Chic on the Cheap

You have always dreamed of a grand affair for your wedding but now that the time has come you find that your dreams may be shattered due to lack of budget.  Creativity will get you everywhere when you are planning your wedding- and here are a few tricks of the trade to stretch that budget and create the wedding of your dreams. 

The Guest List:  Keep the guest list limited to only your nearest and dearest.  By keeping the head count smaller, you'll leave much more room in the budget to wow each person rather than trying to provide just enough for too many.  

Location:  Choose a unique location such as a beach, a museum, or even an old library to host your event.  These types of venues create the atmosphere all on their own, with little (or even no) decorating effort on your part.  If you are excited to work in your own decor, but want to save a little on the venue choice, try booking a private room in a restaurant that can accommodate your guest list.  

Get Trendy.  A cocktail party can be a swank and trendy event.  So, why not host a  cocktail party instead of a dinner reception. Serve both hot and cold appetizers on trays with butler service and add just a few serving stations for variety.  For more details on throwing a fabulous cocktail party- check out our blog "Posh & Perfect: The Partini".  

The Bar:  You don't have to offer a top shelf, premium open bar to throw a great party.  You can limit the choices in order to avoid the tacky cash bar, but not go over your budget.  You can stick to only wine and beer choices, or maybe create a few signature cocktails for your guests to try.  

Decor:  Keep it simple.  Just a few votives and petals on each table will create a romantic and elegant flair, while also providing a low budget centerpiece. 

Favors:  There is no requirement to hand out favors at your wedding- so if it isn't in the budget, just skip it.  But, if you'd like to try a great alternative, take a thumb print from both bride and groom and place them side by side on a sheet of parchment (angled to create a heart).  Turn that into your "signature" and have a written (and of course heartfelt) thank you note to your guests.  Roll the parchment into a scroll and tie it together with ribbon.  

Guests make great photographers:  Purchase a few "throw away" cameras and place them on each table so that guests may take photos throughout the night and then leave the cameras for the bride and groom.  This is not only a great way to record your wedding memories (and save a pretty penny on the photographer), but you'll guest to relive your wedding through the eyes of your guests.  Now, that's special. 

Always remember what makes a perfect wedding is not necessarily how much is spent, but rather how much is gain.  Regardless of your budget, always be sure that you wedding is an illustration of you (and of course your future husband), and it will be perfect.  

Have some thoughts or ideas you'd like to share about throwing a wedding on a tight budget?  Well, what are you waiting for? Go ahead- send us a comment and tell Mama about it.