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Agree the wedding budget
- Who is paying for the wedding?
- If you're sharing costs across families, gather all those involved to discuss how this will proceed.
Things to consider:
- There are different cultural expectations and traditions when it comes to paying for weddings. My advice is not to assume or expect anything and to be open to discuss it with your families.
- Will all the wedding money be given in advance and put in a special wedding savings account/pot?
- Alternatively will individuals settle bills as they arise?
- Will different persons have different costs they are responsible for?
- Are you required to save ... can you save enough to settle the bills within the given timeframe / pay deposits?
Decide on the number of guests and budget
Deciding on the number of wedding guests will help determine the wedding budget, cost of the wedding or vice versa. If you set the budget before hand this in turn will dictate how many guests you are able to have for the ceremony and the reception. Your wedding budget and guest list combined will determine, large or small wedding, formal, informal wedding and lead you to selecting appropriate venues and so on.
Choose your Bridal Party & Groomsmen
Choose your bridal party and groomsmen and invite them formally to participate. Maid of honor, bridesmaids, flower girls, best man and ring bearers are sometimes given small personalized gifts when verbally asking them to fulfil that role.
wedding planning
let's get started
wedding planning
let's get started
- Set the date
- Agree the budget
- Decide on Guest numbers
- Start looking at venues
Planning a low budget wedding can be a challenge and the key to success is organization. Here to help you is a detailed low budget wedding planning guide which you can use to kick start your wedding planning process and dip into as you go along. Many couples set their wedding date on average two-years from their date of engagement.
This allows a full year to research themes, color schemes, venues, consider your budget, location and all the niceties of wedding planning. The real work though starts a year ahead of the wedding date as those ideas are put into motion. View our detailed wedding planning timeline to stay on schedule and enjoy a free wedding website from Minted to keep you organized and help you to plan.
Main expenses
Main expenses
- Wedding Venue/s
- Catering/Bar
- Photographer/Videographer
- Wedding Dress /Groom Suit
- Bridal party and Groomsman wear
- Reception Band or DJ/Entertainment
- Honeymoon
- Hotel bookings
- Transport
Officiant
- Florist / Decorations
- Cake Maker / Cake
- Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist
- Transportation/Cars
- Invitations/Stationery
- Favors
- Thank you gifts
- Engagement Party/Photos
- Bachelorette Party / Bridal Shower
Wedding Planner FAQS
Wedding Planner FAQS
How much do wedding planners typically cost?
How long is a piece of string? A wedding planners fee will depend on where you live, the size of your wedding and the size of your wedding planning expectations! More experienced, highly rated wedding planners who are rapidly booked up will charge more. They can also afford to pick and choose their clients.
A wedding planners fees will then be based on what you want. they may have a range of wedding planning packages for you to choose from. Many wedding planners charge a base rate and then add extra fees. be aware of what those extra fees are and ensure you know what level of service the base rate includes. A wedding day co-ordinator may charge between $1200 - $5000.
Is a wedding planner worth it?
Hiring a wedding planner is worth it if you can afford the luxury of doing so and your own time is valuable. If you have to take time out of work or your busy social, family life then what does that cost you? Weigh up the cost of your own time against the cost of a wedding planner and you may find, their hourly rate is not as high as your own!
If you find wedding planning very stressful that also has a cost to you and your overall health, mental and physical. In which case, again a wedding planner who alleviates the stress and workload can be worth their weight in gold!
How do I find a wedding planner?
- Ask you local friendship group for recommendations
- Use a local wedding directory
- View wedding planner websites and read reviews
- Compare prices against the services they offer
- Obtain quotes
- Create a short list
- Interview your favorites - you need to have a great working relationship with your wedding planner so meeting them before you hire them is very important.
- Follow up on all references and check their credentials, insurance etc.
- Read your contract thoroughly, what happens if they are unwell and unable to proceed? What is their planB?
- Be clear on what services they provide and what they do not! Do not assume they do everything including the running around for lost, missing, delayed items.
- Hire
Do wedding planners provide decorations?
Your wedding planner (if it is part of your service contract) will liaise with suppliers and wedding vendors regarding delivery or hire of decorations which you pay for either as part of your package or separately. They will not do the decorating themselves, usually they will have a team/hire a team to take over that role. You can make savings having family or friends help but if your wedding planner is a professional and the execution of how the venue is decorated is their responsibility (their reputation depends on a good job) they may not be happy with that as a solution.
How do wedding planners save you money?
- Source a venue inside your budget
Provide catering food and drink options of differing value - ie Pig Roast or Sit down Meal
They know what is absolutely necessary and what is not for your wedding day to go smoothly and be a success.
They already know the ways to make savings planning a wedding and how to reduce costs.
They may have relationships with wedding vendors who offer discounts for the use of their services/promotion
Replace your time so you don't lose money taking time off work to plan your wedding
How many hours does it take a wedding planner to plan a wedding?
According to the Independent Newspaper UK the average modern wedding takes 528 hours to plan. If we take the average working week to be 35hrs this is a total of 15weeks! (3.5 months). That is a huge chunk of someones annual salary! Personally, my wedding did not take anything like as long as this to plan and I'm sure many wedding planners would agree. That said if you're a Royal Bride, perhaps it does take this long!
Your wedding planner will quote you a base rate and advise of any extras in advance or as you proceed, fortunately you won't be paying them by the hour!
Get Organized
Get Organized
To help you get organized you may want to invest in a wedding planner journal. The Knot wedding planner and organizer is especially popular among new brides to be. Another popular one which is super cheap can be seen below for under $10. Or you can download our FREE wedding guide here
What are the 5 most expensive parts of a wedding?
- Reception venue. ...
- Catering
- Wedding Planner
- Wedding Dress
- Photographer. ...
How can I save money on alcohol for my wedding?
- Have the guests buy their own drinks
- Buy your own alcohol
- Arrange with venue to pay per person not per drink
- Limit the free drinks and have a voucher system to keep track
- No need for a Champagne toast, wine will do.
6 things brides forget on their wedding day!
6 things brides forget on their wedding day!
With all that planning it is hard to imagine anything has been forgotten or overlooked for the day of the wedding, but there are a few things commonly missed so here they are so you don't tall foul of them!
- Waterproof eye makeup, mascara. There will undoubtedly be tears on the day (hopefully of joy) and you don't want your expensive bridal makeup running down your face. If you are wearing false eyelashes you may also want to consider how stable they are with the added moisture of tears!
- Eat - imagine saying your vows and your stomach starts rumbling in a room which is silent and sounds echo. Make sure you have a good wedding day breakfast. You will be surprised at how long the day seems before you get to eat at your reception, if you manage to eat at all! You also do not want to be fainting on your wedding day, so ensure you're sensible in regards to food and fluids.
- A little bag for tissues (all that crying we mentioned earlier, you don't want to be wiping your eyes or runny nose on your dress! You may also want to carry a few cosmetics for touch ups before photos. Your phone - it would be lovely if you could leave that alone for your wedding day but chances are you will need it to liaise with your wedding co-ordinator, find your fiance/ee, take calls from absent friends and relatives etc.
- Comfortable shoes - you won't just be dancing you will standing on your feet for the ceremony, possibly walking to the reception venue and standing to talk to and greet your wedding guests. This will be a long day on your feet and while those 4 inch heels look fabulous darling, when you're grimacing and hunched over from aching feet ... you, not so much!
- Toilet breaks and sitting down and walking in your wedding dress and will your wedding dress survive you eating? My wedding dress corset was so tight, not only could I barely breathe but when I did sit down to eat it burst open at the back. This isn't a frequent occurrence fortunately but having a dress you can breathe and move in comfortably is as important as looking fabulous.
- Time with your fiance! Sounds ridiculous doesn't it, but I have been to weddings where the bride (after the ceremony) barely saw her fiance. They were both busy greeting guests, mingling they forgot to spend time together outside of scheduled speeches, dances, cutting of cake etc. It is nice to sneak off (even if it is just for 30mins) during the reception for some alone time. Breathe, have a little relax, perhaps indulge in some postmarital enjoyment.
Other important things you should not forget
Garment bag for suit and dress when/if you change for the evening. You may have it at home but what about at the venue? You don't want to leave your dress in a heap on a chair.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a 6 pence in your shoe (tradition depending on how important that is to you).
Ring boxes
eeek don't forget the rings!!
Marriage License
Spare hosiery (if wearing it)
Special undergarments for the day, this may be something extra romantic or special 'suck it in, pull it up' underwear!
A list - in your purse you may want to keep a list of the timeline for the day so you don't forget where you are meant to be and at one time. This is helpful re your photographs which your photographer should have a plan for, dining, first dance, cutting the cake, speeches and more. You will be overwhelmed with everything that is going on so a list will reduce your level of panic.
Free Wedding Planning Guide and Checklists
Free Wedding Planning Guide and Checklists
let us show you ...
let us show you ...
- How to cut your wedding venue costs in half
- How to make big savings on wedding vendors
- How to buy your dream wedding dress on a budget
- How to spend less on wedding flowers
- How to plan with free wedding planning checklists
- How to spread tasks throughout the year with our free wedding timeline guide
- and more ...
Wedding Couples - Download this helpful guide to help plan your low budget wedding. Print it out for your personalized wedding folder or just keep handy to dip in and out of as you need.
Wedding vendors - you can embed this free wedding planning guide onto your website/blog for visitors to read from your own site. To do this (see image below) from the download tab select tabs as shown in 1 and 2. You can then copy and paste the iframe code to your website or blog.
PDF File Terms of Use - Content Copyright Protected. NO Copying /resale/using for email subscriptions/ebooks permitted. For Personal Use only or for sharing online as per the following terms. When sharing/publishing you must add a live link and credit back to weddingdesignchic.com. Vendors may add this guide to their blog or website (unaltered) with full credit and live link back to weddingdesignchic.com
First things first! Announce your engagement
First things first! Announce your engagement
Plan an Engagement and Set The Date
If you're announcing your engagement formally, having an engagement party, sending out notices etc. it is a good idea let guests know a that same time when the wedding will take place. An exact date may not be possible at this stage but some idea of the year and what time of year would be very useful.
This enables your guests to make their own plans and savings to cover the cost of wedding clothes, transport, possible childminding\and gifts. They may also need to make arrangements with work and sort out holiday bookings. It is likely you will invite the same people to your engagement as you intend to invite for your wedding. This will provide a guide as to how many guests you may need to cater for re the wedding dinner / reception.
20 Low Budget Ideas for Engagement Photos
20 Low Budget Ideas for Engagement Photos
Many couples are now having a pre-wedding photo shoot to create engagement photos which they use for their save the dates or for a memory of their engagement. Featured here are some couple photos and great venue ideas to inspire your own engagement photo shoot.
- Countryside, field setting - wildflowers, long grass - having fun
- Park - flowers, picnic blanket, flying a kite
- Woodland, Forest - trees and winding pathways -walking, holding hands
- Beach, sand and sea location. Pics of hearts drawn in the sand, sandcastles, paddling in the sea.
- Pretty backyard, garden - create a scene with hay bales, flowers, bunting
- Petting Farm - local farm, petting cute animals
- Zoo - photos with exotic animals, birds in the backdrop
- Rowing boat on a river/lake
- Horse riding together
- Cycling - ride a cycle for two, romantic photos with bike in backdrop
- Sunsets - silhouette pics against a sunset - find a tall hill
- Formal dancing - any venue with a great backdrop
- Romantic Bridge over a stream
- Floral Archway - find a great spot or construct an artificial arch
- Fair Ground - fun photos on rides, carousel, big wheel.
- Enjoying a game of golf or other sport
- Hygge Life - snuggle with coco, good books infront of roaring fireplace
- Sexy boudoir photos - bed, roses, chocolate strawberries
- Fun bubble bath - share a tub, lot of bubbles and Champagne
- Pet Pics - if you have pets, do some fun pet couple pics
If you want something a little arty and bit more unique you could try silhouette photos against a scenic sky. Take images of hands entwined showing off your engagement rings. If you're having an engagement photo shoot at the beach, you can draw hearts in the sand, names, build a sandcastle together, paddle in the sea, and have a romantic picnic.
You can sex it up and have a little more intimate style photos, the choice is endless. Whatever you do ensure the scene and poses are authentic to who you are as a couple and show you both loved up and natural.
Add your engagement photos to your wedding invitations, announcements and save the dates!
Add your engagement photos to your wedding invitations, announcements and save the dates!
image source pixabay
How to stop your guest list spiralling out of control
How to stop your guest list spiralling out of control
Make the Guest List
Once you've decided on your bridal party and groomsmen, sit down together as a couple and make a wedding guest list. Couples have different 'rules' re this but generally they split it down the middle inviting an even number of guests for each side.
In some cases the bride or the groom may have a smaller friend or family guest list in which case you can agree between you how 'balanced' the list is and if that is even important. If there is a big discrepancy between bride and groom guest numbers avoid the different seating arrangements for the ceremony as it will be less obvious.
Guest A, Guest B, Guest C - which are you?
There is a funny meme floating around on social media about a bride who revealed the fact she had tiers of guests who may or may not make it to the final cut! The process of who determining who you most want at the wedding is normal, announcing it to the guests, definitely not!
Make a list (and keep it private) of those you know for certain will be there, you can't get married without them. These will be your nearest and dearest family and friends. And perhaps your boss.
Plus 1's and children?
When you've compiled this list, consider whether you're allowing plus ones and children, because the numbers will double/treble when you factor that in! From here, decide who else you may like to be there if space and finances allow. And again, consider who they might bring with them.
Family Politics
There will be all manner of family politics involved with creating the guest list. Parents, friends and siblings may have their own ideas about who should come to your wedding! Stand firm, this is your wedding, do not be bullied into having a bunch of people you don't know or care about at your wedding. And if it gets too stressful, there is always elopement!
Cost per head
When you have your wedding guest list you can work out the cost per head for food, drinks, favors and more.
Low Budget Wedding Venue Ideas
Low Budget Wedding Venue Ideas
Book the Ceremony & Reception Venue/s
When the wedding date is set, the wedding guest list decided, the wedding budget agreed you can take that information and start looking at wedding ceremony and reception venues.
Things to consider:
- Distance from where you live
- Distance and available transport between ceremony and reception site
- Parking /disabled access /child friendly
- Can your guests get their easily
- Venue guests capacity
- Indoor/outdoor and contingency re weather
- What is included with the booking
- Do they cater for all dietery requirements
- Check their insurance
- Cost as it works out per person
- Cancellation terms
- Take out insurance
6 Tips For Cutting Your Wedding Venue Costs in Half
6 Tips For Cutting Your Wedding Venue Costs in Half
- Instead of having a venue for the ceremony and another for the reception, combine them and have one venue for both!
- Have an early morning wedding followed by a reception brunch instead of an all-day and night party.
- Book a weekday rather than a weekend day
- Book out of season, this is usually winter, colder months of the year
- Source a newly opened venue looking for clients, offering deals
- Pay in full in advance, generally lower prices can be negotiated this way
8 Cheap Wedding Venue Ideas
8 Cheap Wedding Venue Ideas
- Backyard Wedding
- Park
- By a River
- At the beach
- Community/Village/Church Hall
- Sports Hall
- Air B&B
- Clubs/Bars/Hotels (morning, weekday and out of season)
21 Questions to ask your venue
21 Questions to ask your venue
- Is the wedding venue available on your chosen date?
- How many guests can be accomodated, standing and seated?
- What time can we access the wedding venue to decorate?
- Can we get ready at the wedding venue?
- Is there a secure room to store the gifts?
- Is there disabled access, downstairs toilets?
- What is the timeline for the day?
- Is it an open bar, what are the bar prices?
- Can we bring a bottle, do you charge corkage?
- Can we instruct our own caterers, bring our own food?
- What is included in the venue hire package?
- How many serving staff will be there on the day?
- Is there accommodation for us and guests?
- Can we get a discount for block room bookings?
- Do you have a wedding cake stand or do we bring our own?
- Are there any other weddings on the same day as ours?
- What time do we have to leave?
- What are the cancellation terms?
- Can I have an itemised invoice - see a full breakdown of costs
- Insurance?
- Can we get a better price weekday, out of season, am booking?
How to be a savvy Dress and Suit Shopper!
How to be a savvy Dress and Suit Shopper!
Wedding Dress Shopping
We both know you started looking at wedding dresses as soon as he popped the question right?
Wearing a wedding dress might be the only time in your life you put on a dress. It is a very special occasion and the dress itself, being a once-worn only item is a big part of your day. You can never start 'looking' too early. Just don't be tempted to make a rash decision you may regret later.
Make wedding dress shopping an event - take your mum/s, girly friends or one special person and book ahead to ensure you get a proper amount of attention. If you're buying a wedding dress online, read all the reviews and pay very close attention to the size guides. When factoring costs allow a budget for alterations and do some research so you know what these might be as they can work out more expensive than the dress.
Also consider wedding dress accessories such as little purse or bag, a belt, veil/train, undergarments, underskirt and of course any jewelry.
The Groom
We mustn't forget the guys! Your groom-to-be will usually do his wedding suit shopping at the same time as his groomsmen as they all tend to wear the same thing with a little spin of originality for the Groom. A different colored waistcoat, a cravate, pocket square, tie etc. Maybe a slightly sharper, darker or lighter suit.
Same sex couples
If you're a same sex couple you may want to surprise each other or shop together for co-ordinating outfits. You may both opt to wear the same. Lots of options, the sky's the limit and there are no rules.
Choose your Bridal Party
Choose your bridal party and groomsmen and invite them formally to participate. Maid of honor, bridesmaids, flower girls, best man and ring bearers are sometimes given small personalized gifts when verbally asking them to fulfil that role. When you know who is in your team, you can decide on your dress budget, for yourself and or them.
Things to consider
- Are you buying the Bridesmaid dresses or are they?
- Are they all wearing the same or mix and match?
- Are they likely to change in size (diet/pregnancy) between ordering the dress and the wedding?
How to save money on your Wedding Dress
How to save money on your Wedding Dress
- Pre-Loved - Worn once, specialist cleaned, can be as much as 75% less than the original purchase price. If going this route ensure you allow a small budget in case you need alterations and give yourself a LOT of time to hunt down the perfect dress. There are lots of Facebook groups and eBay lists etc. as well as Charity, Thrift stores that sell wonderful pre-loved wedding gowns.
- Chinese Dress Supply - You can make huge savings. From what I've seen so far re China Dresses on Facebook groups is that the bride while delighted, often the dress isn't quite like the promotional photo, so make sure you read the reviews and keep your expectations realistic. Look at customer photos that are posted with reviews. Most importantly ensure your measurements as provided to them are spot on.
- Borrow - sometimes a family member or friend has a wedding dress that they are happy to loan you with no cost to you other than specialist cleaning afterwards.
- Make it Yourself - if you have the skill why not? I saw a beautiful wedding gown recently a bride crocheted! It was stunning. Many of us don't have those skills however, but if you do ... worth considering and what a wonderful sentimental keepsake that would make.
- Buy a Prom Dress Instead - many prom dresses look a lot like wedding gowns and they're much cheaper. Most guests would never know the difference, especially if you're choosing a color other than white/ivory.
How to Save Money on
Bridesmaid Dresses
How to Save Money on
Bridesmaid Dresses
Keep it small - as well as bride and groom outfits, your Bridal Party and Groomsmen need fitting out with clothes, shoes, accessories, flowers! That's a lot of expense especially if you're planning on having a big entourage. The best way to keep costs down in this regard is to keep your bridal party small to non-existent. This may however NOT be possible if you have a large family and friends list who want to play an
active role on your special day.
What to do?
Explain to your enthusiastic following that you're on a budget and need to keep things simple but elegant. Advise them you'd love to have them included but being realistic it's only going to be possible if they are able to contribute themselves to the costs of their outfits and accessories.
If you're not dictating what they wear (outside of color theme) then this request is NOT unreasonable as they'd generally be buying something to wear to your wedding in any case. If they can't do this, they themselves are opting out of the bridal party and so that takes care of the 'we want to be in it' issue.
Color theme- different styles
Brides find that having a color theme and allowing their Bridal Party to choose their own dress style (perhaps specify a length) within that color scheme is an option the ladies embrace. And the photos look lovely. Just ensure all the colors go well together (paint sample charts are great for color matching).
Ask them to pay/contribute to the cost
Mix and Match Your Bridesmaids
Mix and Match Your Bridesmaids
Here's why!
Expecting all your bridesmaids to look fabulous and most importantly feel fabulous in the exact same dress as the woman standing next to them is expecting a lot! They will have different body shapes, complexions and their own individual style. And if you love them enough to want them to be part of your big day, you surely love them enough to want them be comfortable on your big day?
This is why at the Low Budget Wedding Network we were delighted when mixing and matching bridesmaids and flowergirl dresses began to trend. The different styles and shades look fabulous together (as long as you harmonize them correctly - more on that later) and they really are the way forward for millenium wedding couples. Don't be stuck in the dark ages with everyone looking the same.
No one will outshine you as the bride in your beautiful dress so you can be confident enough to let your bridesmaids, your faithful entourage, compliment your chosen wedding theme in an original way. Mixing and matching bridesmaids dresses in color, length and style is also a great way to ensure your wedding bridal party doesn't look like a carbon copy of anyone elses.
Take your mixing and matching to a new level by having two complimentary colors working together. See below for ideas of trending colors and ideas of how mixing and matching bridesmaids and flowergirl dresses can really work to your advantage.
6 Ways To Save Money On Wedding Flowers
6 Ways To Save Money On Wedding Flowers
1. Have a Color theme rather than a flower theme
The florist can more easily make a bouquet, garlands based on color than incur extra costs sourcing the flowers by type.
2. Fresh flowers
Real flowers may cost less than artificial depending on where you buy them. Some flower market stalls will make up a bouquet inexpensively for you to collect the morning of your wedding.
3. Grow Your own
You can plan ahead if you have green fingers and grow your own flowers for your bouquet and table decorations.
4. Pick your own
You may have a friend or family member with a garden who is happy to supply flowers for your day. When I did a flower arranging course I always used flowers from my mother's garden. This idea is perfect for a boho, rustic themed wedding.
5. DIY - I made my own floral centerpieces for the reception tables and was able to use the flower arrangements left behind from the previous wedding! Matching it all up wasn't my priority so I took what was offered. If you're going this route, have a few practice runs so you know what you're doing and what flowers work best. You can be very creative with rustic themes, using glass jars as vases and strings of LED lights.
6. Artificial Flowers
There are many silk, paper, rubber wedding flower options today that look every bit as fabulous as the real thing and of course they last longer and you don't have to worry about timing and storage. You can also try your hand at making these yourself following a YouTube tutorial to make further savings.
8 Ways To Save Money On The Wedding Cake
8 Ways To Save Money On The Wedding Cake
By Cassandra Mallett edited by LeahG
As brides, we want a big reaction to our wedding cake. We want people to mill around it and admire the creation that is a symbolic of a couples new union. We have dreams of hearing those "ooh's" and "ah's" and the conversations about the décor, the colors, and the height of the cake. The right wedding cake should take the breath away of all your guests, and make them anxious to take a bite.
More Cake For Less Money - here's how
More Cake For Less Money - here's how
- Simpler the better
- Round shape is cheapest
- Fresh Flowers cheaper than iced
- Butter icing cheaper than fondant
- Simple flavors
- Ribbons for color theme
- Grocery Cake
- Fake Cake
Smaller Guest Number = Smaller Cake = less cost
One of the most important things to keep in mind, when choosing a cake, is the amount of people that you plan to serve. For instance, if you have a cake that is $1.50 per slice and you are inviting 300 people, your cake without any décor will be $450. So one way to keep costs down is to keep the guest list as small as possible.
The more intricate your cake decoration details are the more your costs will increase
If you want a 4-tiered cake with a lace-like pattern, understand that someone must do that pattern which can take hours to recreate. Certain patterns, piping, or detailed frosting designs can take a lot of time and work. Remember, this labor increases your price. So, if you want to keep cost down, make the decorations simple.
Fresh flowers on the cake always bring cost down
As brides, we are completely intrigued by the gum paste flowers that are edible and beautiful. I mean, they look like the real thing and they mimic every detail of the real flowers. Because they do, these beautiful details cost. If you decide to decorate using fresh flowers instead, your décor can still be as breathtaking without the exorbitant prices.
Ribbons are a simple way to bring your wedding colors into your wedding cake design
This way you can decorate your cake without raising the price. Because my tastes are quite simple, I love the idea of putting a thick beautiful ribbon around the cake and pinning it with pearl pins. This is a very simple way to decorate and the pearl gives a look of sophistication to the cake as well. Again, using ribbons instead of icing as a decoration choice can make for a beautiful wedding cake without the large price.
Go to the grocery store
Many grocery stores will work to match your colors as well as your decoration needs. They are even willing to set up cake tastings with you, and some even have faux layers to offer!
Have a fake cake
Many brides are doing it to get the drama of a beautiful wedding cake without the price. They will have a faux cake, and in the back is a sheet cake cut up for the guests. This is a brilliant idea for brides on a budget. Bakers can do faux cakes because many of their store displays are fake cakes. This is not something that a baker may offer, but you can always ask. If you want, you can have it where only part of the cake can be fake. This way you can still have the cake cutting experience.
Stay simple with flavors
Some bakers will increase the price depending on what flavor you choose or if you choose more than one flavor, so this is a good thing to keep in mind. Again, you must ask yourself, will your guest really have a bad night because the cake was simply yellow? I have never been to a wedding where I was just sorely disappointed because of the flavor of the cake.
Simple shapes equal less money - round cakes are the cheapest and the easiest to decorate
Wedding cakes are works of art, and more and more bakers see themselves as artists pushing the limits and making wonderful edible masterpieces. So, if you want a cake shape that is hard to ice or decorate, you will have to come out of pocket to pay for it.
Questions for Your Cake Maker / Baker
Questions for Your Cake Maker / Baker
- How are your wedding cakes priced?
- Can you customize a wedding cake or do you just work with certain styles?
- What are your different cake flavors and fillings?
- What type of icing do you use? Fondant? Butter cream?
- Are there any extra fees that are not included with the base price?
- Does the price listed include the top tier?
- How far in advanced will my cake be made?
- Who will be the actual one baking my cake?
- Do you have a cake-cutting fee?
- How do you deliver the cake?
Wedding Cake Shapes
Wedding Cake Shapes
Round is Cheaper than all the other shapes
First, let's focus on the different shapes of most cakes. The shape of your cake is very important because it can affect the number of people that can be served and the price as well.
Round is the traditional shape of most wedding cakes and is still widely used by most brides. Because the shape of the round cake is the most simplistic, it is usually the least expensive; plus it's usually easier to decorate.
The square cake can be more expensive because it may require more labor. Oftentimes, the baker has to cut the sides of the cake to make them look sharper and neater.
For those eternal romantics, this is the cake shape for you. Again it may be a bit more labor intensive depending on how it is to be frosted and decorated. It's also important to keep in mind that the amount served from this shape may differ from that of other shapes.
This is for the couples that really want to have a more whimsical & fun feel to their wedding cakes. These cakes are usually uneven & slanted shaped. This is for the bold couples that are not afraid to be different. Instead of the traditional wedding décor, these cakes are usually decorated in bold colors and patterns.
This is a cake with six sides. This is another shape that is growing in popularity because it is a deviation from the traditional round wedding cake. Again, the price of this cake is more expensive than that of a round cake because of the time it will take the baker to cut and frost these cakes, but the finished product can be absolutely breathtaking.
The right wedding cake should take your guests breath away and make them anxious to take a bite.
The right wedding cake should take your guests breath away and make them anxious to take a bite.
What Is Your Dream Cake?
What Is Your Dream Cake?
A great way to figure out what you want in your cake is to think about your personality and what you like. Do you like for things to be grand and theatrical? If so, you may want a tall cake with lots of decoration. Are you planning a small wedding reception with a few friends and family and think that a huge cake for 200 is ridiculous?
What Is Your Wedding Theme?
What Is Your Wedding Theme?
Another good way to figure out what kind of cake you want is to think about the theme of your wedding. Think about whatever motifs you will sprinkle throughout the wedding, the cake should reflect this as well because it will be a focal point in the reception. If you are having an urban sophistication theme, should you really get the grand cake with the tons of flowers flowing from it? Maybe not, however, a cake of this magnitude may be great for a garden theme. So once you pick your wedding theme, your cake will take its shape (no pun intended).
How To Pick A Cake Maker
How To Pick A Cake Maker
Shop around
I do think it is appropriate to visit with at least 3 bakers. You want to be able to shop around for the best deals that you can find. So, don't be so eager to book the first person that you talk to. Meet with them. Check out their websites.
Research
Ask for references. I was planning on meeting and booking with one particular wedding baker because their prices were perfect. When conducting research for my clients I always check with the Better Business Bureau. And in this case I found out there were 2 negative complaints related to this vendor concerning their product and delivery. Research - Research - Research!
Tell the baker what your budget is upfront
That way you all know what you are working with. You can sit and taste all the cakes that you want only to find out that they are way above your price. Knowing what the budget is up front helps you and the baker to find something within your price range and it saves everybody time.
Agree It In Writing
Agree It In Writing
When talking to the baker, make sure that everything is in the contract. If you want the delivery to be at a certain time and the baker agrees, make sure it is in the contract.
This can also include who is actually baking and decorating your wedding cake. Make sure it includes all pricing and what should happen if you cancel. All details should be in the contract.
This way there will be no confusion about anything on your big day, which helps cut out unnecessary stress. It also helps to go over the contract a few days to a week before the wedding with the baker to make sure that everything you want will be handled. Happy Cake Hunting!
Buttercream - budget friendly
Although there are a variety of recipes for making butter cream icing, it is usually made with butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla. It has a thick but creamy texture that is easy to cut through. For a bride on a budget, butter cream icing is a great way to go because it is usually cheaper than fondant. It can also be used as a filling for your cake as well.
A downside to butter cream is that it can melt in hot settings, so if you are having an outdoor soiree, butter cream icing may not be your best option.
The icing on the cake!
The icing on the cake!
Naked cakes have a slither of Butter icing so that the base cake shows through, great budget option and is perfect for a rustic themed wedding.
Fondant - more expensive option
Fondant is made from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. It is very elastic in texture. With fondant, you can literally roll it out with a rolling pin. Because of its strength and elasticity, many bakers use it for unique architectural designs. It can be shaped and molded into many different designs.
Fondant is usually more expensive because it is more labor intensive.
images source Pixabay
How To Save Money on Wedding Vendors
How To Save Money on Wedding Vendors
Photography
Photography
Friend/Family - this is, of course, the cheapest solution to wedding photography and videography however be aware that this person is supposed to be a guest and they can't be a guest and a photographer. They will essentially be 'working' during your wedding.
If they agree to take photos, it is likely they still plan on enjoying the day and won't want to spend all their time taking photos and they may not take the photos you want them to take. If you do rely on a friend or family member for wedding photography try to agree a plan of action with them beforehand re what group pics you want and where they need to be when at what time etc. In the same you would with a professional.
And don't forget them in your thank you speeches and re gifts!
Have a Facebook Page and a hashtag - Create a page for all your guests to upload the wedding photos they took of your day. You will definitely have some there that are wonderful, unexpected and worthy of a place in the wedding album. You can pick your favorites, save them and upload to a site like SnapFish for cheap printing.
- Book a student photographer
- qualified but new in business
- out of season
Catering
Catering
- Keep your guest list small
- Have a Buffet rather than a pre-set meal
- Do your own catering and ask friends and family with culinary skills to help out.
- You can still have a sit-down meal with a buffet menu.
- Be organized so people aren't getting hungry in long queues and ensure the food doesn't run out.
- Ensure you have enough seating and tables.
- Provide your own disposable tableware to save costs re the venue providing them.
- If you're having a bar, let the guests pay for their own drinks. I've done this at every wedding I've been to, it's fine and for me expected. Some guests may think it is rude, but if they understand you're a couple on a budget, they shouldn't expect you to fund everyone's descent into drunkeness.
Keep Your Guest List Small
Keep Your Guest List Small
Invite your closest friends and family who are local and let others know you wish they could be there but you're having a small intimate gathering. Don't publicize your wedding outside the group of attendees if it makes you uncomfortable saying 'no'.
- Live stream it for those who can't be there.
- Exclude +1's and children that aren't in the bridal party
Save money on music
Save money on music
- Record your favorite wedding songs and dance music and play it via your venues music device.
- Hire a local band who want the exposure and are happy to offer a reduced price.
- Recruit talented friends and family to do a stint.
- Have a karaoke!
How To Save Money On Wedding Cars
There is usually someone in the family with a nicer car than the rest. Ask if they'll decorate it with a ribbon and transport you on the day. Offer to pay for any costs for fuel, decoration and cleaning etc. Grab a taxi if it's not too far.
How to plan a wedding during the Pandemic
How to plan a wedding during the Pandemic
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How do we plan a wedding in a Pandemic?
How do we plan a wedding in a Pandemic?
"With all this going on a joyous event could be what we need to lift our spirits, not a postponement! How do we pull off a small wedding now we have to comply with isolation rules?"
"With all this going on a joyous event could be what we need to lift our spirits, not a postponement! How do we pull off a small wedding now we have to comply with isolation rules?"
As the reality of Coronavirus is sinking in and governments are closing things down and implementing strict isolation measures, couples who have been planning their dream wedding to celebrate with family and friends are now faced with the very grim prospect of having to scale down, cancel, rebook, postpone. Money will inevitably be lost and disappointment, anxiety and stress will be high.
Check the rules in your area
Check to see what the latest information, restrictions, government guidelines are for YOUR area.mThey will have different rules in place for different countries, states and so on. This will apply to courthouse and registry offices, are they open and if closed how long for?
Some may have some services operational and others not. Some may have changed the way they operate. Call or email the relevant legal body for obtaining your marriage license to find out what current rules are in place. In the UK (as an example) 5 people are required to perform a legal marriage. The couple, two witnesses and the officiant. At this time it can't be any fewer than this.
Your chosen guests can still join you via LIVE STREAMING
Thanks to the wonderful world of technology you can now allow your guests to watch online as you say your vows, exchange rings and sign the register and party afterward!
One of your witnesses can be your photographer and the other witness can be your videographer!
Having these two service providers act as witnesses at your wedding, means you'll be creating solid memories with the help of professionals who can capture and record your day.
Know the rules for social distancing
Even with 5 people the isolation and virus protection rules regarding personal space and contact should be adhered to. Make sure all in attendance know what they are. It may be the case the officiant dictates what these should be. Your officiant, Priest whomever is marrying you will not shake hands, kiss the bride, or hand anything to you or accept anything from you. Avoiding contact with each other and items one may transfer the virus to is imperative. If you and your partner are not yet living together you may also want to take the added precaution of limiting physical contact and increasing physical distance.
If you each live with other people and one of you contracts the virus, you risk spreading it via each other and back to their families. If you're going to be living together afterward however this is different and every situation will be so follow the rules for your area and make the best decisions you can for your self and others.
Consider having the wedding outdoors
If you have the wedding outdoors in an open space, you can more easily keep those distances and hopefully have a great backdrop for your wedding photos. It also avoids the need to sterilize and disinfect everything you might use for decoration or come into contact with. If having the wedding indoors, keep decor to the bare minimum. Have hand sanitizer nearby and use as often as recommended along with handwashing. People with any symptoms or caring for a vulnerable person should (sadly) not be in attendance. The same goes of course for vulnerable people.
Have a blessing, party, reception at a later date when things return to normal
Not having parents and grandparents witness your marriage can be a big blow for you and them, hence the importance for live streaming and recording the event and if possible when things return to normal, have a blessing, reception party at a later date where they can be greatly involved. You may be very unhappy your elderly loved ones can't be there. It is very important (as the over 60's are in the highest risk group) that they do not have any non-urgent contact with anyone who is not themselves uninfected/immune.
At this point, we don't know who either of those groups are! Follow the Coronavirus advice and protocols for your area.
Sorry - you're uninvited
Sorry - you're uninvited
Brutal isn't it!
With the Pandemic showing no signs of letting up in time for 2020 weddings to go ahead normally, more and more engaged couples are having to trim their large weddings down to a handful of guests in compliance with their local social distancing Covid19 regulations. It is very sad, but how do you uninvite guests you already invited to the wedding? Knowing what to say and how to say it is key to not offending and upsetting people who are very important to you.
Page down for a selection of cards ranging in price from $0.10 (budget range) that allow you to add your own 'sorry you're uninvited' message. Included in the selection are announcements for postponement, elopement, livestreaming weddings, change of date, cancellations and more. Each one has wording included to act as a guide which you can edit to suit your own unique circumstances.
Bride and Groom Facemasks
Many couples are wearing facemasks to marry in and their guests either bring their own or the couple provide them. Page down for a range of customizable wedding facemasks that are perfect for bride, groom and their bridal party. The wedding facemasks can be personalized to make them a little less clinical and a little more memorable.
How to live stream your wedding - tutorial
How to live stream your wedding - tutorial
What you need to Live Stream a Wedding
- An internet connection
- Ideally a high-definition camera with a mic to ensure good volume so guests can hear you saying your vows etc.
- A site to host the Livestream.
- Facebook, tweet, email, message the Livestream link to the guest list. Keep it private so the whole world doesn't see it unless of course you want them to!
Set up a wedding website to keep your guests in the loop
Set up a wedding website to keep your guests in the loop
You can keep your virtual guests informed re the wedding details via one of the many FREE WEBSITE apps that help you to plan, discuss your wedding with guests. You can also set up a social media group via Facebook, Whatsapp, Messenger, etc.
Send out live streaming wedding invitations and save the dates
Send out live streaming wedding invitations and save the dates
You can still send out save the dates, change the dates, we're doing it, we did it, we're eloping paper/card invitations to add a sense of ceremony to your proceedings and to keep things as normal as possible.
Simply amend your wording to show the website details and details of live streaming and how to log on etc. People unfamiliar with this process (me) will need some guidance regarding that. Hopefully there's a teenager nearby who can help ;) My kids are great at keeping me present and future-proofed!
Things you need for a 2020 wedding
Things you need for a 2020 wedding
Personalized Wedding Facemasks
Personalized Wedding Facemasks
Planning a low budget wedding in 2020, 2021 can be a challenge especially with the added pressures of the Pandemic, Covid19, wearing facemasks and social distancing. All these things have to be factored in as we rethink how we hold a wedding ceremony and reception in 2020 and 2021. We will use technology more than ever for virtual streaming, video chat (ZOOM) and more couples may opt to elope or have a private wedding ceremony and a larger reception party when the Pandemic restrictions have eased or no longer are required. Let's pray that day comes soon! In the meantime, our admin at Wedding Design Chic and the Low Budget Wedding Network are working hard to source the best low budget wedding planning information, checklists and supplies that offer great value, cheapest (while retaining quality) lowest prices and more.