Secrets Of A High Style, Low Cost Wedding

A glamorous wedding needn’t break the bank, and it doesn’t mean trimming the guest list, sacrificing the must-haves, or going crazy with DIY. All that’s really required is a little resourcefulness. So what are the secrets behind a high style and yet low cost wedding?

Go through the list given below and you’ll find that by following these tips, you may be able to save a lot of your precious money while at the same time fulfilling all your wishes for your big day.

The Gown

Opt for simple and elegant, as it’s the handwork of adding beads and trim that skyrockets cost. Even better, leave the bridal boutiques behind and shop for a designer evening gown, many of which come in wedding-worthy shades and styles but cost hundreds or even thousands less. Check out formal wear rental shops, which are constantly selling off last season’s gowns at deep discounts. Where accessories are concerned, borrow items like the veil, purse, gloves and shoes from friends and choose family jewelry like grandmother’s pears instead of buying new bling.

The Flowers

Find out whose weddings are scheduled just before and after yours. If you can coordinate flowers with either bride, you can share expenses. Ask the florist to use plentiful in-season blooms rather than expensive exotics and don’t overlook blossoming shrubs like lilac and hydrangea. For the bouquet, an arrangement in a holder will look larger and fuller than the same flowers hand tied.

The Invitations

Avoid extra postage by saying no to anything that weighs over an ounce in its envelope or is a square or other non-standard shape. Handle RSVP by email and phone rather than enclosing cards and envelopes. For super savings and the option to personalize, design and print your own invitations.

The Music

If you have a friend with a beautiful voice, explain that you’d love to have a solo as a wedding gift. If there’s a nearby college, music majors often support themselves by playing events, and hiring a trio or quintet for the ceremony and receiving line is an affordable touch of elegance.

The Photography and Video

Hire professionals only for the ceremony and start of the reception, then rely on friends and family for the rest. Look for a photographer who offers a gift registry, where guests give cash to defray the costs, and skip the extras like special effects, editing and multiple copies.

The Cake

Order a modest two tier cake for the bride and groom to cut, and serve guests less expensive sheet cake, or order a cake that’s been frosted but not decorated cake and have your florist add a few blossoms and ribbons. The current trend of replacing the huge cake with fanciful cupcakes or a cake tree is popular and saves $1-2 per serving.

The Food and Drink

Go with hors d’oeuvres, finger foods or a dessert buffet instead of a full meal. Limiting beverages to wine and soft drinks, rather than liquor, cuts the bar tab and eliminates the need for a bartender.

The Decorations

Bypass the done up wedding hall and look for a reception venue you can decorate yourself, such as a friend’s large back yard, church hall, or community center. Rent good quality linens, silver, glasses and plates, and instead of expensive flower arrangements, opt for simpler centerpieces like lanterns, candles floating in water tinted to your colors, scattered rose petals, trailing ivy, crystal bowls of fruit sprayed gold or silver, flowering branches or placemark flowers in miniature pots.

A good general strategy is to get married in the off-season months of January through April, which means more choice and bargaining power in everything from the DJ to the reception venue. Post-Christmas is also sale season, and a good time to stock up on candles, ribbons, and other decorations. Be an indefatigable bargain hunter and use the internet, where Ebay, Save on Crafts and other sites discount everything from gowns to chair sashes to shaded tea lights, vases, favor tins and other accessories.

Stylish Weddings Melbourne specialise in stylish yet affordable accessories and decorations for your wedding, including essential items for the bride & groom.