Budget Friendly Wedding

So you want to get married but you don't want to spend thousands of dollars or take out a loan, I can help! As a newlywed of 10 days, I call tell you how to spend little and still have a wonderful wedding and honeymoon!

Ceremony:
Having a cost efficient ceremony is easier then you think, depending on your religious and family needs of course. For myself, a small civil local ceremony was just what we needed. In total, getting your marriage license and the officiant are all under $200. If you live in a small town, hiring your local church is around the same price. Big city girls might want to look into a nearby church or venue for a small fee.   

Decorations:
There really is no getting around expensive decorations unless you plan on making them yourself. My family all made the guys flowers, the floral arrangements for me to carry as well as favors and invitations. My brother made the cupcake wedding cake and I loved it! sweet as can be and lots for the guests at the lunch. All together we likely spent $200 again.


Costumes:
Getting a suit and dress can be expensive, but I stand by searching high and low on craiglist style classifieds. Renting a suit can be almost $200-$500 depending on your husbands taste and sizing. We bought a discount suit for my hubby and paid for alterations.Now the dress is a tricky situation, don't cheap out too much or you'll regret it later. I found my dress on sale for 50% off the original sticker price. Many girls resell their dresses after the big day so hunting public websites are a great way to get a dress for $100. My parents paid for my dress so I was able to get something a little less frugal at a tune of $400 ( Remember 50% off)


 
Honeymoon



Your honeymoon needs to be perfect, and cost effective. Depending on your wedding date there are a few different things you can consider. Remember, every bride has different dreams and needs on her wedding day. Keep that in mind frugal grooms.

 May- September:

Camping for 1 week at a provincial or state park: At about $300, Camping near lakes and beaches are a great way to get that summer beach picture and sitting around a camp fire at night is very romantic. (This is what we did)

Rent a cottage for X days:This is a little more expensive closer to $500 depending on how luxurious and location of the home.

October-April:

 2-3 night hotel in a "big city": Niagara Falls is beautiful and the Canadian side has great casinos and relatively cheap hotel rooms on "off" days.

3 night Bed & Breakfast: Romantic and small town feel, usually lots of activities within the city limits if transportation is an issue.


All in all, I had beautiful weather for the honeymoon and the ceremony. Great food, lots of pictures and lots of love. Enjoy your day lucky couples because its all done before you know it!
The reception will be added as a new blog soon! That take a little more planning ;)