Is is possible to plan a wedding that is both beautiful and affordable? The answer is yes, as long as you can do it without looking cheap.
Here are some tips on how to plan a frugal wedding without looking tacky.
There are some money saving efforts that are sensible, and others that just don't look good.
For instance, let's say that you were trying to get a good bargain on your wedding gown.
Maybe it even crossed your mind to get a pattern and sew your own dress; after all, how hard can it be? The answer is hard! There is nothing sadder than a wedding dress that is clearly homemade (as opposed to one that is skillfully handcrafted by an expert seamstress).
Puckered seams, crooked stitching, imperfect fit: these are all the trademarks of a wedding dress that was made by a non-professional.
It is far better to look for a wedding gown that is discounted at a clearance sale than to undertake such an ambitious project for the average home seamstress.
A wedding can be gorgeous without a massive budget for flowers.
However, it is how you go about trimming the floral budget that will make the difference between frugal chic and tacky cheap.
Silk flowers never look good.
Your guests will be able to tell the difference, no matter what the salesperson at the craft store says.
A stylish way to save money on your wedding flowers is to create festive handmade blossoms that are frankly fake.
Or you can make your own simple centerpieces using affordable fresh flowers purchased online or at a wholesale flower mart.
Just stay away from the silk floral arrangements.
The list of people for whom you need to buy gifts at your wedding can be long, especially if you have a large bridal party.
Do not think for one second, however, that skipping the bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts is an acceptable way to cut money.
The bride who tries it will come across as ungrateful, even if she is not.
The frugal way to find affordable bridesmaid gifts is to find a shop that offers pretty bridesmaid jewelry sets that are handcrafted from reasonably priced elements such as sterling silver and Swarovski pearls and crystals.
You can show your thanks without breaking the bank.
When the budget is really tight, the bride and groom may come to a mutual decision not to give wedding gifts to one another, apart from their wedding rings.
A chic way to save on your bar bill? Serve sparkling wine or Prosecco instead of French Champagne.
A not-so-chic way? The dreaded cash bar.
Ugh - if there is one way to bring down a party, this is it.
You would not charge your guests for each glass of wine or cocktail served in your own home; nor should you do it at your wedding reception.
If your venue will allow it, bring in your own cases of wine, which can be a considerable savings over paying by the glass.
The bonus is that it is usually possible to return any unopened bottles to the store.
When you are watching your bottom line, it is equally important to pay attention to the ambiance that you are creating for your wedding day.
The proliferation of websites showcasing stylish weddings for under $10,000 shows that a bride and groom can spend far less than the average on their wedding, while still getting results that make it look as if they spared no expense.
Here are some tips on how to plan a frugal wedding without looking tacky.
There are some money saving efforts that are sensible, and others that just don't look good.
For instance, let's say that you were trying to get a good bargain on your wedding gown.
Maybe it even crossed your mind to get a pattern and sew your own dress; after all, how hard can it be? The answer is hard! There is nothing sadder than a wedding dress that is clearly homemade (as opposed to one that is skillfully handcrafted by an expert seamstress).
Puckered seams, crooked stitching, imperfect fit: these are all the trademarks of a wedding dress that was made by a non-professional.
It is far better to look for a wedding gown that is discounted at a clearance sale than to undertake such an ambitious project for the average home seamstress.
A wedding can be gorgeous without a massive budget for flowers.
However, it is how you go about trimming the floral budget that will make the difference between frugal chic and tacky cheap.
Silk flowers never look good.
Your guests will be able to tell the difference, no matter what the salesperson at the craft store says.
A stylish way to save money on your wedding flowers is to create festive handmade blossoms that are frankly fake.
Or you can make your own simple centerpieces using affordable fresh flowers purchased online or at a wholesale flower mart.
Just stay away from the silk floral arrangements.
The list of people for whom you need to buy gifts at your wedding can be long, especially if you have a large bridal party.
Do not think for one second, however, that skipping the bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts is an acceptable way to cut money.
The bride who tries it will come across as ungrateful, even if she is not.
The frugal way to find affordable bridesmaid gifts is to find a shop that offers pretty bridesmaid jewelry sets that are handcrafted from reasonably priced elements such as sterling silver and Swarovski pearls and crystals.
You can show your thanks without breaking the bank.
When the budget is really tight, the bride and groom may come to a mutual decision not to give wedding gifts to one another, apart from their wedding rings.
A chic way to save on your bar bill? Serve sparkling wine or Prosecco instead of French Champagne.
A not-so-chic way? The dreaded cash bar.
Ugh - if there is one way to bring down a party, this is it.
You would not charge your guests for each glass of wine or cocktail served in your own home; nor should you do it at your wedding reception.
If your venue will allow it, bring in your own cases of wine, which can be a considerable savings over paying by the glass.
The bonus is that it is usually possible to return any unopened bottles to the store.
When you are watching your bottom line, it is equally important to pay attention to the ambiance that you are creating for your wedding day.
The proliferation of websites showcasing stylish weddings for under $10,000 shows that a bride and groom can spend far less than the average on their wedding, while still getting results that make it look as if they spared no expense.
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