Options for a More Affordable Wedding

Throwing a wedding on a budget doesn’t have to mean cheap and classless. Come on, this isn’t just any wedding, this is your wedding! As you navigate your way through the happy chaos that comes along with planning a wedding, consider more affordable options. What are some ways that you can replace your champagne taste on a more realistic budget to plan your wedding?

Consider Something Other Than a Traditional Diamond

Marilyn famously told us that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and although that may have been true in 1953, times have changed for many modern brides. Rather than spring for the traditional luxury diamond ring whose stone was dug from a mine, why not try something different?

• Lab-created diamonds are a stunning alternative for a fraction of the price. They are made in exactly the same way that mined diamonds are, the process has simply been sped up thanks to the wonders of modern science. In fact, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has revised its guidelines to remove the word “natural” from the legal definition of the word “diamond,” helping the world to understand that lab-created diamonds are in fact genuine.
• Gemstones are a popular option for brides today. Diamonds are beautiful, but some women forego them entirely because they think they’re simply boring. If you are one of those women, make your engagement ring your own by making a colored gemstone your centerpiece. Do you adore the bright hues of hot pink, or swoon when you see dark blue stones? Try a sapphire instead of a diamond. They come in every color of the rainbow and are hard, durable stones that survive the wear and tear of daily use.
• Moissanite has snowballed in popularity with brides these days, and why not? They’ve got the clear look of a diamond but for only a sliver of the price, but they can also come in pinker hues and peachy tones as well. They are also almost as hard as a diamond and they actually have a better shine than their more expensive cousins.

Opt for a Dry Wedding

Deciding not to serve alcohol at your wedding can be one of the best ways to save money and avoid especially embarrassing shenanigans at your reception. The cost of wine and hard liquor can add up faster than you can say “merlot,” so consider cutting alcohol out entirely. This can be especially appropriate if you’re having a morning or mid-afternoon reception. You might hear some grumbling from guests, but this day is about you and your partner. Choosing not to serve alcohol is an entirely reasonable decision to make — but you might consider giving guests fair warning ahead of time.

Save on Cosmetics

MAC and Chanel are fantastic choices for wedding day makeup, but only if you can afford them. Rather than spend big money on an expensive face of makeup, consider purchasing drug store brands that are more affordable. Brands like e.l.f and Wet N Wild might not sound glamorous, but when you pair them with a good setting spray and touch up throughout the day, you can look just as beautiful as if you had gone with designer brands. Remember to do a trial run a week or two before your wedding; if you’ve never used a specific brand before, then you don’t know how your skin will react to it.

Make the Day Yours

You and your partner are the stars of the day’s show. Just because you choose to save some money here and there while planning the big event, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a lovely and elegant wedding day. In the end, the real joy of your wedding is knowing that you and your best friend get to spend forever together.