How to Have Your Fairytale Wedding on a Shoestring Budget
A shoestring budget does not mean you cannot have the fairytale wedding you've always wanted. Advanced planning and a little do-it-yourself creativity will make the event beautiful without the stress of excessive spending. Rally the help of a few friends and family members to help coordinate the music and activities at the reception to keep service costs low. Take advantage of local artisans and markets in your area that will save on shipping exotic or out-of-season goods.
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Instructions
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The Wedding Dress and Veil
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Shop for your wedding gown as soon as possible to get the best deal. Check for display samples in local bridal shops after the month of June when items are discounted. Visit consignment shops and estate sales for vintage gowns that can be altered and slightly updated. Visit online sites that sell wedding gowns to look for deals on new or used gowns.
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Think out of the box. Find alternatives to formal wedding gowns, such as a halter-style gown of silk lingerie that can be turned into a wedding gown with a foundation garment sewn into it.
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Design your own veil. Purchase and cut the tulle to the desired length. Add flat-back beads and rhinestones with fabric glue. Hand-stitch the edge, adding small seeded beads to the thread. Attach the veil to a hairpin or comb with Velcro or glue. You can also hold it in place with a hand-woven garland of flowers.
The Bouquet and Flower Arrangements
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Make your own bouquet. Select flowers that are in season and purchase the blooms at a local grocery store or farmer's market. Cut the stems to 8 inches long. Wrap the stems with a rubber band. Cover the rubber band with silk and lace ribbon.
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Purchase blooming potted flowers from a local nursery. Wrap the plastic containers with fabric purchased from a craft store that matches your color scheme. Place the potted flowers on tables or along the aisle and altar area.
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Carry a basket filled with flowers to have a larger arrangement without the additional cost. Purchase a woven basket and line it with plastic. Add a floral oasis that has been soaked in water. Trim the stems of the flowers and greenery of your choice and insert the blooms into the oasis. Tie accent ribbons of silk and lace to the basket that match your color scheme.
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Go Hawaiian. Drape the wedding party with DIY Hawaiian-style leis instead of formal bouquets and boutonnieres. Purchase the flowers at a florist wholesaler or local market and string the blooms with a needle and waxed thread.
The Venue
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Select a low-cost or free venue for the wedding ceremony, such as the beach, park, family backyard, historical home or botanical garden. A romantic and memorable wedding location can be the playground from your childhood or the restaurant of your first date.
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Set up a website or blog for your wedding. Ask guests to take photographs throughout the day and upload them to your site. Download your favorites into a wedding album. Ask a friend or two to take videos.
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Download your favorite music to build your own wedding playlist. Ask a family member or friend to handle the music throughout the event.
Trimming the Wedding Cake and Food Costs
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Order a single layer sheet cake for cutting slices to serve your guests and a two-layered cake to use for photos with the couple. Opt for tiered pedestals filled with cupcakes for your guests instead.
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Serve appetizers or use a buffet-style food service for the reception. Offer champagne punch or sangria options for beverages, as these require less alcohol and are therefore less expensive.
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Contact the local culinary arts schools. Request student availability to help with the catering service or work as buffet attendants for course credits.
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Tips & Warnings
Hold down the number of guests.
Save on the paper products by making homemade invitations or send emails. Ask for RSVPs by email or phone.
Ask friends to help with decorations and keep everything simple.
Have the groom and his attendants wear similar business suits.
Ask your families for heirloom jewelry to exchange during your vows.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
