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Thrifty Wife Happy Life

Helping women love what they wear on a budget

5 Helpful Tips for Planning your Wedding on a Budget!

May 17, 2014 by Katie Haller

The heart of the wedding season is approaching fast.  I figured that there’s no better time to write a post on saving money when wedding planning than right now.  At the end of this month, my husband and I will be celebrating our 3rd anniversary.  I had so much fun planning our wedding.  I loved picking out my colors, flowers and planning all the details of our special day.  Weddings can be a lot of fun to plan.  The stress of planning a wedding tends to kick in when it comes to sticking to your budget.

The bottom line is that weddings are expensive.  There is just no way to get around that.  The average wedding in America costs $25,200.  That’s an awful lot of money for a young couple who are just starting their lives together to spend.  My husband and I were very fortunate to have our parents pay for our wedding, but in no way did that mean it was a free for all.  We had a budget to stick to.  Our parents told us what they were willing to spend and anything extra would come from us.  At the time we didn’t have any extra money to put towards a wedding, so we stuck to our budget.  We stuck to our budget so well,  that we had extra money to spare in the end.

When it came to wedding planning, I followed one simple rule: DON’T OVER SPEND!  Here are some tips that helped me keep my budget throughout my wedding planning.

1.) Pick a date in the offseason or pick a Friday or Sunday- Everyone pictures their wedding day on a beautiful sunny 80 degree Saturday in June or July (at least in Michigan we do, considering it’s cold and clouding 70% of the year.)  Well, get that thought out of your head right now, because that Saturday summer wedding is going to cost you top price.  When I started looking into a date, I learned fast just how much a Saturday wedding would cost.  I ended up picking a Friday night.  Most banquet halls and vendors offer discounts for Friday and Sunday weddings.  You can find even more discounts if you book a wedding in the offseason, anywhere between January and March.
 
2.) Find a low-cost location- Everyone has their own idea of where they would like their wedding ceremony to be.  For me, I wanted to get married in a church.  That worked out great because there was no charge for the use of the church.  They even had fresh flowers delivered every Friday.  Not everyone envisions a church wedding, so I would suggest looking into parks or someplace you could have a ceremony without paying a high rental fee.  When looking for a reception hall, I suggest finding a place that includes everything you need.  Some places need you to provide a caterer, bar, chairs, tables, table clothes and all the decorations.  The reception hall I used included all of that.
3.) Use referrals- If you’re in your 20’s or early 30’s, most likely you have a dozen friends who were recently married.  Don’t be afraid to ask your friends for referrals.  Almost everyone I used, from my chair covers to my cake, were people whose family and friends had referred me to.  I also used the referred vendors that my banquet hall had suggested to me as well.  I ended up getting some really great referral discounts from almost every vendor I used.  I’ve been able to pay it forward to new brides as well, which always makes me happy.
4.) DIY- When you can do it yourself, do it!  I’m not very crafty, but there were still a few things I did on my own when planning my day.  I made my own veil.  After trying on $500 veil’s at bridal boutiques, I knew I wanted to make my own.  I also printed my own table cards, programs, and my mom made the bows for the chairs at the church.  I suggest if you’re a crafty person, go ahead and do as much as you can yourself, but don’t overdo it.  I thought I wanted to make my own table centerpieces, but then I realized that would overwhelm me, so I had them professionally done.  There is no reason to stress yourself out by doing everything yourself.  Pick do able projects, that you know you can take on, that will also save you some money.
 
5.) Look below your budget!- This is probably the most important tip I can offer to anyone when planning a wedding.  Just because you set a budget, doesn’t mean you have to shop at the top of your price range.  Be smart and look below what you are willing to spend.  Sometimes when planning a wedding you can get distracted and all in a sudden you just have to have that beautiful dream dress that is twice over your budget.  Well here is my suggestion to you, don’t even look at the dress that is too expensive.  If you are always looking lower than what you plan to spend, you will never go over budget.  You never know what kind of unexpected expenses might pop up when planning a wedding, so it’s best to be prepared.
Planning a wedding can be a lot of fun, very exciting and a little stressful.  If you follow these tips, they will definitely help relieve some of the stress of money.  Remember to have fun while planning, but don’t break your bank.  There is no reason for a young couple end up in debt over a wedding.

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Filed in: Thrifty Tips • by Katie Haller • 1 Comment

Comments

  1. Wenni Donna

    November 11, 2017 at 8:53 am

    Thanks my friend for sharing these 5 helpful tips for planning the wedding on a budget. I found this extremely helpful as I too want to have a grand party DIY wedding ceremony at the domestic outdoor Seattle venues.

    Reply

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Hi I'm Katie! Welcome to my blog! I am on a mission to help women build a wardrobe that they love without spending a lot of money doing it. I believe that everyone has the right to feel good in their outfit, no matter what your budget is! I am excited to have you here!
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Helping women love what they wear on a budget!
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Katie || Affordable Fashion
I look forward to my PM skincare routine every nig I look forward to my PM skincare routine every night! It's probably my favorite time of the day!! Here is what I am currently using!

Products are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Follow @thriftywifehappylife for all the details! Also check out my blog post today! I am sharing my daily mom beauty routine! Every is linked in my bio! 

#pmskincare #skincare #skincareroutine #versedskincare #cerave #momselfcare #momlife #affordableskincare #affordablebeauty #michiganblogger #momstyleblogger
🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤 I just 🖤 What I wore as a SAHM this week 🖤

I just realized that I don't think that I have missed a daily outfit post in 2023 yet. That means that I have shared every outfit that I have worn so far this year, which is pretty good! 

I have always loved sharing my real life daily outfits. I always shared my work outfits when I was teaching preschool, but after I stopped working it was harder for me to stay consistent on sharing my daily outfits because I didn't think my SAHM outfits were "instagram worthy". Last year I decided that I should try sharing a round up in a reel to show what I actually wore on a daily basis and it's been so fun ever since! 

So many of you told me that you found me through these reels and that makes me so happy! I hope these outfits help you step up your daily style even if you are only potty training a toddler that day. (Like I am at the moment 🤣) 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits!

#wiw #sahmstyle #momoutfit #momstyle #momfashion #momiform #momootd #momiform #themominfluencers #momstyleblogger #sahmlife #casualstyle #michiganblogger #midweststyle #winteroutfits #everydayoutfits
Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an o Last weekend I was stumped on what to wear on an overnight staycation without the kids. I wanted an outfit that was practical for the cold weather and the afternoon, but also something I could wear out for a nice dinner later on in the evening. This is what I decided on...

✨ I like wearing bodysuits under my clothes in the winter. They help keep me warm and also cover up any skin that might show through when you sit. 

✨ My plum sweater from @gibsonlook transitioned perfectly from day to night. (Use code: THRIFTYWIFE10 for 10% off!)

✨ For pants and shoes I wore @express skinny jeans for day time. They work best with my Chelsea boots. Then for night I wanted to wear my favorite lightwash straight leg jeans (old) with heels. 

✨ Cute outerwear is so important in the winter. You have to layer up when it's cold and you plan on walking around outside. I found my camel wool coat to be warm, especially with my hat and scarf. I also wore thick boot socks to keep my feet and ankles warm! 

Head over to the @shop.ltk app to shop this look! You can either download the free shopping app and follow @thriftywifehappylife or go to the link in my bio! 

#ltkstyletip #datenightoutfit #dateday #valentinesdayoutfit #winterdateoutfit #winteroutfits #winterstyle #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits #momoutfitinspo #outfitideasforyou
Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent clos Today #ontheblog I am talking about my recent closing clean out. I go through my closet seasonally to get rid of the clothes that aren't getting worn, but at the end of last year I felt like my closet had an overload of clothes and I needed to do a major refresh! 

I ended up parting ways with a lot of clothes, but there were some that I keep every time I do a clean out because they are my favorites and still hold their value in my wardrobe. 

✨Little black dress- I bought in 2011 for my rehearsal dinner. 
✨ Polka- dot blouse from @lclaurenconrad I bought in 2014. 
✨Metallic skirt- I bought this in 2011 to wear for Christmas Eve. 
✨ Chambray button down shirt. I bought it in 2014 at Target and I haven't found a better one to replace it with. 
✨ Thrifted @oldnavy denim jacket. These just get better with wear! 
✨ Gold strappy sandals I bought in 2007 to wear to a fraternity formal in college. They still get worn when I need a fun shoe! 

What is the oldest piece of clothing in your wardrobe? 

#cleaningoutmycloset #closetcleanout #shoppingyourwardrobe #shopyourcloset #wearitloveit #thriftythursday #weartheclothes #styleinspo
As you can see, shopping is challenging with a tod As you can see, shopping is challenging with a toddler, so let me help you shop! I'll take one for the team and bring my 2-year-old in the fitting rooms with me so you don't have to! 😉

Here's what I found at @target this week 👇🏻

✨A New Day High-Rise Slim Straight Leg Ankle Pants- Brown- 2- This is a great dress pant option.  They have elastic in the back so the stretch. They fit TTS.  No petite length available. 
✨Universal Thread Realax fit button-down-shirt- White and Navy striped- Small- Both these color tops are going on my spring wish list! I love the relax fit and the material! They fit TTS! $25
✨Universal Thread High-Rise Slim Straight Fit Jeans- 2/regular- I am loving the fit and style of these jeans! So cute for spring! They fit TTS! $28
✨A New Day Striped Long sleeve T-shirt- Small- This is a great t-shirt.  I love the boxy fit. It comes in other colors. Fits TTS! $12
✨A New Day Blazer- xsmall- This blazer caught my eye. The material is great for spring. It fits TTS. It is currently not available on the website, but I will link it when it becomes available. 
✨A New Day Cami- small- I actually already own this cami! It’s one of my favorite spring tops! Perfect to layer a blazer or cardigan over. 
✨A New Day Slide Sandals- 7 ½- Cute slide sandals for spring! I love the little heel! They fit TTS!
✨A New Day Mule Heels- 7 ½- I love the straps on these heels.  They are very comfortable! Available in multiple colors. 
✨Universal Thread Triple Compartment crossbody purse- Love this crossbody bag! If you are looking to downsize your mom purse this is it! It has 3 compartments and the strap makes it easy to wear. 

Details are linked on the @shop.ltk app! Find the link to it in my bio! 

#targettryon #targetfinds #targetstyle #targetdoesitagain #springstyle #affordablefashion #shoppingideas #wearitloveit #momstyle #michiganblogger #shoppingonabudget
This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagra This week I am teaming up with some of my Instagram friends to bring you some Valentine’s Day outfit ideas! ❤️ We will be sharing outfits all week long so make sure you are following along! I know you will find some great ideas! 👇🏻

Monday- @thriftywifehappylife and @asimplelifeblog 
Tuesday- @getschooledinfashion 
Wednesday- @mrssarahgoodman 
Thursday- @momthechaoscoordinator 
Friday- @corriellington 

Today is my day! I'm sharing 3 Valentine’s Day looks for different occasions! 
Look 1- Wear to volunteer in the classroom party
Look 2- Wear on a date night or girls night out. 
Look 3- Wear to work!

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#valentinesdayoutfit #vdayoutfit #outfitideas #outfitinspiration #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #styleover35 #momstyle #simpleoutfits #michiganblogger
What I wore as a SAHM this week! This week my out What I wore as a SAHM this week!

This week my outfits are all over the place because that's how our week was. Plus I have a bonus outfit so I thought I would share where I wore these outfits! 

Monday- Home with a sick kid
Tuesday- Home and school pick up
Wednesday- Home for a snow day
Thursday- Home for snow day number 2
Friday- Ran errands aka went to Target 🎯
Saturday afternoon- Dropped off kids with my in-laws and went to Canada 🇨🇦 for a little staycation/date night at @caesarswindsor with my husband. 
Saturday night- Dinner and drinks
Sunday- Picked up kids and preparing for the week ahead. 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio for my shopping page on my blog!
✨ Message me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊
✨ Go to my SAHM Outfit highlight for all the links to my everyday outfits! 

#sahmstyle #sahmoutfit #momoutfits #momootd #wiw #realoutfitgram #whatiwore #momstyle #outfitinspiration #outfitinspo #outfitideas4you #easyoutfit #michiganblogger #michiganmoms
I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my s I wore this heart sweatshirt the other day in my stories and you guys loved it! It's my favorite heart sweatshirt because it's neutral colors so I get to wear it year round, but I especially love wear it around Valentine's Day! 

Here are some ways I've worn it! 

🛍How to shop my outfits🛍
✨Download the free @shop.ltk app and follow @thriftywifehappylife for all my outfit details! 
✨ Click on the link in my bio to find links to both my LTK shopping page and my blog! 
✨Find it on my Amazon storefront! The link is in my bio! 
✨ DM me if you have any questions or need any help finding a link! 😊

#amazonfinds #heartsweater #valentinesoutfit #valentinesdayoutfit #outfitideas #affordablefashion #styleonabudget #michiganblogger #momstyle #momoutfits
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