services have a mark-up for the ‘big day’, so avoid dropping the ‘w-word’ if you can. Instead, find a friend who is a gardening expert and co-opt them into a trip to the greenhouse. Designing your own bouquet is fairly simply and adds a lovely personal touch. Also if you decide to make your own flower arrangements, be sure to obtain flower preservative from a florist or greenhouse to keep them fresh the night before the big day.
- Decorate and set-up yourself
Wedding decorations can quickly become gaudy if they are over the top. Simple and elegant is best and who better to make that happen than you! Keep the decorations simple and natural in order to make an elegant wedding. An example is to use mason jars with tea lights in them and springs of pine on the side or subtle flowers alongside the chairs. Using natural elements for a simple wedding also keeps it looking fresh and is a better option than buying cheap and fake decorations. By setting up yourself, you also save on the costs of hiring a crew to do it. Instead of asking for wedding gifts, why not ask for wedding help? That’s what a wedding party is for, right?
- Have your wedding at a low-cost location with natural beauty
If you have a beautiful outdoor venue at your disposal, why not use that instead of paying an arm and a leg for a private venue? Look at public parks or use a friend’s backyard who lives somewhere scenic. Public parks have a cost, but then you are supporting the upkeep of their green space and it is still much more cost-effective than a private venue. Finding a setting that is by a lakeside or has mountains in the background creates a naturally beautiful wedding and ultimately saves you money. It also creates a great energy on your big day by breathing in fresh air and seeing the sunshine glint off your beautiful dress. Outdoor weddings for the win!
- Buy your dress off the rack
Wedding dresses can run into the thousands and many women get sucked into buying an overly expensive gown bedazzled with one-of-a-kind jewels and all the extras that come with it. Ditch the overdone look and let your family and friends revel in your natural beauty. If you go for a more elegant and simple dress (with a bit of bedazzling to be sure), then it will save on unnecessary costs and you will still look ravishing. Also, buy the dress off the rack if you can to save on costs of ordering one. It is a dress to be used for one day only. Let’s not go over the top ladies.
- Get a photography student for wedding photos
Wedding photos are so expensive. Not to say they aren’t important though, as they preserve the memories of your big day. Instead of opting for a big-time expensive photographer, make use of the little guys (they will love you for it!). Being in the media world, I can name 10 photographers off hand that are extremely talented, but can’t find work because of their lack of experience. By giving student photographers a chance to do your photos, you will reap the benefits of lowered rates and help someone move forward in their career. Just ask for a portfolio of samples first and give the newbie a whirl.
Overall, there are many ways to cut down on costs for your wedding by simply doing it yourself. It is also a great way to spend time with your bridesmaids and loved ones. I’ve always found the process of creation creates a more authentic and positive experience than getting other people to do it for you.
What are your D.I.Y wedding ideas? Let Women’s Post know in the comments below.
