Do Not Do It All YourselfMake your decorations, make your dress and bouquet, make whatever you want yourself, but, have other people set up, hang up, do the actual decorating on your big day! Have multiple, multiple people for every task that needs to be done and DO NOT let people use this time to make things up to you!'You could end up without a cake, like me.
Bookmark Online Wedding PurchasesI inputted all of my wedding purchases on an Excel Spreadsheet with links if applicable. By referencing my Excel Spreadsheet (or you can bookmark your wedding purchases), I was able to save an additional $73.65 on my wedding dress.
Displaying Wedding Cards in a Photo Collage FrameOne fun way to display cards that you received for your wedding is to place them in a photo collage frame.
Creating a Wedding SlideshowA wedding slide show can be used for a presentation at the wedding reception or even used for the wedding rehearsal. It helps the guests share the couple's special relationship.
Masking Stains on a Wedding GownBetween the wedding and the reception it is not unusual for a wedding dress to get stained along the bottom or elsewhere. One trick is to have a tube of plain white toothpaste handy. Learn how to mask stains on a wedding dress.
Bird Seed Heart Wedding FavorsBird seed is a traditional way to shower the departing newlywed couple. Instead of the mess, use these heart shaped wedding favors. Your guests can enjoy feeding their own backyard birds in remembrance of your big day.
Photos of WeddingsChoosing a special theme for your wedding instead of traditional, can make it especially fun for you and your guests. Here's some unusual wedding photos.
Stress Reducing Tips For A Do-It-Yourself WeddingPlanning a wedding can be absolutely stressy. There are a lot of suggestions on this page for planning a do-it-yourself wedding, from making the bridesmaid dresses, to money saving tips for all aspects of the ceremony and reception.
Wedding Party Gift IdeasIt is customary to present small gifts to the wedding party. This page contains gift ideas for the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Adding Fresh Flowers to Cake DecorationAn inexpensive twist for wedding cake decoration is fresh flowers. It's important to keep the cake protected when using these flowers as decorations so it will be safe to eat.
Inexpensive Wedding Table Number/Menu HolderThese table number and menu holders were made inexpensively, using IKEA frames that can display photos or other inclusions on both sides. Decorate as desired and set them out for your reception dinner.
Succulent Plant Wedding FavorGive your wedding guests a living favor gift. Learn how to make these "Let Love Grow" wedding favors, using painted plastic pots and succulent cuttings.
Using Picture Frames to Decorate at a WeddingPicture frames can be used to decorate at a wedding. Choose colors and styles to complement your theme. Insert menus and other information for a nice touch on the guestbook or gift table or seating tables at the reception.
Giving Dollar Store Candles A Wedding UpgradeUse wrapping paper, ribbon, and other embellishments to upgrade Dollar Store pillar candles in a jar. Use them for weddings and other events on guest tables or anywhere you need a bit of lovely luminous decor.
Making a Gift Box Wedding Table DisplayBeautifully wrapped empty gift boxes can be used as lovely displays for a wedding. Place them on the guest tables or on the gift table itself. This same decor idea will work for other events.
Tahitian 50th Wedding AnniversaryYour 50th wedding anniversary is just as important to you as the day you got married. When my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, they wanted to do some unique. My parents are from two different cultures and my father is French and my mother is American. They are now living in the United States so I decided to bring a little bit of the French and American culture together on this special day.
No DJ at Our WeddingThe average cost of hiring a DJ in my city for a wedding ranges from $900 to $1,500, if not more. My husband and I cut that cost out by not having a DJ at our wedding.
Save Your Wedding ReceiptsEverything that you purchased for your wedding, do save your receipts. Just toss all of those receipts in a shoe box and label it "Wedding" or the event/celebration you are hosting. Add all the receipts in the box as you purchase and it makes budgeting easier (by documenting the receipts in a spreadsheet if you'd like).
Making Painted Rock Party FavorsPersonalized painted rocks can be used for a variety of special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, etc. Add colors, words, pressed flowers, stickers, whatever you like that completes the theme or conveys the significance of the event. Learn how here.
Making a Wedding Countdown FrameA cute framed reminder to add to your decor is a wedding countdown frame. Easy to make with materials you most likely already have.
How to Make a Floral Glass Jar Wedding FavorUsed colored mod podge to coat a recycled jar, add decorations such as paper flowers and a bow to the top. Fill with chocolates or something else of your choice and you have a beautiful handmade wedding favor.
Giving Dollar Store Candles A Wedding UpgradeThe Dollar store has these lovely 8 inch tall candles that are perfect as a centerpiece for guest tables, vignette display, etc. They come in clear glass bottles that I will customize. You can take this look from bridal look to all occasion look with $1 candles and wrapping paper of your choice, giving your guest table a more upscale look.
Gift Box Wedding Table DisplayThis is a creative way to stretch those wedding dollars! Right now is the best time to get gift boxes. You can get them in multi packs and at reasonable prices. And let's not forget after the holidays, you can get the boxes for near to nothing. By using beautiful wrap and ribbon, you can make smaller boxes as guest table placements and use the tiered boxes for the gift table, or simply as wedding decor throughout the venue. You can give a festive look for very little money. This display can also be made for every holiday beyond your wedding event!
Financial Planning Before Getting MarriedBeing in love can sometimes blind a couple to the importance of knowing your partner's financial position and spending habits. Making a financial plan will help get you off to a good start.
Let Love Grow Wedding Favor GiftAre you on a budget for your wedding? You can make your own wedding favor gifts! For this project, I only needed to purchase spray paint and ribbon (actually ribbon would be optional to save even more money if you wanted), then the rest of the supplies I already had on hand.
Frugal Wedding LocationsWedding can be extremely expensive, but there are lots of ways to help keep the cost down if you have the time to do some research. One cost saving idea is finding a frugal location for the ceremony. Local parks are one possibility, weather permitting.
Using Mirrors For Your Wedding TableUse mirrors under the decorations on your table for a wedding reception or a dinner party. They can lend an extra layer of beauty to a candlelit affair.
Making a Succulent CenterpieceRecycled food jars, decorative rocks, TP tubes, soil, and succulent cuttings are the main items needed to make living centerpieces for a wedding.
DIY Folded Name Place CardsLearn how to make original, handcrafted folded placecards. They are perfect for a wedding reception, party, or other get together with assigned table seating.
Making a Wedding Dress Greeting CardThis fun wedding dress greeting card was designed using paper doilies and ribbon roses attached to a kraft paper backing. The instructions, supplies, and photos needed to make some yourself can be found on this page.
Inexpensive Wedding Table Number/Menu HolderIf you have an IKEA nearby, I highly recommend TOLSBY frame for 2 pictures - it is only $1.00 and is perfect to use for wedding table number and menus!
Homemade Wedding Cake Topper IdeasCreating your own wedding cake topper is not only fun, it is a way to show your creativity or say something about yourself on this special day. This page offers some ideas about homemade wedding cake toppers.
Wedding Reception Table TopperWeddings can be very expensive. One place you can, not only save money but also, exhibit your creativity and personal taste is by making your own table toppers for the reception. This page contains steps and photos you will need to make a table topper or get ideas for your own version.
Adding Fresh Flowers to Cake DecorationHere is a tutorial on how to add fresh flowers to a cake while also making the cake food safe.
Remove Glass from Picture FramesIf you are using picture frames for wedding decor, I would recommend removing the glass insert. During transporting, the glass could break. Also, when taking photos of picture frames, there will be a reflection
A DIY Wedding May Not Be The Best OptionWhen you think of a DIY wedding, think twice and calculate the details first. Always determine and limit your budget. Do-it-yourself requires so much time and effort so you have to prepare ahead of time.
Bridal Floral CrownBuying a floral crown for the bride and for the entourage can be so frustrating as prices differ as to the beauty and the quality. More or less, it's from $7-$20 but mine is just below $2.
Succulent Jar CenterpieceAt my wedding venue, there will be a couple of tall, small round bar tables outside. Since the tables are on the smaller side - I need the centerpiece to be smaller and sturdy. Here is what I came up with.
Using Mirrors For Your Wedding TableUse mirrors for a pretty and unique way to dress a table. 75% of my items come from the dollar store and I can make several different themes/looks for different types of weddings, from traditional, to beachy, fall, etc. Use mirrors at a fraction of the price. This is great for guest tables for a reception or dinner.
Wedding Dress Greeting CardThis is a cute wedding dress greeting card made with simple supplies - paper doilies, kraft paper, glue, and ribbon roses. This concept could also be used as a bridal shower invitation card.
Succulent Wedding CenterpieceWedding centerpieces are very expensive, especially if you want to have flowers or living plants.
DIY Folded Name Place CardsWith just a few simple and inexpensive supplies (which you may even already have at home), you can make this project! This method will save you a lot of money versus ordering custom place cards plus you will have paper/paint left over for other projects!
Write Contract Before Getting MarriedWhen getting married, it is important to talk about every important thing in life; what happens if we split up, what happens if one dies, what are the great wishes of your partner, etc.
Printing Wedding Invitations at HomeIf you are in a hurry or come up short, you can save commercial printing or invitation kit costs. Make your own personalized wedding invitations at home.
Wedding Reception Table TopperI made these table toppers for a wedding reception. My thrifty idea was to make them as inexpensive as possible as well as to make the table toppers recyclable for the the bride and groom as they begin newlywed life.
Hiring a Wedding PhotographerCapture your special day by hiring a professional photographer to take photos of your ceremony and reception. A wedding is the perfect opportunity to get formal photos of the newly combined family too.
Hiring a Wedding PhotographerHaving photos of your wedding is considered essential by nearly all brides and grooms, and their mothers. Although some couples depend on friends and family to capture the wedding and reception, this can be risky and can cause stress or disappointment if photo opportunities are missed. A professional photographer will help ensure all the important moments are preserved and allow everyone to focus on the happy couple.
Altering A Wedding DressWhile altering a wedding dress that you are buying new is a common event, this page directs its attention to altering hand me down wedding dresses. In that situation you will be dealing with a variety of issues, such as style, color, age, and more. Each of these calls for its own solution. A passed down dress if altered properly is well worth the investment of time and money.
Alternatives to Wedding CakeMany couples look for alternatives to the traditional wedding cake for their reception. You have seen wedding cupcakes and cupcake towers. Another clever idea discussed on this page is a donut wall. Read on to learn how to make one.
DIY Last Minute Wedding Invitation CardsI mailed or handed out all of our wedding cards and realized we were short a few cards. Instead of purchasing another DIY wedding invitation kit, I decided to look at what I had on hand and was able to come up with this last minute wedding card. I had extra blank floral cards and envelopes. You could use this as a guide to even make your own wedding cards or any invitations!
Serving Nuts and Mints at a Wedding Reception?How many mixed nuts and cream cheese mints would I need for a wedding reception with approximately 300 people?
DIY Jar Lamp Wedding SouvenirYou can make jar lamp wedding souvenirs for your own wedding or for a friend or relative. This DIY project is personalized and will save you money on wedding favors.
Altering Your Mother's Wedding DressWearing a hand-me-down wedding dress has many benefits, whether it's your mother's, your grandmother's, or someone else close to you. It has great sentimental value, it's cost-effective, and it will be one-of-a-kind. Not to mention, vintage looks are now all the rage. Here are some tips for altering your dress.
Donut Wall Wedding CakeI recently went to a lovely wedding where they did a doughnut wall in lieu of a wedding cake. Each guest got to choose their doughnut of choice by pulling it off the wall. I thought it was really cute and fit in perfectly with their laid back reception.
Planning a Wedding on a $2000 Budget?I am trying to plan a wedding with $2,000, but I have no idea where to start.
DIY Jar Lamp Wedding SouvenirIt's a big save when you make DIYs. My cousin's wedding is almost due and my advance gift for them is my handmade wedding souvenirs. They would love to have lamps, but it's expensive in the souvenir shops so I made some for free as a gift so they wouldn't have to buy expensive ones.
Creative Wedding DecorationsYour wedding is a special day that should reflect the personality of you and your significant other. Get creative with your wedding decorations to personalize your wedding and reception.
Making A Wedding Out Of Very LittleMy neighbor, who has been divorced for years, is finally getting married. She said she didn't want a big fuss about it, not to mention not having the funds. With her family in Canada, there would only be just us neighbors and a few friends. So, as a small gesture to let them know how happy I am for them, I went shopping in and outdoors of my house.
Wedding Countdown FrameAdd a cute touch of decor to your home with this countdown frame. This countdown frame is designed for a "wedding", but the concept could be applied to other special events like an engagement party, birthday, concert, etc.
Choosing a Wedding DateDepending on where and when to plan to get married, you can save money by choosing an off-season event. Off-season wedding months may vary depending on your location and venue.
Using Chalkboard Paint For Your WeddingChalkboard paint is very popular thing right now; it comes in black and all facets of colors. The most popular is black. It is available in cans, containers, and, my personal favorite, spray. Here are a few cost saving ways that will save you money and make that special day unique for your guests.
Finding a Thrifty Wedding DateIf you're looking to save money for your wedding, try to book your ceremony and reception during off-season wedding months! Off-season wedding months may vary depending on your location/venue but you could always ask what are the off-season months as reference to the places you're interested in.
Wedding Dress Tips and TricksThe wedding dress can be one of the more expensive budget items when planning a wedding and will require special care for cleaning, alterations and storage. The experiences of former brides can help you manage any unexpected challenges with your wedding dress.
Fan Fresh Wedding DressHere is a way to keep your wedding dress fresh or perfect for taking photos if you are selling your wedding dress. Simply put a flexible fan underneath with a low to high setting and let it flow !
Consolidate Wedding Invite ListGetting married is a big celebration, not only for the soon to be newlyweds but for everyone involved. However bottom line is each and every guest costs money. The more guests, the more expensive your wedding could get. Creating and compromising on the wedding invite list could be difficult depending on your situation.
Paper Bag Wedding Dress FavorThese very cute favors begin with a simple treat sized paper bag. Cut the bodice and decorate in the wedding colors and add ribbon, beads, etc. to complete the look. Learn how to make a paper bag wedding dress favor in this page.
Vow Renewal Ceremony?My husband and I just celebrated 19 years of marriage on March 17th. Our first wedding was just with the justice of the peace which was fine with both of us at the time. I just randomly picked a day a month before we knew we wanted to get married.
Homemade Recycled Flower Girl BasketIf you need a flower girl basket, why not use a clean bubble gum container? Take some white silk blend fabric and layer it until you get the look you are wanting. Add studs, lace, mini flowers, or fabric flowers from eBay. Use your own colors and theme.
Handmade Paper Party FavorsParty favors are popular for children's parties, weddings and anniversaries but the cost can add up. Here are some simple handmade favors made from paper that you probably already have at home.
Using a Printable Kit for Wedding InvitationsSave money and make your wedding invitations at home with a kit that contains everything you need. All you need is a printer and time.
Making Wedding Centerpieces Using Artificial Flowers?We are using vases with artificial flowers for a wedding. What would work in the vases, as we won't need water, so the stems won't be so visible?
DIY Wedding Props and SouvenirsWay back in 2016, I was a sister who had nothing to offer to my "groom to be" brother. They had planned for a themed wedding, but due to budgetary constraints the couple was not able to provide and perform a hundred percent of what they actually wanted to happen. So, here comes the DIY sister offering a big hand of creativity.
Saving Money on a Wedding VenueDon't spend thousands on a wedding location that is only going to be used for one occasion. There are many ways to find affordable yet beautiful venues that will be more memorable. This page has advice for saving money on a wedding venue.
How to Save Money on a Wedding VenueIt is no surprise that the actual venue for your wedding is one of the biggest expenses, the average cost being upwards of $12,000 for a short block of time. There are many ways to help chip off a big chunk of that total. Here are some ideas.
Planning a Simple Outdoor WeddingTake advantage of warm weather and inexpensive facilities. A park or a family yard can provide beautiful flowers and a comfortable atmosphere for your commitment ceremony. This is a page about simple outdoor wedding.
Saving on Destination WeddingsCombining your honeymoon with your wedding ceremony can be a wonderful way to celebrate with your friends and family. However, travel costs can add up to a hefty price tag, making this option expensive without planning. This page contains advice about saving money on a destination wedding.
Saving on Destination WeddingsWe all know that the typical wedding can be one of the most expensive events in a lifetime, and even more so if you decide to have a destination wedding. But there are many ways to have a beautiful wedding on a budget. Yes, even those beautiful fairytale destination ones. Here are some tips to get you there while saving you big bucks.
Masking Stains on a Wedding GownWhen packing your bag with items you want to have on hand for after the wedding and for the reception, put a tube of white toothpaste in. If your dress gets a stain on it during the evening just brush off the stain as much as you can and then smear on a thin layer of toothpaste.
Trade Vendors for ServicesTrading services is a great way to reduce the costs. If you have a skill, ask local vendors if they need help in that particular area. Get creative! Ask caterers if they need some extra hands around the kitchen, or ask your local venue if they need help cleaning up around the venue.
Saving Money on Wedding ServicesA classic wedding often has expenses for catered food, flowers, photography, formal wear, and many other services. This page contains tips about saving money on wedding services.
Keeping Your Wedding SimpleWeddings can become very elaborate and expensive, missing the point of celebrating the start of a new life together. This page contains ideas about keeping your wedding simple.
Keep Your Wedding SimpleI've been married going on 44 years, and personally, I don't see why you have to break the bank or go into debt to have a huge, fabulous wedding. Now, if somebody has the money, then what they do is their business.
Planning a Wedding on a BudgetI watched a show on Oprah. They said the two things people remember most about a wedding are the music and the food. Therefore, don't spend too much money on flowers and other categories.
Planning a Wedding on a BudgetWeddings take a lot of planning and tend to come with a big price tag for the new couple. Discuss what you and your future spouse consider to be essential to a "perfect" wedding and start from there. This page contains advice for planning a wedding on a budget.
Celebrating Your Wedding AnniversaryCommemorating the day you and your other half tied the knot does not have to be a big ticket item. In fact, finding ways to celebrate each other on the day of the big event, and for years to come, can be even more sweet when you really get creative together. Coming up with ways to enjoy your anniversary is enjoyable and saves quite a bit of money, especially as it'is an annual event!
Celebrating Your Wedding AnniversaryWedding anniversaries are a way to celebrate your love year after year. Whether you are planning a big party or a small intimate dinner, this page has ideas about celebrating your wedding anniversary.
Creative Substitutions on Theme WeddingsTheme weddings are all the rage and notoriously expensive. With a few creative substitutions, you can have a theme wedding that wows without the pow of the post-wedding credit card blues.
Planning A Theme WeddingInstead of the traditional white wedding, think outside the box. Customize it with details that show the personality of the couple. Look for inspiration from books or movies, travel or pick a style like country or boho. This page contains ideas for planning a theme wedding.
Budgeting for a Frugal WeddingWeddings can be so expensive, especially if you pay attention to the bridal shows and magazines with their spendy and trendy new ways to celebrate. Together, you can decide what is most important and what feels like a waste of money. This page has advice when budgeting for a frugal wedding.
First Comes Love, Then Comes Budget"'To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part''." These words are often part of a traditional wedding vow. So, what do you do if the 'poorer' is now and you would love 'to have and to hold, from this day forward' but you don't have the cash to do so?
Planning a Sustainable WeddingWeddings can be so wasteful and expensive, between flowers, formal attire, decorations, reception food, entertainment and more. There may be a way that is easier on the pocketbook and on the planet. This page discusses planning a sustainable wedding.
Our Frugal Sustainable WeddingMy husband and I had a very fun, silly, and laid back picnic wedding. We had a very short planning period and a small budget. I met my husband while living and working in Vietnam. After moving back to the States, I quickly realized I didn't like living without him. So, I packed my bags and moved back to Vietnam and married him in Vietnam. We started the K-1 Fiancé visa process so that he could immigrate to the United States.
Having a Potluck WeddingFood at weddings can be quite expensive, especially if you are expecting a large number of guests. Many frugal couples choose to ask their guests to bring a dish to share. This page is about having a potluck wedding.
Saving Money on Wedding FavorsWith thoughtful planning and careful sourcing searches you can purchase and/or make lovely, personalized wedding favors to offer your wedding guests. This page offers suggestions for saving money on wedding favors.
Saving Money by ElopingWeddings can be incredibly expensive when you total up the gown, ceremony, reception, etc. Eloping can mean a wedding with just the bride and groom or alternatively a very small, unannounced wedding which can greatly reduce the costs, but still be memorable. This is a page about eloping can save you money.
Eloping Can Save You MoneyBack in the day, eloping generally meant a couple running away together, without parental consent, with the intent of getting married. These days, eloping includes having a super small unannounced wedding, perhaps with the parents and a couple best friends present. Obviously, the smaller the party, the cheaper the wedding. This includes knocking out some really huge expenses. Read on to find out which cuts you can make by choosing to elope.
Saving Money on Wedding FavorsWedding favors can be a rather large added expense. The more guests you have, the more the price goes up. There are many ways to cut costs on the gifts that you give out on your most memorable day. However, if you make cuts in the wrong places, like giving out really cheap favors, you're doing yourself a disservice. You can still have gorgeous favors at your wedding that represent you quite well as a couple and not break the bank.
Having a Wedding Butterfly ReleaseButterflies can hold special significance to many. Releasing them at a wedding can create a meaningful moment. This is a page about wedding butterfly release.
Having a Wedding Reception Without CandlesIf candles are not an option at your wedding venue, consider solar lights, mini string lights, or battery operated ones. This is a page about having a wedding reception without candles.
Natural Centerpiece for Wedding or PartiesThis simple yet lovely centerpiece was made for my daughter's wedding by the both of us. I think it is so natural looking and sweet. Just like my daughter! It really wasn't costly either compared to some of the things I saw!
Planning an Outdoor WeddingMany weddings are held outdoors but there are weather concerns to plan around. This is a page about planning an outdoor wedding.
Making a Bridal Shower Wishing Well?Making a wishing well for guests to share their best wishes for the couple is a fun and easy project. You can begin with a laundry or wastepaper basket and decorate as you like. This is a page about making a bridal shower wishing well.
Charitable Wedding FavorInstead of giving away something all your guests may not want, you can donate what you plan to spend on wedding favors to a charity on behalf of all the guests at your wedding.
Bird Seed Heart Wedding FavorsMy daughter's wedding has a natural theme and so we wanted a favor that would be consistent and something anyone could enjoy once they got it home!
Decorating for Your Wedding with Natural MaterialsUsing wild flowers and branches, etc. to decorate for a wedding can not only save you money, but can also bring nature inside for the occasion. This is a page about decorating for your wedding with natural materials.
Planning a Kitchen ShowerA fun bridal shower idea is to have a speciality kitchen shower. The gifts will be aimed at helping the new couple outfit their kitchen. Food and games can be planned using a kitchen or food prep theme. This is a page about planning a kitchen shower.
Bride and Groom Clothespin DecorThese are adorable little DIY wedding favors or guest name card holders that you can make for cents on the dollar. Paint a clothespin as the bride on one side, the groom on the other, then pinch to make them kiss. What a sweet couple!
Choosing Calla Lilies and Roses for Wedding?I will be getting married September 16, 2018 and I was wanting roses and calla lilies for my flowers. Will they they have bloomed in time for it? Or will I have to go with a different flower?
