Just because something isn’t advertised as a particular item there isn’t any reason not to use it. I was shopping at home improvement store when my friend who had been looking for table cloths saw exactly what she wanted, but it was a shower curtain. Now these shower curtains were on clearance at about a $1.00 each. Still there were enough of them for us to buy them, cut off the top and set up a long seam and use them as table cloths for her wedding

Don’t turn down something because it has a different use from what you want it to!  Be creative.

While you may be struggling more with your pennies, so is everyone else.  Vendors need to rent out those spaces.   It’s always a good idea to haggle a bit for price, but this is especially true when you are doing last minute planning and when the economy is tight.  

Remember, it’s always better for a vendor to get some business than none at all. In both last minute situations and when the economy is tight and people aren’t willing to spend they get more nervous.  Use this to your advantage!

Intimate Weddings has a lovely post on real weddings.  There’s a great quote from the bride:

The wedding industry is so geared to large, elaborate, circus type events where you are pressured to do EVERYTHING, and where every little thing has to mean SOMETHING.  You have to be very focused on choosing what is important to you, and sticking to those goals throughout the planning process.

This is very true. So always remember to set your priorities early and get a good picture of what you want and how you want your wedding to look. You never have to do everything.  Your wedding should always reflect you.

There is the added note in this article, that not all intimate weddings are about the budget. Remember you can spend just as much on a small wedding as a large one, so if you’re concerned about your budget, don’t think that trimming the guest list is all you need to do!

I was looking at wedding pictures from a friend in another country. One thing I noticed is that for her bouquet she had a large ribbon bow rather than a bouquet of flowers as she posed for photos.  This large bow was made in the style that many bows are made for church pews at the ceremony.  It was in the her colors.

Bridal bouquets can run hundreds of dollars.  This is an inexpensive way to save this money. Fancy it up with a single white rose.

Just because your wedding party is smaller, that doesn’t mean that your wedding has to be smaller. Having fewer bridesmaids and groomsmen will cut down some costs.  For instance, you don’t have so many bridesmaid gifts and there will be fewer bouquets and boutineers to order. Additionally, those people you were thinking you wanted in your wedding will now be available to volunteer to help out with other things, like cutting a cake or changing out music.

It’s not surprise, but it doesn’t hurt to reiterate:

Your most Expensive Locations for Your Wedding are Country Clubs and Hotels

Want it indoors with a fancy look?  Check out local area restaurants.   Even some of the nicest offer lower prices than a hotel for comparable services.

Very often local museums also offer the use of their space or have a room to rent. How much more elegant can you get (unless you’re renting the local train museum which might leave a bit to be desired).

Say you have a very tight wedding budget

• BUT you have a lot of friends that you want to invite
• AND you want a fancy celebration

Consider having your fancy celebration with just family and after the honeymoon have a big informal bash with all your friends.

Informal celebrations are a lot cheaper, additionally you won’t be tempted to use the word “wedding” as often which will likely save you some money.

Consider having your wedding in the chapel at your college.  Very often the Alumni can rent out the space for a very reasonable fee.

Consider the possibility of having the reception and ceremony in the same location.  Sometimes for a nominal fee sites will rearrange chairs for you to use the same large room for both the ceremony and reception.

Alternatively, if the room is large enough, have the guests sit at their reception tables while you get married.

It’s easy to think about borrowing a wedding dress from you mother, but what about the champagne flutes she used at her wedding? Or the same wedding topper?  Many people keep these items for sentimental reasons.  Consider re-using them.  It’s a great “something” old to add to your wedding!