Preppy Weddings On a Budget

I got an e-mail a few weeks ago from the lovely Reese in South Carolina who was looking at ways to save money on her navy & marigold casual affair this summer. I created a story board for her with lots of inspiration and I also have some helpful tips for you brides-to-be looking for a stunning chic affair without breaking the bank.

Invite, Cake, Bridesmaid's Dress, Tablesetting, Mini-bride

Stationary
It’s very easy to save money and still be beautiful when it comes to stationary. Look to vendors like weddingpaperdivas.com for a very inexpensive alternative that offers lots of options. I also adore etsy sellers invitedink (love these letterpress save the dates) and seller paperandink (here’s another favorite). Use a great company like I Do Originals to create a monogram and use it over and over on your save the dates, program, favor tags and menu.

Attire
My advice on this one is easy - if your prioritizing with a wedding budget, it is very easy to save money on your dress. Pick a silhouette you love and scour ebay. Or utilize the wedding collection at J.Crew or the wedding style dresses at Thread or Jenny Yoo. You can also save money for your bridesmaids by picking a non-bridesmaids dress. Try Nordstom’s awesome website to pick your dress, I personally like designers Eliza J., Shoshanna and BCBG.

Venue
If you don’t have lots of money to spend, look for venues that are not the norm. Try local parks, recreation centers with character, or old city buildings. Look for venues that allow you to work with caters of your choosing. Restaurants are also great places to host more intimate affairs and you don’t have to worry about a rental budget.

Caterers
Work with a caterer that inspires you to create a menu that reflects your personality as a couple. Personally, I don’t like the stuffiness of a sit-down dinner (I think they keep the party from ever getting off the ground). One of the easiest ways to save money is to work with a caterer that will let you bring in your own alcohol. You will save thousands.

Flowers
Go for monochromatic arrangements with lower cost flowers. Add a spin to arrangements by keeping them in unusual vases (think antique tea tins, mason jars or hobnail glass). Keep church flowers to a minimum (no one notices them really) and pick a reception venue that is ornate and doesn’t need a lot of dressing up. Or try something new, like the table setting above (I love the look and height of the wrapped gifts).

Cakes
Keep the design simple. Don’t hire the guy who charges 6 bucks a slice. Forgo the unsavory fondant and pick a vanilla or chocolate icing that can be dressed up with flowers, polka dots or fruit.

Favors
This is an easy one - if you don’t have lots of cash - don’t do a favor. If you NEED a favor, try these super cute favor tags and inexpensive cellophane bags of your favorite candy. Or have your caterer pass late night snacks while you toast your guests. My favorite idea is a take-away milkshake and ice-cream sundae bar to say good night to guests.

Special Touches
It’s the special touches you show your guests that really make your wedding meaningful. And those touches don’t have to cost a lot. For place cards, write handwritten notes to guests thanking them for coming. If you’re hosting an outdoor summer wedding, have ice-cold bottled waters and lemonade passed as your guests are seated and waiting for you to walk down the aisle. Create thank you cards that feature a picture of you and your groom as a nice take away for your guests!

Splurge

There are a few items I think you have to splurge on - your photographer, a live band and your wedding rings. Instead of a photographer and a videographer, spend more money on the photographer who will take quality pictures. A live band is a MUST over a dj in the South - the motown band makes the party. And rings, well they last forever and a girl needs to reflect exactly how much she is loved!