{wedding wednesday: how to budget}

I guess this post is a long time coming. I may have written something similar before, but it’s definitely time for another Wedding Wednesday post about how to have your wedding on a budget.

I tweeted recently  that I almost wished some wedding blogs would post the budget of the weddings that they feature, and it seemed like most of you agreed with me. We’re constantly bombarded with beautiful weddings, so don’t you think it would be nice if we knew what the cost for such luxury and elegance was?

{via}

If you know flowers at all, you might realize that the picture above is a little ironic for a post having to do with weddings on a budget. That’s because peonies, the number one flower requested these days {to me, at least}, are one of the most expensive options out there. I’ve seen them as high as six dollars a stem, and that can go even higher if they are out of season. Yeah, they’re gorgeous {definitely one of my favorite wedding flowers these days}, but using peonies definitely can add up. Here are a few tips on how to save on your wedding, starting with peonies:

• The great thing about peonies is that they are a really large flower. They bloom so big, that an entire bouquet doesn’t need to take a whole lot of stems. That being said, you can easily use a few peonies in full bloom and use another type of flower, such as garden roses or tulips, to fill things in.
• I’m all about prioritization when it comes to weddings. That means that when you first start planning, write down the elements that will go into your wedding in priority order. For example, photography may be number one, food number two, and the music very last. When it comes time to compromise, look back on this list and make your decisions accordingly.
• If you want a nice reception without having to sacrifice the design or food, I would highly suggest having an alternative reception. Options include a food truck, brunch reception, or cocktail/dessert reception.
• The easiest way you can save money on your wedding is cutting the guest list, compromising on location, or having your wedding on an off day or season {i.e. a Friday night in February}.
• You don’t need to offer a full bar at your wedding, though I don’t necessarily condone a cash bar. You can definitely offer only beer and wine, or a few signature cocktails. Also, ask if you have the option to provide your own alcohol. Or, if it isn’t important to you, forego alcohol completely.
• Don’t feel as if you have to send out Save the Dates, which can be costly to design, print, and ship. They are really only necessary if you’re getting married over a holiday weekend or during the peek of vacation season {i.e. during the summer or New Year’s Eve}. Another option is to email your save the dates.
• I do not feel that favors are necessary. In fact, in my opinion, they are a superfluous expense and one of the first things that can be cut from your budget. Especially if you choose something that is just going to be thrown away later anyway.
• Do toasts with drink in hand rather than champagne.
• If you really want cut a cake, order a small cake and supplement it with a sheet cake or cupcakes.

So those are some of my favorite budget tips. Here are a few things I suggest you don’t do to save money:

• Cash bar. I’ve heard it’s a cultural thing, but I’m really not a fan.
• Use your iPod instead of hiring a DJ. People don’t necessarily understand this, but the DJ is a really important part of keeping the party going. You don’t necessarily want breaks between songs, and a good emcee {which is often the DJ} can make or break a reception.
• Please, please put a stamp on your RSVP envelopes. Not paying for the postage so that your guests can RSVP to your wedding is a sure way to not get RSVPs in on time.
• Be very careful with providing your own flowers. You might be surprised at how much they can cost if you don’t have a wholesale license, and they definitely take up a lot of time to put together. You really need to evaluate whether or not it’s worth your time, and understand that a professional florist will do it better.
• Get a planner! I promise, it’s worth the money if you don’t have to worry about who is doing things and if it’s all going to come together.

What are some of your favorite budget tips?