I attended an outdoor wedding last spring held at a rural camp in an absolutely gorgeous setting ~ miles of rolling hills covered with various green texture and dotted with wildflowers here and there, the totally charming feel of ruralness complete with country-bred buildings, warm and simple furnishings and lots and lots of wide open space.

The ceremony was held in the side yard of the mess hall facing aforementioned stunning hilly backdrop and the guests sat on benches designed for campers during story hour.  It was a beautiful May afternoon, the wind just a tad brisk and lots of warm sunshine.

The reception of this beautifully simple wedding was held in a large white tent in which several round tables were covered in white linen with fresh flowers scattered around the sweetest, most personal centerpieces I have ever seen.  This adorable couple, both of them professional photographers, placed a different photo of themselves on each table inside a thin glass frame.

The effect was a classy, simple, definitely organic centerpiece that showed off both their good looks and incredible talent.  The guests seated around our table passed the photo around, and it started a conversation among perfect strangers about how we knew the couple.  We all learned something new about the bride and groom while getting to know some really nice people, too!

A centerpiece doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to look fabulous.

One very smart couple decided on a signature drink for their reception and part of their table decorations included a small pitcher for each guest along with the recipe for that signature drink ~ sparkling ginger lemonade.  Imaginative, clever, and oh so simple.

Do you have a little piece of your lives that you could somehow incorporate on your reception tables?  What could you use for a centerpiece that would be elegantly simple and yet entertaining at the same time?

Here’s to helping you keep costs down,

Cheryl

Photo courtesy In Style Weddings

An optimist and a realist, I firmly believe that you can have the wedding of your dreams, on the budget you have!  There is no reason to break the bank or go into debt just because you’re getting married!

Have a heart-to-heart conversation about your priorities.  Understand  general wedding costs.  Get creative.  If you’re not feeling particularly creative or savvy in a particular area i.e. DIY, finances, reading contracts, then by all means, ask a trusted family member or friend for their help. They love you, they’ll be glad to help!

Budgeting Tips

• Plan for unforeseen expenses.  Save at least an additional 20-25% for: taxes, permits, tips (wait staff: valets, officiant, coat checkers, bathroom attendants…) shipping and handling, parking validations, miscellaneous gifts, rush fees, rentals…
• Determine whether or not you need wedding insurance? (good idea in many cases)
• Minimize reception costs.  Ask about corkage fees, cake cutting fees if you’re bringing in your own alcohol and cake.
• Cupcakes instead of wedding cake OR one or two fake cake tiers…
• Understanding vendor contracts.  Ask about overtime fees.  Don’t assume.  Get it in writing.
• Use flowers that are local and in season.  There is a lot of room to be creative here.
• When booking your honeymoon reservations, consider renting a condo versus a hotel room.  Condos are often less expensive but make sure to get referrals or thoroughly check out what you can expect to receive.
• Look for dresses that aren’t being marketed as wedding dresses.  Shop consignment, or free listing sites like Once Wed for used designer dresses.
• DIY

Some of this will be a snap, some of this will be a little challenging.   Feel free to share any creative budgeting ideas you have found to be helpful!

Happy Monday!

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