More and more brides and grooms are asking us how to fit all their dreams and desires into their wedding day on a budget that isn’t as big as it once was. Here’s the good news – it’s totally possible to have the wedding of your dreams on a limited budget – you just need to think outside the box to get there. Sounds like a good time for a quick tip series. This will be Part 1 in a 3 part series – because trilogies are cool and too many tips at once can make you sick, like too much wedding cake in an hour. So here we go:
Ceremony Venue: Set up your ceremony in a large back yard of a friend or family member, or have it at a local park ($50-150). Rent chairs from a party store such as AA Party Rental or Alexander Party Rentals for approx $300 including delivery/pick-up for 150 chairs. Metro Parks Tacoma offers the Rose Garden at Point Defiance during the summer for $400 for 2 hours (chairs included).
Bouquets, Boutonnieres & Floral Arrangements: Local farmer’s markets are a great place to meet growers and florists, and are a wonderful place to find flowers in the summer-time, as long as you aren’t particular about the colors. You might contact a local grower early in the year before they plant their seeds and see if they will grow specific flowers or colors for your wedding. Buying in bulk from a grower will save you big money too. You and your friends could make the flower table arrangements and bouquets during the last couple of days prior to the wedding. You can also find affordable vases at your local dollar store. Talking to a florist early about flowers that are in season during your wedding will help make better decisions and save you money.
Officiant: The cost for an officiant is generally around $200 – if you belong to a church or synagogue, you might ask your pastor or rabbi if they’d be willing to officiate your wedding for free as a gift.
Stationery: Buy make-it-yourself kits from Michaels craft store for around $40 for 50 invitations ($120 for 150). Generally you can find matching place cards, table numbers, thank you cards, and more in the pattern you’ve chosen. They are easy to make and print from your own computer. If you’d like to have raised lettering, you can purchase embossing powder and an embossing heat gun to create raised letters immediately after printing.
Attire: Attending a bridal dress show like the South Sound Wedding Show can net you deep discounts on designer wedding dresses. Or, choose a dress from David’s Bridal in their online outlet section.
Look for Part 2 coming soon. And if you have any tips that you’ve used or like but don’t see here, please comment and share.
by Heather
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