Choosing a Venue
Many couples opt or a backyard wedding to save money. Before you decide on using your parents’ backyard for the wedding, consider how much it will cost to rent tables, chairs, tablecloths, plates and silverware. Consider if there are enough restrooms available for your guests or if you’ll need to rent additional facilities. Also make sure there is ample parking for all of your guests. Before you choose any venue price out all the costs so you stay within your wedding budget.
BONUS BUDGET WEDDING TIP: Restaurants are a great choice for budget weddings because you will not need to rent furniture or tableware.
DIY Flowers
Some brides decide to buy their own flowers for bouquets and centerpieces. It’s true you can save a lot of money by buying your own flowers, but unless you have experience making bouquets I don’t recommend making them the day before your wedding.
If you want to save money on flowers, consider making your own centerpieces but leaving the bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages to the experts. A good florist will also advise you on local flowers that are in season, which will help you stay on budget.
BONUS BUDGET WEDDING TIP: Feel free to incorporate non-floral elements into your wedding from feathers to bowls of limes or lemons as part of a centerpiece. Having a beach wedding – what about a shell boutonniere? If you’re up for the challenge, you can make those ahead of time.
Choosing a Wedding Photographer
There are so many great photographers in Southern California at many different price ranges. Make sure when comparing photographer pricing that you’re comparing similar packages. Are you getting all of your hi-res images at the full resolution? Some photographers offer hi-res images that you can only print as a 4X6. If you try printing them larger, they won’t look good. If a photographer includes hi-res images, ask what size they can be printed.
BONUS BUDGET WEDDING TIP: If you’re on a tight budget, consider hiring a photographer you love for only 5 or 6 hours making sure she captures the most important parts of your day. You can ask your guests for their photos of the reception. There are only so many professional photos you need of your guests dancing.
Our Favorite Online Resources for Brides on a Budget: