5 Wedding Tips From a Newlywed:
1.) Go with what YOU want. While it is important to be flexible this is one day when you need to think about what you really want and plan accordingly. You don't want to look back on your big day with regret.
For example: A lot of our family members tried to talk Tate and I out of having a morning/brunch wedding, but we stuck to our guns! I didn't want to spend all day getting anxious and running around so I opted for an 11:00 am wedding. I am so glad we stuck with it. We just got everything decorated and ordered ahead of time...then woke up, got dressed, got married, and started the honeymoon early. The clean up crew also said it made things much easier on them.
2.) Look Beyond the "Wedding" Label. While you may have to get creative, looking past typical "wedding" items can save you a lot of money. Plus, your wedding will be uniquely you!
For example: Instead of a typical wedding cake my aunts, grandma, and mom each made bunt cakes! We had a lot of flavors to choose from and in all shapes and sizes. We even put little flags in them that told what each kind was. I also elected to order my bridesmaid dresses online from Target. It was SO much cheaper than going to a bridal store.
3.) Be a Budget Diva. I am a budget master, so why would my wedding be any different? Trust me, you are not going to regret the money you save! My parents and in-laws were footing the bill and they were so impressed by my hard work, and really grateful that I was thinking about them.
Top Budget Savers:
- My Dress: I bought online at Dillards. I got my dream dress for pennies on the dollar and only had to have a few, cheap, alterations done...like adding straps.
- Outfitting the wedding party: I got the bridesmaid's dresses at Target. I simply searched for the colors I wanted and picked out similar styles. All the dresses were under $30. I also saved big on jewelry by ordering all of it from Forever 21. I even created a Pinterest board. of the dresses and jewelry I liked and let my bridesmaids choose what they wanted.
- DIY: If you can do it, do it! I am pretty crafty so most of the decorations in my wedding were DIY. There are plenty of tutorials online to make just about whatever you have in mind. I even made all of my own floral decorations! Most of my crafting supplies came from Hobby Lobby. Be sure to watch for their sales and coupons. Most of my crafting ideas came from Craft Gawker.
- Venues: Using my parents' church for the ceremony was a no-brainer. They hardly charged us at all because we are members and everyone was so kind and helpful! Plus, it is: large, weather-proof, has ample parking, and is handicapped accessible. I also used the neighboring town's community center for the reception- Mustang Town Center. We had a few issues, but for the most part we felt like it was reasonably priced.
- Catering: Even if your favorite place has expensive catering, don't discard it! I love Panera Bread, but their catering was a little pricey. I decided to order the sandwich, fruit trays, and drinks from Homeland and only order bagels and cream cheese from Panera. It worked out great.
- Flowers: I made the bridesmaids' bouquets myself using high-quality fake flowers, and orderd fresh flowers from Sam's Club for the decorations and centerpieces.
- Groupons: We weren't even going to have a photo booth, but Groupon had such a great deal on one that we rented one. I am so glad we did!
4.) Use Your Friends and Family. Trust me, they want to help you...let them! My friends and family helped me so much throughout the wedding process. If they have talents, put them to work! Literally, all I had to do was ask.
*side note: If you do ask, be specific. Let them know just what you want so that there isn't any confusion later. I was not specific enough with my mom on a few things and this caused some minor drama/hurt feelings/panic/seemingly ungratefulness. Let your helpers know exactly what you want and exactly when you want it done.*
5.) Plan Ahead, but be Flexible. As I said earlier I did most of my own crafts so I started working on that as soon as I got engaged. DIY is time consuming. Pinterest helps keep of your ideas...be sure tutorials are included!
An Example of Being Flexible: About a month before our wedding our venue called and told us that the city had unexpectedly started construction on our reserved room. The beautiful windows were all covered in bare drywall. We had already printed the invitations and there was no time to change plans, so we decided to go up the day before and decorate and cover up as much of the construction as possible. During the middle of our decorating tornadoes began to hit the area. We had to evacuate and spend the evening in a cramped storm shelter. By morning we did not know if the venue was still intact or had power. Luckily it was and did! I rallied the troops and sent out a facebook and text messages asking for help. Aunts, cousins, and friends all woke up early and finished the decorating while I was getting ready. It looked so beautiful! I am very grateful for them. :-)
An Example of Being Flexible: About a month before our wedding our venue called and told us that the city had unexpectedly started construction on our reserved room. The beautiful windows were all covered in bare drywall. We had already printed the invitations and there was no time to change plans, so we decided to go up the day before and decorate and cover up as much of the construction as possible. During the middle of our decorating tornadoes began to hit the area. We had to evacuate and spend the evening in a cramped storm shelter. By morning we did not know if the venue was still intact or had power. Luckily it was and did! I rallied the troops and sent out a facebook and text messages asking for help. Aunts, cousins, and friends all woke up early and finished the decorating while I was getting ready. It looked so beautiful! I am very grateful for them. :-)
