If you're hosting your wedding without much financial assistance or going into the wedding planning process with a free mind, this read is especially for you! Being immersed in the wedding industry, I am often exposed to weddings that are very well put together and contain candid imagery. For the most part, those types of weddings always have me thinking to myself, "That must have costed a fortune! "Or, "That definitely costed an arm and a leg!" With inflation on the rise across the US, couples are finding ways to have their wedding cake and eat it too. I'm all here for it and most definitely ready to share it with you all! I came across a Facebook post from bride Renee Villines and almost spilled my coffee, literally. The post read, "Just got our photos back and they are stunning! Wedding cost was under $6,000usd with venue costing less than $2000. I got almost all of my Decor from AliExpress." With almost 1,000 reactions and comments, I flocked to the comment section because I too wanted to know how this was possible. I reached out to Renee, whom is the sweetest bride, and I must say, one thing Renee doesn't do is gate keep! She was so thoughtfully thorough with her explanations. I absolutely had to share with you all in hopes you too can cut costs and still have an amazing day with a beautiful gallery to awe at with your hubby!
The two love birds' story begins on the online dating site Christian Mingle. "I had been single for about three years and decided to give dating another shot after I felt like I was in a place where I was ready for it." Villines hated the thought of swiping left on a person based mostly on physical appearance. But Isaiah liked her profile on the site. " I remember looking at his photos for a while and reading his bio but I thought Nahh not my type." Villines went on to say, "I actually loved what he had on his profile, but I didn’t feel drawn to him in any way." For the next two days I felt deeply perplexed like I needed to reach out and say hi. I don’t know why…well now I do lol but then, I didn’t understand why I kept feeling the need to say hi." Villines trusted her gut and responded to Isaiah and the two married one year after dating. The rest is history!
The Dress For brides looking for the perfect 'I do' gown that won't break the bank, Still White is a wedding dress marketplace you can find hundreds upon thousands of gently used gowns. Renee purchased her gown from Still White in perfect condition. What makes Still White so amazing you ask? The entire site is curated to wedding gowns only. This makes it easy to filter your exact dress style, color, silhouette, and find your bridal gown. You can then reach out to the buyer to check the quality and condition and purchase your gown by meeting the seller in person or having the gown shipped directly to your door.
The Affordable Venue
Searching for a venue within your budget that also has all (or most of) the features you want for your wedding day can be the difference between paying less or more. In fact, many couples end up paying more for their venues because it has all their required elements or less restrictions. "I learned from a friend to go through government sites, as venues that are operated by the state are significantly cheaper than private venues. She was not wrong." Renee was in search of a venue possessing a historic vineyard feel with a whimsical charm. She went on to say, "I knew I couldn't have everything I wished for, but that didn't mean I couldn't have a lot of the things I wanted." Renee went into her venue search with an open mind and found the perfect venue that gave her the same feeling she had hoped for. A wedding win for aesthetics and a definite green light for a price point under $2,000.00.
Cutting Costs by the Generosity of Family & Friends
It's not always about what you know, but who you know (insert wink face)! One of the best ways to cut costs on your big day is by hiring or receiving assistance from people within your network. This best works for the loved ones who love you and are happy to support your union in any way they can. " We had a ton of people willing to serve us whether it be the things they were happy to loan us or by helping to set up and breaking down. All of our needs were met." The charming couple had the assistance of the groom's sister to set up two drink stations, as she is the owner of a small cafe and knew exactly what would be necessary for their guest size. To further set things off, their charcuterie station was all donated from Renee's place of work, a non-profit organization. "They had a ton of ingredients they couldn't use and were happy to part with. Renee went on to mention, "Sometimes we don't even know how much help is available until we ask for it. Help is not always monetary. Most people usually can't help monetarily, but they almost always have something tangible that could cross something off your list." I was so inspired reading her words and agree completely. If you don't take away anything from this post, know the aforementioned is sound advice any bride can use for a budget friendly wedding.
No DJ, No Problem!
Bride Renee emphasized that she was positive if they had someone funny and entertaining and a good playlist that appealed to all guests, there was no need to spend money on a DJ. I'm not sure what the playlist was, but judging by the photography shots, a time was had! If you're a bride thinking about the cost of a DJ, check out Apple Music and try creating your very own playlist.
Florals Food, Decor, & Setup Planning a wedding on a budget can be a thrilling adventure, and it’s entirely possible to create a beautiful, memorable day without breaking the bank. If you’re looking to DIY your wedding and keep the cost under $6,000 for food and decor, here are some creative and exciting ways to make it happen. Florals "Table setting was something I put a lot of emphasis into because I love an aesthetically pleasing table. I knew about Ali express long before I met my husband, and I knew they were going to get me more bang for my buck when it came to florals." Finding florals within your price range can be tough, but Villines got the job done and found a cost-effective way! You can also opt for seasonal and local flowers to save on costs. Local blooms are often fresher and more affordable. Visit farmers' markets or local farms for the best deals. You can also consider potted plants or succulents as decor that double as wedding favors.
Who's Ready to Eat?
Food & Cocktail hour can be a costly ticket item for most weddings. However, for Villines, these items were found at an incredible price point, donated, and or loaned to her by her place of work. "Food is super important in my culture, so to me, it definitely mattered what kind of food we had and how it tasted." The only Jamaican restaurant she could find was 1.5 hours away. This was a breath of fresh air, as she described to me how scares Jamaican restaurants are in her region. Villines placed an order to feed 200 people for $1700 and had the help of family and friends pick up and deliver the food to the venue. Villines also works for a local nonprofit. "They had a ton of cheese they couldn't use up that they were happy to part with." What perfect timing! This type of generosity could also work for you. All you have to do is reach out to a local non-profit organization and ask if they have anything they're willing to part with in exchange for your gallery and perhaps a small donation to their cause. Here are 2 more ways you can save on food for your wedding:
1. Embrace the Potluck Style Feast Food can be one of the largest expenses for a wedding, but you can turn it into a unique and communal experience by hosting a potluck-style reception. Ask your guests to bring their favorite dishes instead of gifts. This not only cuts costs but also adds a personal touch to your wedding. You’ll get to enjoy a variety of homemade dishes, and guests will love contributing to your special day.
2. Food Trucks and DIY Stations Food trucks are a fun and trendy option for a budget-friendly wedding meal. Many food trucks offer wedding packages at reasonable rates. You can also set up DIY food stations like taco bars, baked potato bars, or even a build-your-own-pizza station. These interactive food stations are fun and engaging for guests and can be cost-effective. Perfectly Affordable Decor, & Setup
Look into renting or borrowing decor items instead of buying them. Many companies offer rentals for items like table linens, chairs, arches, and more. You can also ask friends and family if they have any decor pieces you can use for your big day. Thats just what Villines did. " I had tremendous help from my husband's aunt who had a ton of decorations from past weddings that she had stored." Villines went on to say, "She let. me borrow all her decorations and we met weekly and did mockups of every single detail of the wedding. Villines also had. a wedding planner that came free of charge. A member of her church who also organized countless weddings. "She was an absolute genius in executing and planning our wedding." The candle holders seen in the above venue photo were all thrifted. Renee spent weeks collecting. Although this may not be the case for everyone, here are additional ways you can save for decor: 1. Rustic and Chic DIY Decor
Transform your venue with DIY decor that is both charming and budget friendly. Here are some ideas:
Mason Jar Centerpieces: Fill mason jars with fairy lights, wildflowers, or floating candles. These make lovely, rustic centerpieces.
Homemade Banners and Signs: Use chalkboards or wooden planks to create signs for your wedding. Write welcome messages, directions, or even your favorite quotes.
DIY Flower Arrangements: Purchase flowers in bulk from a local market or wholesaler and arrange them yourself. Enlist the help of friends and family to create bouquets, boutonnieres, and table arrangements.
Paper Lanterns and Fairy Lights: These inexpensive lighting options can transform any space into a magical wonderland. Hang them from trees, ceilings, or along pathways.
2. Thrift Store Treasures
Scour thrift stores and flea markets for unique decor items. You can find vintage vases, candle holders, picture frames, and other charming pieces at a fraction of the cost. Mix and match for an eclectic and personalized look. 3. Personalized Touches
Add a personal touch to your wedding with DIY projects that reflect your personality as a couple. Create a photo display with pictures of you and your partner through the years. Make custom favors like homemade jams, candles, or soaps for your guests to take home.
4. Rent or Borrow Decor
Look into renting or borrowing decor items instead of buying them. Many companies offer rentals for items like table linens, chairs, arches, and more. You can also ask friends and family if they have any decor pieces you can use for your big day.
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