Weddings can be as affordable or as expensive as you allow them to get. If you want to go all out, have fun spending money! If you need to plan a summer wedding on a budget, however, there are ways you can cut costs and still have a nice day for a fraction of the cost. Read on to find out six ways that you can save money on a summer wedding that you will cherish!
6 Ways to Save Money on a Summer Wedding
1. Have the ceremony and reception outdoors.
The venue for your wedding can eat up almost 50% of your total budget if you rent a place! An outdoor wedding allows you to enjoy the weather and get away with paying very little, if any at all. A gathering at a family member or friend’s home can be just as beautiful as a pricy location. Reserve a church as a free backup plan.
2. Shop for a used wedding dress.
Some may feel that wearing someone else’s wedding dress is a curse, but really, it’s just a dress! One that has only been worn once before is likely to still be in pristine condition, and may save you hundreds of dollars. Here are tips for finding a used wedding dress.
3. Opt for fake flowers – and do them yourself.
Craft stores have beautiful flowers that you can turn into amazing bouquets. You can also add extras like tulle or baby’s breath and still save a lot of cash. Plus, these flowers will be easier to save after the wedding, or they can be used as decor in your home for years.
4. Serve light foods at your reception rather than a meal.
Having a wedding in the early afternoon doesn’t call for a buffet of food. Finger foods and hor d’oeuvres is plenty if you need to plan a summer wedding on a budget. Save money on catering by having your loved ones put together the food table. They can each make 1-2 things and you will have more than enough eats to satisfy all your guests.
5. Keep the guest list to a minimum.
The smaller the wedding, the cheaper it will cost. There will be less mouths to feed, you can book a smaller location, and there will be less space to decorate. Make sure you have everyone that you want there, but don’t feel obligated to invite family you’ve never met or that you don’t even like!
6. Have someone you know do the photography.
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for at least one person you know to have a nice camera and some photography skills. Allow him/her to capture the memories of your wedding so that you can save money.
More Frugal Wedding Ideas
Top 10 Ways to Save Money on a Wedding
What to Look for in a Used Wedding Dress
How to Host a Potluck Wedding Reception
Kecia is the founder and editor of Southern Girl Ramblings. Her site is dedicated to helping moms survive parenthood…one post at a time. She features information on parenting, health, travel, fun, and more to ease the craziness that goes on in kiddo-filled households!
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nina says
I had my wedding in my garden. Saved lots of money!