How to plan a wedding on a budget

In the last blog post we focused on the wedding trends of 2022. All were interesting and downright exciting to hear, because let's be real, we're all about those weddings! You know what we aren't all about? Breaking the bank. Weddings on average cost $18.3k in South Dakota. EIGHTEEN POINT THREE THOUSAND. I don't know about you all, but I ain't looking to have Ramen for every meal or take out a loan for my wedding. So we've cumulated a list of things you can do to help get those costs down to something much more do-able. Because we all want that beautiful wedding, but we don't want to live in a box afterwards.
First things first: what do you absolutely need at your wedding?
What is something that you cannot will not live without on your wedding day? And not just live without, but the things you are gonna fork out the big bucks for because they mean that much. Here are some things that we think you might want to spend the big bucks on:

• Photographer/Videographer - I promise this is not due to bias, but due to the memories you'll receive!
• DJ/Live band - Entertainment is so important for organizing the day and having a blast!
• Venue - a gorgeous venue with enough lighting and space for your guests will do wonders for your photos, DJ/band, and your guests!

Easier said than done right? We know how daunting all of these things can be, especially when you want to spend your money well on the most important things! That's where these discussions with your fiancé come into play. What do you both agree are the vendors you need to spend the money on vs. the ones you can either go without or can spend less on? Just note - There are some things you can do to avoid dropping tons of money at once if you truly can't choose! Ask for payment plans from your vendors. Once you've made your down payment, payment plans can really help keep you on track and in budget!

We've talked about what we think are necessities, but how about things where you can actually cut your budget by doing something different? Here are ideas for how you can save:

• Have a long engagement - For lots, this isn't ideal - you wanted to get married, like, yesterday! But giving yourself a good year or maybe even two could help you budget a little more for all those costs. 
• Save the dates as holiday cards - use the holidays to your advantage and save some money by not doubling up on stamps! Those stamps are always going up in price, so this is where you can really save some dough. Remember, save the dates can really go out anywhere from 6-10 months out from your wedding!
• Renting decor - there are so many amazing companies that will help you with this! Plus, you won't be riddling your brain trying to figure out what to do with all of your decor when the wedding is over. Shoot us an email for any recommendations!
• DIY - Hobby Lobby will be your best friend (if it isn't already). Think about making your own bouquets, centerpieces, signs, even your own wedding arch! There are so many possibilities with a little elbow grease and Pintrest for inspo.
• Shopping at consignment stores - Sometimes these places even have centerpieces and bouquets that match already MADE for you. What a steal money-wise and time-wise!
• Drink tickets instead of open bar - the days of an open bar are long gone as prices are through the roof. Trust us, your guests will understand... and the best man's speech might be a little better too ;)
• Use a wedding website to help you plan (Zola, TheKnot, WeddingWire, etc.) - These websites are incredible as they help you plan and realize all the things you want and don't want! Some of them even have the perks of your registry embedded with the ability to add in anything from any stores - how convenient!
• Decrease your guest list - We know that some of you are like crap, I wanted a 500 person wedding, while some of you are like THANK GOODNESS because I really only want 50 people there. But truly, decreasing your guest list will directly impact your budgets, especially when it comes to the food!
• Destination wedding - Hello Hawaii! Many places have wedding packages and wedding planners to help you achieve a perfect, relaxing, and romantic day. If you haven't, maybe this is something you should consider!
• Elopement - Give us an elopement on a mountain any day! Honestly, we'd hike anywhere to get this incredibly intimate moment for you. You can always do your reception at a later date and celebrate with everyone!
• Choose a cheaper or free venue - Backyard wedding anyone? These were HOT last year and saving a couple grand by using a gorgeous backyard sounds like a steal! Don't forget about the parks! Some of these come with a cheap price tag, but don't forget a back up plan for weather. 
• Winter wedding - Ya girl here had a winter wedding and I would do it 10x over! My venue was cheaper because of it and we lucked out with a 45 degree day in December. The price difference was so worth me taking the chance in SD weather, even though I was secretly wanting a snowstorm ;) I'm the only person I know who loves snow, sue me!
• Choosing a week day - Wedding days like Fridays and Sundays are cheaper for venues and vendors, really any day but Saturday. Once again, ya girl did her wedding in December AND on a Friday. Having our wedding day on a Friday made our venue and DJ cheaper because of it, without foregoing all the beauty and entertainment! Plus, we got to celebrate all day Friday and Saturday without having to worry about those Sunday blues creeping up quickly.

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So there ya have it. A couple ways for you to save some money and actually time! Are there any budget friendly ideas you have seen, used or are going to use now? I need to know 'em all!

With love, 
🤍 Taylor

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