7 Tips for Budget Brides on their Wedding Day

Posted by Christina | Wednesday February 19, 2014

Weddings are my deep down hidden obsession, please don't tell anyone. My secret wedding board on Pinterest is filled with beautiful dresses, sparkly diamonds and obviously all my decorations. I hope I'm not alone in my wedding planning obsession. Whether you are a bride-to-be or are hoping to one day marry Ryan Gosling, it's never too early to start thinking about some tips and tricks to save some money on your big day!

When planning a wedding the first place to start would be to obviously have someone super cute and lovable to marry, but also to do your research! This is possibly the most important and fabulous day and it is all yours so know what you want. (Start a secret pinterest wedding board. Now!) Next you'll have to set a budget, which you will try your hardest to not go over. Also, be sure to set a date and venue at least two years in advance. From what I hear these are the easy steps, but don't worry Bridal Chicks we've got you covered. Here are some tips and tricks from Oliver and Bonacini Events on how to plan the wedding of your dreams on a budget! Cue squeels of excitement because I want to get married...... like now (just don't tell the BF)!

#1. Trust an expert: Having a wedding planner is not the worst idea in the world, it takes major stress off of you and they can offer you deals using their experience and connections that you may have not been able to get without them.

#2. Embrace the off-season: To save some money on venue, pick a date between January – April (wedding off-season) and you won't have any competition when picking wedding photo spots.

#3. Venue Value: Pick a venue that offers you more than just a room. Some venues offer linens and in house djs. Also picking venues that are part of resorts can allow you to hold a weekend-long wedding with Bachelor/Bachelorette parties for extra savings.

#4. Bar-Bargain: Finding out that there is an open bar at a wedding is like winning a lottery, but it can also cost you a fortune. Give your guests what they want by ordering beer, wine, and one signiture cocktail for the night. It's the perfect compromise.

#5. Intimate Affair: You don't need to invite that great great great aunt who you only call once a year. I'm giving you permission, you don't need to invite her. Be sure to limit your guest list to family and friends who are closest to you. This will help avoid unnecessary costs.

#6. Wiggle Room: Make a list of your top ten must have's for your wedding and cut it in half, anything not on that list should not make an appearance in your budget to slash costs of over spending.

#7. Family Fare: Save on servers from the venue and go buffet style or serve food family style by passing food around the table just like at home.

These tips and tricks are bound to make your wedding day cheap and beautiful! Another way to gain some expert advice on planning your dream wedding is by heading to a wedding show.

What are some of your wedding tips and tricks? Did you have a budget when planning your wedding and how hard was it to stay on top of it?

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11 Comments

	on May 05, 2016 jmca 9,275 said: try DIY
	on May 04, 2015 11kalf 15,985 said: The open bar considerations are helpful - I didnt know you could narrow down the options!
	on November 20, 2014 glumbumble 10,038 said: I definitely don't believe in spending a lot of money on a wedding. I think that money is better spent on a vacation for the husband and wife, or using it towards a down payment on a house. I bought my dress off ebay for $200 (ended up selling it for $300 when I was done with it) and it was very beautiful and looked like the thousand dollar dress my friend had in a similar style. We also only had immediate family at the wedding and we paid for an officiant and did it at his house, which is one thing I do regret. I wish we'd been able to go to a better venue. But that was only about $80 or so. And for the reception we went to the Mandarin (everyone paid for themselves) and then to my father-in-law's house which was very nicely decorated and his girlfriend provided the food and cake. So in the end, we made money off our wedding. And I just have to shake my head at anyone who goes into debt over theirs.
	on March 12, 2014 Diane32 806 said: These are great tips thanks!
	on March 04, 2014 joblackheart 638 said: I guess I'm a naysayer lol. Again, a lot of money spent! I have been married twice, 1st time I had a dream wedding, my dream! Second time, I realised the first was more money than We should have spent, should have gone on better honeymoon! So there's what we did. No wedding planner, hall instead of church, beautiful dresses, of course. Pot luck! We paid for ingredients & gave the guests a recipe so the dinner was marvellous! The guests really enjoyed helping out! Then we went to a resort for an extended honeymoon. So much better, more relaxed. One word of advice, slow down & enjoy your wedding!
	on February 25, 2014 imfeehily 8,865 said: Save the money.
	on February 25, 2014 wendyroy 25,308 said: The advice about alcoholic beverages is spot on - have been to way too many weddings where guests confuse open bar for free drinks - someone is paying for them. I see people get a drink, visit, and leave their drink, and go get another without a second thought. And If you are planning your special day, talk to other recent brides and get their ideas on where they thought they may have over-spent.
	on February 25, 2014 KatelynRose1984 20,704 said: Great advice and tips for keeping the perfect budget!
	on February 20, 2014 fredamans 12,209 said: I've been planning my wedding for the last two years! :-D
	on February 19, 2014 dianehlavca 592 said: Am planning a wedding. Our debate is if we should do off season, much better prices. Just always dreamed of a spring for summer wedding. Great advice!!! Thanks.