Weddings can be extremely expensive but costs can be cut with minimal effort.   To accomplish a gorgeous wedding without a huge price tag avoid just following trends and really look to see what is important to the couple.  All details of a wedding, from location to Officiator can produce cost saving choices.   A wedding not marred by a pile of bills is a beautiful thing.

First thing to look at is location.  While destination weddings are popular they can prove expensive for the wedding couple as well as their guests and wedding party members.   Local venues can provide an ambiance equal to or better than a foreign locale.   Most cities and towns have gardens and parks that make beautiful settings for a wedding.  If a beach wedding is desired try a nearby lake that has a beach area to offer.   A beautiful local location will make the backdrop for the vows perfect and may aid Uncle Harry and Aunt Sally in being able to attend.   


Making the invitations is another cost cutter.   Seed paper for a green wedding or shimmering silver for a winter wedding, there is a paper out there that will announce the coming nuptials with style. By making the invitations a bride can use the same paper to create table numbers, escort cards, programs or other paper items for a totally together theme. Also available are kits with all the pieces and parts needed for the invitations and all a bride need do is print and mail.  Either way will save money without losing quality.   A party with the bridesmaids to put the invitations together will make the project fun and reduce the time. We have a how to page to help you get started. 

Flowers are another expense that can be cut drastically with little effort.   Using flowers from gardens of family and friends gives a personal touch to the wedding.   Bouquets and floral decorations can also be created from artificial flowers found at most department or craft stores.   The realistic look of the modern artificial flower allows for an elegant look with a greatly reduced cost.

Decorating the venue with flowers or decorations made by hand will save a penny or two.   Handmade does not mean less than elegant or reduces the wow factor.  With homegrown flowers, handmade pew bows, fairy lights, artificial garland, or other theme items a wedding can look magical without making money disappear.  Take pictures and measurements of the venue so that the décor can be designed and fit perfect on the special day.


Food for a wedding’s reception can range from a full meal to heavy hors d'oeuvres with a cash bar or open bar.  The style and theme of the wedding as well as location can create avenues for savings.  A western wedding held outdoors can have a barbecue or a beach wedding can have a beach picnic.  The wedding cake can be created with a bit of imagination to earn its place front and center without being weighed down with a big price tag.  Tulle, fresh flowers, piped icing, even strings of beads, can decorate a layered cake giving it an outfit worthy of the event.   Most bakers will sell just the cake or the cake iced but no decorations for less if nobody is available to bake the cake. 

From location to dress and from invitations to food a wedding doesn’t need to cost a bundle to be the perfect dream wedding.  With the money saved a couple can splurge on the honeymoon or add the savings to a down payment on their first house. 

Share your wedding ideas on the forum or browse through ours on our project pages.