Unless you’re a millionaire, you’ve probably set a budget to bring your wedding day dreams to life (and still pay your bills in the meantime.) In this day and age, Pinterest, YouTube and so many other tools make DIY-ing and saving money a breeze! There are plenty of minor details that you can tweak to spend less and still pull off your perfect big day. Check out our top 10 tips for budget-savvy brides:

1. Find A Creative Venue

Your venue is one of the more expensive aspects of your big day. There are tons of budget-friendly options, you just have to get a little creative. Do any of your family or friends own beautiful land or property? Farms, vineyards or forests can set the scene for your Pinterest-perfect big day. You can also choose a rec center, local restaurant, museum or gallery space in lieu of a black-tie ballroom or expensive destination.

2. Provide Your Own Alcohol

If your venue allows it, you can opt out of an open bar for ice buckets of brews or bottles from a local winery! You might have the option to return any unused bottles – or simply start your own collection of Pinot. You can also implement DIY mimosa or martini bars for cocktail lovers.

3. Send Out E-Invites

Millennial brides – you’ll appreciate this. Instead of breaking the bank on paper invitation suites, go tree-free and send your save-the-dates, invitations and RSVPs via email. E-invites are often responded to quickly and include all the details you would get in a mailed invite. You would be surprised how much money this could save as postage alone can easily surpass a couple hundred dollars!

4. Say Yes to a Budget-Friendly Dress

At Honey Fawn we focus on offering gorgeous quality wedding gowns at very affordable price points! Stella York specifically aims to offer styles for every body, every bride and every budget. 

You may also want to opt for a non-traditional designer gown to save some dollars. Our brides often like to order a gown in Ivory from our Sorella Vita range, or a white/ivory evening gown option. 

You may also want to explore a second-hand gown. Not only is this cost effective option, but is an environmentally friendly idea. Facebook Marketplace or Still White are great options for second-hand. At Honey Fawn we respect this as an option, but ask that you hold off visiting us unless if you are truly open to buying new and not just testing out styles to buy second-hand. 

5. Affordable Florals

There’s no rule that says you have to dedicate a large portion of your budget to flowers – you can definitely achieve your desired vision by DIY-ing your own floral arrangements! Pull inspo from Pinterest and play around with different stems. Order bulk flowers from local grocery stores or online, then ask your ‘maids to assist with arranging centerpieces and bouquets.

6. Select Simple Decor

Once you’ve set your budget, try to choose a theme that fits within it. Try to acquire your decor months in advance – hunt down items like mason jars and tea light candles or wine bottles and wildflowers at your local flea markets or farmers markets! Use photos and frames of you and your groom to decorate any empty spaces. You can also scour local Facebook groups for used decor that brides are willing to sell for a fraction of what they paid.

7. Catering Hacks

If you come from a big family, especially one who loves to cook, ditch your typical wedding food and spoil your guests with homemade meals! Your family members may be willing to help prep day-of. This is a wonderful way to customize your big day. If you’re not a great cook, consider a local family-owned restaurant, or a food van. The quality (and customer service) often exceed expectations for a much lower cost.

8. Become The DJ

Which one of your friends is the go-to road trip DJ? Would they be willing to build a playlist and handle the tunes on the big day? If you have your own home stereo equipment, or you can borrow some from a friend, then you can provide your own entertainment! Ask guests to email their song requests to ensure they dance the night away.

9. Skimp on Excessive Favours

You don’t need to shell out for expensive favours. Your guests will be more than happy with late night snacks (like popcorn bars) or mini bottles of booze.

10. Offer Other Desserts

A 10 foot, five-tier cake is SO 2009. Choose cheaper dessert alternatives, like cookie bars, pie assortments or DIY sundae stations. You can satisfy any guest’s sweet tooth without going broke!

Originally written and posted by Essence of Australia.