Tea Thyme // Money Saving Tips for the Budget Conscious Couple

So you downloaded our Wedding Budget Guide to determine how much cash is needed to bring your Pinterest board to life. You did some research, applied estimates to each line item and added everything up. The total was shocking.

Don’t go back to the drawing board just yet! We believe you CAN have the wedding of your dreams on a healthy budget and we’re about to give you the T on where to start, what to trim and how to get creative.

First Things First

Before going through your budget with a fine tooth comb, consider these major money savers.

• Wedding Planner – It may sound counterproductive to spend money on a planner in an effort to save money but planners are budget experts! They’ll help you negotiate with and book best value vendors as well as provide cost saving recommendations.
• Date – Venues offer huge discounts during the off-season (aka winter or, if you’re in the hot south, summer) and for less desirable days (aka any day other than Saturday).
• Venue – Choose a venue that is naturally beautiful or eclectic and let it speak for itself! This will save you hundreds on decor and rentals.

Cut it Out

Once you’ve decided on the big stuff, it’s time to make some budget cuts.

• Guest Count – You may get some push back on this one. However, you deserve your dream day and if that day only includes adults, so be it! Choosing to not include kids or even plus ones can provide serious budget relief. And, of course, there’s always the microwedding option!
• Favors – We’re just gonna say it – no one wants your wedding favors. They will either be left behind or thrown in a junk drawer or worse – trashed. Cut em out!
• Signage + Prints – When it comes to informational signage or prints, less is more. Most of your guests have attended at least one other wedding and won’t need a play-by-play.

Stretch Your Dollar

Finally, the fun part. Get creative with the money you have to spend.

• Food – Pass on the plated filet and instead choose a more interesting yet less expensive option such as a taco bar! If your venue allows, you could also book a few food trucks.
• Alcohol – If you’re considering an open bar for your reception, save yourself the end-of-night sticker shock and opt for beer and wine only. Reserve cocktails for the cocktail hour and limit them to signature His and Hers drinks. Oh, and skip the champagne altogether.
• Cake + Desserts – Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too but do all your guests need a piece? We recommend getting a small cake for cutting along with a variety of inexpensive desserts. Create a fun display with doughnuts or mini pies and include to-go-bags so that your treats can double as favors.
• Florals + Decor – There are an infinite amount of ways to get creative when it comes to saving on florals and decor. Some of our favorites include:
  • Lots of greenery and “filler flowers” such as baby’s breath or spray roses
  • Candles, candles, and more candles to give ambiance
  • Multipurpose items like bouquets that double as centerpieces or a ceremony backdrop that can be moved to the reception for photo ops

All photos by Kelly Berry Photography

Thanks for following along all month. February’s tea blend is a mix of planning and design tips. You won’t want to miss it!