My best friend is getting married next October, and she’s given me the… well, honor, of being her maid of honor! I couldn’t be more excited! I love her and her fiance, and I can’t wait to see them start their lives together. I also really love the theme and color scheme she’s picked out (Fall, country, purple and orange. Just a touch of Halloween). Now, being maid of honor means I have a front seat to all wedding planning- and the costs. And let me tell you, it is not cheap. Even though they have a fairly conservative budget, you really have to look hard for tasteful things that stay in your price range. That’s why I love this list by Stacey at the Six Dollar Family. Here are some FREE things you can claim now for your big day:
Free Printable Wedding Planning Charts
FREE Wedding Gown (for brides who are in the military, or who are marrying spouses in the military.)
Free Wedding Website for you and your fiance
I have a few tips of my own as well! My friend is using some of these, and I’m most likely going to do as many as possible when I get married:
-Check out local Bridal shows- tickets are usually around 10 bucks. They often have tons of freebies, samples, discounts, and giveaways.
-Save money and DIY- my best friend and I are making almost all of her wedding decorations. Paper flowers and decorated pumpkins, here we come!
-Don’t be afraid to DIY the food as well, or have someone close to you cook! You can save thousands on catering that way. Ditto with the cake. Or, consider having a “cake only” wedding, but let guests know in advance- and don’t schedule it around dinner time.
-Have guests take their own photos, then let them upload them to Facebook and Instagram. No photographer required.
-Less guests= cheaper venue and catering. Pare your guest list down to only immediate family and close friends.
-Try looking at thrift stores, department stores, or online to save on dresses. However, be wary of buying a dress online- sometimes, it’s not what it looks like in the pictures. Read reviews, and buy in advance to try it on and make sure it’s what you want- and make sure they have a forgiving return policy!
-Let bridesmaids/groomsmen pick out their own clothes to save them money. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses all in the same color scheme often look amazing! Just make sure to preview the look before the big day.
-National and State Parks often do not charge if you are looking for a free wedding venue, though you may have to pay a small permit fee and guests will pay any parking fees. Other free/cheap venue ideas: churches, campgrounds, city parks, or a home or backyard.