One of your most important and treasured days will be your wedding. But honestly, organizing a wedding can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming. From interacting with guests to coordinating vendors and trying to keep track of the crucial budget, a lot of effort is involved in making your dream day a reality.There's a good chance that some of your wedding-day dreams are extravagant but that doesn't mean that they can't come true. But here's the thing: All that style costs a fortune. This list has some advice to help cash in on significant savings. With these hacks, it's possible to cut costs without compromising even a little bit of flair.
Avoid dairy products a few days before the wedding
When it comes to the big day, no bride wants to become friends with the restroom. Regular milk, cheese, and yogurt consumption have been associated in studies with mild to severe acne outbreaks. Additionally, people who are sensitive to dairy products can feel cramping and bloating.
So, it's best to avoid dairy products, except Greek yogurt, which will benefit your digestion and is loaded with protein to keep people feeling fuller. In addition, eat lean meat cuts as they are a good source of protein and whole grains, a good source of carbohydrates.
Invest in small magnetic weights to keep your veil in place
Magnetic veil weights are particularly useful for long, extremely light veils that run the risk of being more likely to blow away. They come in lovely patterns like pearls or rhinestones and are simply fastened to the edges of your veil. So, while making sure your veil behaves, these also add a little sparkle.
They come in two tiny magnets attached to each side of the veil, making it easy to put on and take off the veil. The magnets will prevent your veil from blowing over your face or out of control, but they will still permit some movement. It is advisable to put them on before taking pictures, throughout your ceremony, and for pictures following the wedding.
Get two cakes: one for pictures, one for guests
Many couples are now embracing the "two cake" craze involving real and fake wedding cakes. Simply put, a phony wedding cake is not "genuine," as its name suggests. Although it is covered in real icing and fondant and appears to be an authentic, edible cake, it is composed of polystyrene foam.
The biggest benefit of having such a cake is directly tied to how much money it can help couples save. If your budget is a little tighter, choose this option. A fake wedding cake can cost as little as $500, while a real one can cost thousands.
Get married on a weekday to save costs
Although weddings have traditionally been held on Saturdays, no law prohibits couples from considering one of the other six nights of the week for their celebration. This is increasingly true as the concept of what a wedding may be like develops and changes as the years progress.
Although almost no other days than Saturdays have the same effect on weddings, Thursday and Friday nights can still be considered "party nights." The drawback of having a party on Sundays and Mondays is that everyone is already thinking about their forthcoming week, so your guests might not be in the party mood.
Consider DIY-ing some wedding decor
Prioritize your DIY tasks following your general wedding vision to be achieved. Doing so will start saving money. A trick will be to be sure that the décor is distributed evenly and try not to waste your time on ineffective initiatives.
And worry not, uncrafty couples. Plenty of do-it-yourself projects are doable and don't call for a lot of knowledge or ability. We're talking about inexpensive floral arrangements, table runners, centerpieces that can be used to personalize the reception tabletop, and string lights that can be placed easily.
Create a separate email address
Setting up a wedding email address used only for your wedding is a wise decision. Your personal or professional email inbox isn't the best place for the numerous correspondence that weddings demand. Your life will be much simpler and more organized once all wedding-related email is sent to one mailbox.
Particularly when the alternative method of communication consists of a patchwork of many email addresses, texts, voicemails, social media messages, postal RSVP cards, and yelled inquiries from the great aunt across the hotel. Your wedding paper trail is searchable, arranged, and streamlined when everything is in one email account.
Book an Airbnb rather than multiple hotels
Couples who are just starting to plan their wedding question if they may host their ceremony at an Airbnb. The quick response is, without a doubt, yes. But there are some things that should be taken into account. A typically less expensive, more intimate wedding setting can be found by selecting an Airbnb or VRBO venue for your wedding or elopement.
Many couples decide to hold their ceremonies and parties at rental homes. The Airbnb can serve as your base camp while attending a neighboring wedding, as a location to hang out while getting ready for the big day, or as a small celebration.
Print double-sided invitations to save money
Consider using a double-sided wedding invitation. While saving the environment, they can also look beautiful. It's possible to put all your direct contact information on one side of a double-sided invitation and use the other side to get creative, festive and romantic.
Additionally, double-sided invitations present a fantastic chance to set your wedding apart from all others. Maybe guests will want to keep your invitation as a bookmark or memento. Use any extra space on the back to include something enticing, like a photo or a list of interesting sites to see in the city where the wedding will be.
Buy a thrift-shop wedding dress to save costs
Yes, wedding dresses are expensive. The average amount brides are willing to spend on their ideal wedding gown is around $2,500. To significantly cut down on some costs, since more money can be spent elsewhere, thrift-shop wedding dresses are a great alternative.
Pre-owned wedding dresses are fabulous since brides-to-be can get a stunning gown for a small portion of its original price. Purchasing used dresses allows brides-to-be to find their ideal wedding dress at a great price. It's also better for the environment.
Use credit cards with Cash Back rewards to purchase wedding supplies
Even though weddings are all about spending money, there are easy methods to get paid back for using credit cards. There is probably a credit card that can work for couples whether they are organizing a destination wedding, a lavish foreign honeymoon, or a more conventional wedding.
The top credit cards for weddings and honeymoons include appropriate reward structures, sizable sign-up incentives, affordable annual fees, or 0% introductory APRs. It might take some time to research the best credit card options, but that time will be worth it.
Buy more faux flowers than real ones
Your decor budget will be devoured by one of the biggest expenses: wedding flowers. Artificial flowers could be used in place of fresh ones as a more cost-effective and durable alternative. And if the best arrangements are chosen, they won't even appear as fake flowers.
The best silk flowers, from silk peonies to silk orchids, have been well-researched and can easily be mistaken for the real thing. If the remainder of your wedding decor is rustic and DIY-styled, delicate crepe paper blooms might also be a lovely option.
Reduce unnecessary wedding events like the rehearsal dinner
It could appear as though spending $500 daily while arranging a wedding is normal, but it's unnecessary. One strategy to ensure your wedding budget doesn't spiral out of hand is to forego pointless big-day expenses. There's no reason to have to explain everything to your guests.
If there's a need to direct people, put up a single, large sign that all visitors can use. Maybe even mention something special about a member of your wedding party or family in your speech or on the wedding website. It's possible to spend far less by using these simple substitutes.
Save contracts, names, budgets, and to-do lists in a digital folder
Having a digital folder on hand will be helpful while planning your wedding. It makes it possible to quickly get essential information without looking around aimlessly. The vendor contracts and all other physical contracts and quotations with your vendors should be included in a designated wedding digital folder.
All of your invitees should be listed, along with their dining preferences and RSVPs. Anything related to the planning or design of the ceremony should also be included. For instance, the order of the procession, the ceremony's script, the music, hymns, and readings; the setup information, such as the vendor or person in charge, should also be included.
Use an IKEA bag to lift your dress when peeing
All brides want everything to go smoothly because this celebration has been painstakingly planned for months. Therefore, it is important to take into account any problems that can arise. One such challenge to consider is how the bride will use the restroom while wearing that enormous gown.
With the champagne flowing, frequent bathroom stops will occur, and getting dressed and undressed every time is not practical. One of those reusable blue or yellow IKEA bags and a pair of scissors are all that's needed. The bag needs to be folded first and then should have the middle cut out. Next, put your feet inside the sack and step inside. Finally, just put the handles of the IKEA bag over your shoulders. This will hold your wedding gown and keep it from getting dirty while on the toilet.
Find a venue that doesn't require couples to use their pricey vendor
Many wedding venues acknowledge that vendors typically charge extra for weddings compared to a "family event" or corporate party of comparable size. Many couples have never planned a wedding before and are unsure what a fair price is. As a result, suppliers are typically reluctant to disclose their rates upfront.
Instead, they prefer to hold off until they have more information about the event before offering a pitch and an estimate. Because weddings are "once in a lifetime" occasions, couples have higher expectations, which results in additional labor for vendors. Before listening to a sales pitch, couples should inquire about rates from prospective vendors.
Plan your wedding during off-wedding seasons to save costs
For couples trying to stretch their budget further and who aren't afraid to enjoy chilly conditions, the wedding off-season, which usually lasts from December to March, can be a terrific alternative. Be ready to save money if your decision is to marry outside of peak wedding season.
Although not all vendors give discounts during off-peak times, many are prepared to be flexible with their prices. Particularly during the winter months, venues frequently offer discounted prices, allowing couples to book their ideal space for a much lower cost.
A clever RSVP hack: number each card that correlates to a guest
Making a seating chart for your wedding is essentially playing Tetris on steroids. It's likely that your lineup may change a few times, and attempting to type it out by hand can lead to a lot of scrunched-up paper and needless stress.
Use color-coordinated post-it tags to symbolize your guests and sketch a mock-up of your reception setting on a piece of cardboard to entirely ease the procedure. This will make it more simple to make changes until the ideal seating arrangement can be achieved.
Use alternative envelope sealing methods
The most popular technique is old-fashioned licking, provided couples don't have a lot of envelopes to close. If managing many envelopes at once, it could be difficult and ineffective. To help moisten your envelopes, use a sponge, Q-tip, inexpensive 1/4"-wide paintbrush, cotton swab, or cotton ball.
This method will protect your tongue and might help seal more envelopes than your tongue is capable of. Get a small bowl and fill it with warm water to utilize this technique. Swipe your sponge, Q-tip, paintbrush, or cotton swab across the seal's adhesive after lightly moistening it in water. To seal the envelope, fold the moistened flap and push firmly on it.
Be your own DJ with Spotify or Apple Music
To be your own DJ, simply choose the program or playlist app to use. Apple Music and Spotify are well-liked options because they offer unlimited streaming for about $10 per month, and almost every piece of music imaginable can be easily accessed.
It's easy to access Apple or Spotify on your phone and PC. The most incredible thing is that it's possible to create offline access to your playlists. Research any playlist-making smartphone application. Considering what music amplification system the venue will have or look into rental companies or maybe consider purchasing one.
Get shoe insoles for better comfort
Investing in cushioned inserts for your wedding shoes is even more crucial to your overall wedding pleasure than picking the ideal pair of heels. Thankfully, there are endless insert alternatives that can be selected based on your unique foot conditions.
Find a gel or complete insole that supports the length of your foot if looking for a comprehensive fix. Smaller cushions that support the arch, toe, or ball of the foot provide an alternative for brides with more focused concerns.
Only invite people who the couple has talked to in the last two years
One of the most challenging aspects of wedding planning is reducing the guest list. It involves more than just establishing a list of the preferred people to celebrate with. Depending on the capacity of your venue, some guests may have to be left off the guest list out of necessity.
Once your families have been invited, calculate the number of open slots still have and split them equally among the two of your families. Give your parents free reign to use these seats however they see fit while making it plain that no additional seats are available.
For guests' plus ones, have your invites includes their names
When it comes to plus-ones for your wedding party, the regulations governing cohabitation, dating, and marriage are irrelevant. Allowing a bridesmaid to bring her new boyfriend, for instance, is a small gesture of gratitude in exchange for her efforts and support. A happy wedding party makes for a happy couple.
Consider it a "thank you" for all the occasions that your bridal party has helped plan and attend over the past few months. Don't forget to make plans for the plus ones' seating, food choices and wedding gifts as well.
Write your vows on an acrylic glass
To create a sweet wedding keepsake, consider writing your vows on an acrylic glass sheet to read during your wedding rather than on a crumpled piece of paper. The Plexiglass section of hardware stores carries large acrylic sheets in various thicknesses.
The price of acrylic increases with its thickness. The fact that not all acrylic sheets are created equally is something to keep in mind. Because of this, we advise visiting your neighborhood hardware shop in person the first time you choose acrylic sheets, especially if building a sizable sign.
Have an idea of shoe style in mind before shopping
Finding the ideal pair of bridal shoes is at the top of the list of crucial wedding day accessories. Bridal shoes are important from a fashion, comfort, and aesthetic standpoint, only second to the dress. But they do need to be comfortable.
It's smart to identify your preferred style before beginning your hunt for wedding heels. Whether going all-out glam, more feminine, vintage or contemporary, comfort should be key. Shoes that add a colorful pop, a lot of sparkles, or else a more traditional style are all acceptable.
Scruff the sole of your heels for better friction and less slippage
We may have previously placed a magnificent five-inch heel above the comfort of feeling our toes, but now we have a renewed appreciation for comfort that we're unwilling to give up. Blisters, after all, can be highly annoying. Having said that, we're not planning to discard our favorite pairs.
Instead, we have learned how to improve the comfort of our shoes. Use an insole made to fit the shape of a high heel for additional support. To increase traction and prevent slippage, roughing up the bottom of new heels with sandpaper is also a good idea.
Add Glitter Bombs to Champagne Flutes for more aesthetics
Hear us out: Champagne with glitter may be one of the best trademark cocktail concepts ever. Surprise your guests by giving them glitter bomb tablets to drop into their glasses to keep them enthralled by their bubbly for the entire evening.
Add your cotton candy "bomb" to a beverage (we recommend Champagne, sparkling water, or a carbonated drink, but the possibilities are endless.) Watch how the glitter takes control as the cotton candy gradually melts; adding this tiny, flavorless edible glitter will elevate your beverage. Also, there will undoubtedly be a lot of Instagram boomerangs with this tasty notion.
Select heels that are slightly large for better comfort
Your wedding shoes have the power to make or break your big day, and no one wants the latter. So, choose a shoe size just a bit larger than your usual size for your wedding shoes to ensure that your toes have little room to move.
Try on shoes that are half to a full size larger than your usual size. When trying on shoes before buying them, ensure there is enough leeway at the toe and heel but not so much that it is impossible to move around.
Use Polaroid photos as cake toppers
Everyone's favorite wedding cake topper is a Polaroid snapshot. The best part is that this can be DIY'd, saving money on cake decorations. Matte picture paper, self-stick foam core, a box cutter, a T-square, toothpicks or cake toppers that have been disassembled, a polaroid application, glue, and a photo of the happy couple are required.
Transform your snapshot into a Polaroid by first installing Poladroid. Your photo should be printed twice on matte photo paper, then mounted on foam core. Cut off the Polaroids and one of the centers using a box cutter and t-square. Attach the Polaroid with the image to your plastic cake topper using adhesive. Glue your plastic cake topper onto the Polaroid with the image in the center. Glue the Polaroid without the image on top. Finally, stick it into your cake.
Place cheerful photos on each guest table
As fun and polite as it is to personally get up and greet each guest that made their way to your wedding, it may be impossible to do so. Rather than saying hi to everyone, we recommend taking some photos and creating a collage on each table. These photos should also be accompanied by heartfelt words of appreciation, thanking everyone for their time and expressing your utmost gratitude.
Combining your images and a note of appreciation and thanks to your guests, can make up for a lack of personal interactions or meetings, and can save time and save hurt feelings. Such photo displays can also add personal charm to the wedding decor.
Track the sunset for golden hour photos
As the name suggests, a golden hour is a special time during the day for taking photos in front of the golden glow of the rising or setting sun. Due to the flattering qualities of its warm, soft light, it is incredibly well-liked. In fact, because of the effect, the majority of portrait photographers now plan outdoor picture shoots around golden hour.
While the light in all its natural glory provides the backdrop for incredible photos, effectively capturing it requires careful planning. Knowing when to organize the session for golden hour shots and scouting the site are two pointers for accomplishing this.
Appoint a specific person to run interference with extra-chatty guests
The most significant task of all is possibly this one. Make time before the wedding to plan a few enjoyable dates with friends who will make keep your spirits up and ask them to help communicate with your guests during the big day.
These might even turn out to be some of your favorite engagement-related experiences. Additionally, as many suppliers or vendors must be paid on the spot, assign a reliable friend to handle the necessary payments, and let the supplier know ahead of time who will handle their payment for better clarity.
Remember to eat and drink water for energy
Typical wedding day activities include the following: The makeup team, photographs, handling family dramas and any last-minute setup emergencies. However, it's important to remember to eat. Truth be told, eating small bites frequently will help brides look their best on their wedding day. Some brides forget to eat, while others avoid it out of concern for bloating.
Everyone dislikes a hungry and dehydrated bride, so do yourself a favor and have a small breakfast. It would be best to eat breakfast in the morning to help stay energized, hydrated and radiant amid all the activity and emotions of the day.
Generate inflows by selling items that won't be re-used
Every couple has a specific experience following their wedding day. It takes place as they adjust to married life and return to reality. After the wedding, they will inevitably ask each other what they will do with so many votive candle holders.
There are various online stores where newlyweds can sell their used wedding supplies. Consider checking out such websites to declutter your home from wedding leftovers that won't be used again (and perhaps even assist another couple in saving money for their wedding).
Appoint who will open all your wedding gifts
A wedding is not a one-day or two-day event, heck, it's a week-long event as there is fun "aftermath" of such a big day. One such post-wedding activity is opening your wedding gifts. It may sound fun but it can be tiring to sit in a pile of wrapped boxes without having had full 8 hours of sleep.
This is why we recommend that newlyweds appoint a trusted person to open the gifts for them. This trusted person should open up the gifts as soon as they are received so that a thank-you note can be sent out immediately, especially if the giver is not present.
Match your veil and dress colors
As a general guideline, your bridal veil should be more low-key the more elaborate your dress is. The veil shouldn't overpower your entire bridal outfit; it should only serve to frame your face. Choose a veil with a little more decoration, like one with beading, if your gown is neat.
While choosing a bridal veil that matches your wedding dress, try a blush veil if your dress is blush. A veil made of ivory should match an ivory dress to avoid a contrasting and unattractive color tone. The veil is a key accessory to get right.
Be sure to get good sleep
Let's face it, most couples probably won't get much rest the night before their wedding. However, it's not recommended to give in to racing thoughts or jitters, as no bride or groom wants to be completely fatigued on their wedding day.
Make a sleep cycle for yourself at least three weeks before the wedding. This entails deciding on a bedtime and a wake-up time for each day. Some people believe it's a good idea to have a few glasses of wine before bed, but this never works out very well because it will reduce the quality of your sleep and cause dehydration.
Tuck tissues into the back of a bridesmaid's bouquet
The importance of tissues at your wedding cannot be overemphasized. Those small pieces of paper perform numerous functions, one being to help clean the tears of the emotional bride. Let's face it; the tears are bound to flow when your husband reads his heart-warming vows or when your best friend comes out to give her speech.
A tissue would be used to catch those tears to prevent your makeup from getting ruined. However, it might not look good for the bride to be holding tissues in her hands; it's recommended to tuck them behind the bridesmaid's bouquet for easy access.
Take ALL your vitamins before your big day
While preoccupied with makeup, the wedding dress, shoes, or guest lists, the bride should not forget her health. Her body needs vitamins to function effectively; if she does not get them via food, she could get them by taking vitamin supplements.
Each bride should ensure that she judiciously takes her vitamins before, during, and even after her wedding. Doing so will go a long way in protecting her immune system. In addition, vitamins will keep all brides' skin glowing amidst all the stress.
Make an emergency kit with the *Real* Essentials
Like every event, weddings are bound to have minor unavoidable accidents. Here's how to plan for when this happens. A wedding emergency pack consists of various tools that solve any wedding emergency that brides might encounter. Wedding emergency packs can be bought or arranged by bridesmaids.
They often contain safety pins that can be used to hold down torn clothing and mints to prevent foul breath. They will also have a sewing kit to help mend dresses together. With an emergency kit, everyone will feel more at ease knowing in case something—whether it's a broken button or a blister—comes up. The kit should be kept in your maid of honor's clutch or a dedicated reception-ready bag.
Spray a heavy-duty fixative to protect your makeup
Any beauty enthusiast will say that when choosing their top five makeup tools, a setting spray will be on the list. Setting spray is a product that ties our makeup together. Keep reading to find out what they are exactly, why they are unique, and how they work.
They make a big difference by protecting your makeup from sweat and moisture and creating an overall radiance that highlights your face. When setting sprays are used, the solvent evaporates, leaving behind polymers that merge and create a waterproof effect.
Put on a small amount of hand lotion before walking down the aisle
During the wedding, no one wants the wedding rings to unexpectedly get stuck when trying to be put on the bride or groom's finger. This can put a lot of stress on the couple but is a common problem. No one wants to be forced to cut their wedding band (especially one that you customized yourself).
To make sure the ring slides around your finger comfortably, apply hand lotion before walking down the aisle. Hand lotion keeps your hands and fingers moisturized, allowing the ring to slide gently and easily. Plus, it makes your hands softer and gives off a lovely fragrance.
Make DIY signs to provide guests with directions
While enjoying your special day, a simple sign can serve a crucial purpose by directing all of your loved ones to the appropriate locations. There are plenty of creative and easy options for creating simple yet elegant wedding directions signage.
Hand-lettered words in dazzling white and deeply stained timber sign stand out better. Include information for your guests to access when they arrive, such as the title of your event or a map. Consider planting a few on the street to direct guests toward your wedding venue. They would be a great way to welcome them.
Schedule private couple time
Finding time for yourself while organizing or carrying out a wedding can be challenging. Many couples struggle with how to spend quality time alone together during the busy event(s). The wedding should not distract from the love the couple feels for each other. They will still need to connect.
Spending time with your significant other during the wedding allows for opportunities to comment on and enjoy events even more. This intimacy will infuse the relationship and prevent or at least minimize any stress that typically happens during the wedding.
Be creative with labeling your table numbers
There are easy ways to creatively approach the tedious task of labeling your seating tables. Have some fun with the often tedious task of numbering the tables at your wedding. There are a variety of ways to do so.
The most typical approach to achieve this is to use numerals, such as 1, 2, 3, and so forth. However, it's possible to also distinguish tables using letters, words, names, and themes. This latter approach would be more memorable for guests.
Keep your guests' children entertained by providing coloring books
Many couples planning weddings with young children on the guest list worry that the children will be overly bored, drive their parents crazy, or cause mayhem elsewhere. When kids are invited, the key to a stress-free reception for parents and the newlyweds is to be organized and provide lots of family-friendly entertainment.
Kids always enjoy creating things, so set aside a small space and set up a table with crayon pots and craft materials, like coloring books, playdough, pipe cleaners, and stickers. Some basic crafts will surely be a hit for everyone.
Include a perfect place for photos with a carnation curtain
Carnations were frequently used in Greek ceremonial crowns, and this practice is linked to 2000-year-old mythology. Even for couples on a limited budget, carnations can be a reasonable option because they come in a variety of colors and kinds and are often inexpensive.
Carnations are also ideal for creating hanging flower chandeliers, curtains, and floral dividers. They will stand out from the start of your wedding and reception and all throughout it. Unlike many other flowers, carnations don't quickly wilt or turn brown.
Ask your officiant to step away during your first kiss
We frequently see beautiful first kiss pictures of newlyweds with the officiant in the middle of them. Although it might seem nice, the first kiss photo should only include the couple. Ask your ceremony officiant to move aside when they pronounce your first kiss for the ideal first kiss snapshot.
This is to ensure that your officiant's head and torso don't protrude between the couple during the magical first kiss images. First kiss pictures with the couples alone turn out better than with the officiators as there are no distractions or other faces to gaze at other than the couples.
Wait a day before leaving on the honeymoon to decompress
Waiting a day or two before leaving on your honeymoon allows for time to say goodbye to your family and guests at a farewell brunch, unwrap your gifts, catch up on eating and sleeping and inspect your honeymoon luggage one last time.
There is something to be said about the excitement of the "just married" honeymoon, so we advise against waiting too long. That being said, go while the excitement is still fresh, but first spend a day or two at home to rest your head and dancing feet.
Expect things to go wrong, but try not to stress
No wedding is perfect. Wedding professionals, family dynamics, communication, and the flow of your wedding day are typically the causes of mishaps. Something might inevitably go wrong on your wedding day. How bad it ruins your mood depends on your attitude.
If something does go wrong during the wedding, it's recommended to think about the larger picture. Think about how happy your life will be and how fun the wedding is with everyone eating delicious cuisine, dancing, and toasting with family and friends instead of worrying about if the guests are happy.
Create space at the altar
The wedding altar takes the cake when it comes to memorable photos, yet couples often do not utilize this opportunity properly. Since the altar is small, it might not be easy to take a photo that includes only the couple.
Couples should create sufficient distance between themselves and their maid of honor, the best man and any family members when the pictures are taken. This allows for great photos that show only the bride and groom without including any other person.