Inspiration & Information for Modern Brides & Grooms
Simple, beautiful, and inexpensive. This DIY reception decor was apart of Catherine and Hans’ wedding over on iDIY. It just goes to show, you can have a classic and stunning wedding on a small budget; this wedding was done with just 3 months and $8,000 to spare. All the DIY details and the vintage theme really make this Seattle wedding memorable.
Credits: Photographed by Goudey Photography.
When it comes to wedding costs, there are many different traditions in terms of who pays for what. Obviously modern couples often do not adhere to these types of expectations, most even pay for their ceremonies on their own, without help from their families.
But it isn’t a crime to know what is assumed based on tradition, for example, if your father-in-law is expecting, and looking to pay for a specific aspect of the wedding, and it’s best not to offend him. If it means something to him, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be able to contribute. Here are is who tradition states you should make the bill out to…
Groom & Family:
Bride & Family:
Others:
Resource: TheKnot.com
There are many expenses when it comes to your wedding, this includes pre and post ceremony costs as well. Some of these fees are often “hidden” or not as well known, so you may exceed your budget if they are unplanned for. Here are a couple lesser known fees that come along with a modern wedding, and budget tips on how to avoid them and save money.
- Expensive Postage for invitations: if your invitations are anything besides standard, expect to pay more than you were expecting per envelope. This can mean: oddly sized, bulky, heavy, multi-layered invitations or unique packaging. It may not seem like a lot, but if they end up running $2 in stamps per invite, it can add up when you have 200 guests.
How to avoid it: choose a simple invitation that is light and fits in an average sized envelope. Try to get estimates on postage per invite before you decide.
- Additional “Cake-Cutting” Fee: Most brides search for a baker for their wedding cake specifically, and don’t buy reception packages that include a cake. If you book separately, expect to pay an extra fee specifically for the cake. The staff of the reception hall will have to cut and serve the cake to your guests, as well as clean the dishes afterwards. This is all paid by you, and can run up to $5 for each guest.
How to avoid it: if you book a banquet hall that includes the wedding cake in the overall cost, this isn’t a problem. If you decide to hire your own baker for the cake, be sure you’re aware of the costs included for the extra services at the reception venue.
- Obligatory Tips: There is a difference between a “service charge” and gratuity. You should be aware that the service charge is mandatory, and is the compensation for the catering hall for hiring servers. This is not in place of the tip, so you may be surprised with an extra fee at the end of the night, up to 20% of the overall costs.
How to avoid it: you can avoid the surprise by being prepared. Determine the exact cost upfront, and have it paid along with the total cost of catering, this way there is no other cost that will sneak up on you and ruin your budget.
- Additional Band Equipment: If your venue is particularly big, you may be slapped with last minute charges for additional equipment needed for the band or DJ. If the hall is bigger than expected, the extra mikes, speakers and other equipment will be an expense you had not planned for, and it can run in the hundreds.
How to avoid it: when arranging a price with your entertainment, be sure the layout of the venue is clear, so if there is any additional equipment necessary, it should be declared upfront and explained so you don’t pay for anything unnecessary.
Source: TheKnot.com.
For those on a budget, and those planning a “Green” wedding, H&M is releasing a fantastic line just for you. Their new “Garden Collection” will include items that are made of sustainable and organic materials. Did I mention that in this collection are some of the cutest dresses that scream fabulous bridesmaid (with a conscience)? Found this great collection via Oh Joy! Blog.
Many people wouldn’t consider the idea of getting married in an H&M dress, but for some people it isn’t all about the dress’ label, and they have some pretty cute styles in their sustainable collection for the modern bride looking for a sweet and simple cocktail look. Maybe a less flashy dress for a civil ceremony?
See all of these and more here, and read about the project, and how it is sustainable here.
Wrapping up our 3 day Green feature, today I will cover how to have green wedding goodies. There are plenty of details you can “go green” for, such as food, favors, accommodation and pre and post wedding stuff. Here are some ideas. The best part about a Green wedding is not only that you are giving something back, but you’re also saving money!
Invitations & Cards: To help eliminate paper waste all together, send ecards for your “save the date” and “Thank you” cards. You can keep all the creativity and work with a digital designer to create your invites without all the waste.
If you’re set on paper, go with recycled paper and envelopes with natural ink.
Making Memories: When you choose your photographer, be sure they are shooting digitally. Preview your pictures and share via a computer, and have your pictures burned to a CD. If you prefer film, be sure they recycle materials and don’t use so many chemicals in the development process.
For photo albums, there are plenty of companies that have green options for printing and binding your wedding album, without any loss of style and chic design.
Choose eatable! The best idea for green wedding favors for guests are tasty goodies. If things are 100% eatable, there is no waste. Bake some homemade cookies or chocolate, or even make jam from homegrown fruits. If you need a wrapper for baked goods, used recycled products and those that are easily degradable, or save your glass food jars and refill them with goods. You can also give some free-trade products such as coffee (read up on what free-trade means here) or natural beeswax candles or home made soaps.
For the reception meal, treat your guests to locally grown food that is pesticide free. If you can’t go 100% organic, choose meats that are acquired sustainably and seafood that is low in mercury.
Other DIY gifts can include live potted plants, fabric bags, and other things that can be around for a long time. How clever is this Banana bread that is baked directly inside a reusable terra cotta plant pot from Style Me Pretty?
Don’t buy disposable. For the reception, use real dishes and glasses, that can be washed and reused. Use fabric napkins and table clothes that can also be washed and reused.
Find Eco Friendly hotels in the area, here is a good resource for “green” hotels in America: GreenHotels.com and Canada: Hotel Association.
Phew that was a lot of research. I hope you’re inspired to have an Eco Friendly wedding!
Credits: Succulent gifts, Homemade Bread, Soap, & Potted Bread.
Read up on Stylish ways to Go Green:
Green Wedding @ Amazon
Green Bride Guide @ Amazon (Budget Friendly)
Eco-Chic Weddings @ Amazon
Previously I did a post listing tips on ways to save your budget for your big day. Here are some other clever ways to save big on all your Wedding expenses. From the dress to favors.
Buy Pre-Owned or Never Used: I found Bravo Bride via Snippet & Ink, and it’s an amazing website. You can buy pre-owned wedding items from other brides, or sell things you never used from your own wedding. Whether its left overs, extra, or just wanting to recycle something you only used on your big day, you can find it here. It has everything from jewelry to decor, to designer bridal gowns at half the cost!
Support Crafty People: Another well known resource is Etsy. You can find handmade, unique items made by individual sellers for half the price of buying through a big name brand or fancy store. Etsy also has plenty of listings for restored, antique or vintage items, to give some character to your wedding. The best thing about Etsy is how personal the service is, considering most sellers will customize the item for you however you’d like.
Plan Ahead… Way Ahead: A great tip for shopping for decor or long lasting items for the wedding, such as table settings, non perishable favors etc, you can plan way ahead and buy early. If you have a seasonal themed wedding, once the season is close to ending or passed, you can buy the items all discounted, and use it for the same season next year. That is, if your date is set for a year or more ahead. This not only gives you time to hunt down or wait for something to go on sale, but also time for finding exactly what you want and not settling.
And there’s always Ebay!
For those of us in love, and who are on a tight budget, there are few options out there for a tasteful, affordable diamond ring. Whether its a sweet and simple engagement ring or a promise ring, here are some great finds if your requirements are:
- Real diamond
- Budget of $100
- Sterling Silver or Gold (any color)
Credits: Top to bottom, left to right: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine.
If you don’t want Cubic Zirconia, or a semi precious stone (even if it resembles a diamond), and are set on a real diamond no matter how small, here are some great finds.. Using the budget $50 – $100 in a search on Etsy (to weed out the unworthy), these are the best results.
Super simple, chic and classic, these are beautiful solitaires. One hundred percent real diamonds, with varying clarity. Etsy sellers usually always offer to make the ring in your size, or use a metal of your choice, so you really can’t go wrong.
Be sure to become familiar with the diamond classification terms, such as diamond Clarity, Cut, and Color. These are good resources to read up on when choosing a diamond.
As for my personal budget ring story: my boyfriend wanted to give me, what he calls, a “real estate” ring. As in, it is claiming the real estate on my ring finger, but isn’t really an engagement ring. We are living abroad, and away from both our families, so he has promised to only give me a true engagement ring when he has met my family. “Promise ring” reminds him too much of impulsive teenagers, and he didn’t want it to lose it’s meaning.
That is my ring there on the left (photo from the listing), and it was an amazing find: a vintage diamond ring from around the 1950s, with an illusion setting (great feature for budget rings), two side diamonds, and solid 14kt White Gold. It was $99 and I couldn’t be happier. I wanted something unique, and original, and I got it. Don’t underestimate the power of ebay, for great antique, vintage rings! They can always be resized by your jeweler if you find the ring of your dreams.
If you are looking for a conflict free, eco friendly, luxurious diamond, be sure to check out Brilliant Earth.
