Wedding Budget Tips from a Former Bride turned Wedding Planner (Part II)

4. Saying Yes to the Dress

Instead of buying the latest wedding trend, choose to buy discontinued designer sample dresses from last season. They’re still designer dresses, but the bridal shops no longer have a need for them. Yet, they still want to make some profit. You can save 50-70% off retail price going this route! Better yet, you can buy it off the rack and not have to wait 6 mos. for a generic dress from the designer based on your measurements, where you’ll have to have it altered anyways. Instead, spend the money you just saved on the dress, towards the alterations.

*NOTE: Alterations are usually HALF the retail cost of the dress!

If that dress retails for $2400, anticipate the alterations to be around $1,200, which really makes the dress cost $3,600. Yikes!!! Keep this in mind, when shopping for your dress, ladies!

I was able to get a gorgeous Justin Alexander dress from a hidden gem of a boutique bridal shop that specializes in lace dresses. My Justin Alexander dress normally retailed for $1,200, but I got it for $600. Then I was able to pay for the $600 alterations. Score!!!

If you purchase my partial planning services, I would be more than happy to tell you my fave bridal shop for my budget-friendly brides.

5. Use Seasonal or Year-round Flowers & Re-purpose Them

Based on the time of year you’re getting married, research on Pinterest which flowers are in-season or year-round and locally grown. From there, see which flowers are in your desired color scheme.

For table centerpieces, take into account the amount of space the flower takes up, as you are paying per stem. For example, by substituting 1 hydrangea into a centerpiece (which takes up a lot of room), the florist wouldn’t have to place as many hydrangea stems, compared to if you had chosen to go the “all roses” route. Then multiply this savings x 10 tables at the reception. When you do this, you can save about $700!

After the ceremony, have the florist or wedding coordinator transport your ceremony flowers from the altar and pews to the reception to do double duty, instead of paying for additional flowers. By simply placing the altar flowers on the sides of the sweetheart table, you’re still creating that elegant ambiance for half the price! The pew flowers can be placed throughout the reception accordingly, where needed, i.e., the seating chart table, the guest book / gift table, and the cake table.

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