Affordable Holiday Weddings Ideas

17 comments

Thursday November 17, 2011 by Alexandra C.

Call it the 'bridezilla syndrome'- it's what happens to good, normal brides-to-be when suddenly all their rational thinking goes out the window and they need to have exactly what they want- no matter what the cost. I am fairly certain that 'bridezilla syndrome' is why we rarely hear people gloat about having their dream wedding and coming under budget.

However, you would be surprised at the different ways (you may not have even considered) there are to save money when planning your wedding. With the upcoming holiday season, there are even more fun, seasonable and simple ways to stay on budget.

1) Food: Nothing says 'holiday' like a plate full of comfort food! Ditch the standard wedding feast for a home cooked style meal- pot pies, roasts, soups are great options. By having a pot luck or buffet and asking for a home made cake baked by a friend or family member as a wedding gift, you will cut down on costs and have a homey, intimate feel. Instead of alcoholic drinks, why not have a cash bar and serve yummy holiday drinks like eggnog, cider or hot chocolate?
(images via thepioneerwoman.com, abeautifulmess.typepad.com)

2) Décor: One of the great benefits of having a wedding at this time is the fact that there are inexpensive decorations everywhere- you'd be surprised what what your local dollar or discount store will carry. Ornaments, twinkle lights, candles, jars and red and white candies, even gingerbread houses are a cute and whimsy addition for your theme. If you are getting married in a hall, as Cara Davis of cheapwaysto.com points out, many of them will already be decorated for the holidays and you can simply borrow their ambience.
(images via didntitellyouthat.com, weheartit.com, pinterest.com)

(from left) J Crew Taryn Gown (C$638.00), J Crew Cecilia Gown (C$ 574.00), Tadashi Shoji One-Shoulder Lace Gown (C$458.87), Aqua Long Chiffon One-Shoulder Dress (C$293.30)

3) The Dress: You'd be surprised at how many cute, affordable dresses there are in department stores these days. These dresses come from Bloomingdales and J Crew- very cute, modern styles that don't cost as much as a used car! If you're all about looking unique, as we mentioned in our rustic weddings article, vintage gowns are a fabulous option. If you're willing, try buying a used gown online- sites like preownedweddingdresses.com can offer a great deal for a bargain seeker.

4) Flowers: Take advantage of the pointsettias, holly or evergreen needles in season for decorating your space- not only do they add colour and are right on theme but you can get them on the cheap during the holidays. An alternative to what can be costly flowers, is a non-floral bouquet. Not only are the materials less expensive but for a DIY diva bride-to-be (or for the bride-to-be's very nice, very crafty friend) this shouldn't be a problem to create (the bottom two photos are made of paper [left] and fabric [right]). If you want to remain with traditional flowers but aren't a fan of the cost- it may be time to fake it! Fake flowers are so good these days- they'll be virtually indistinguishable!
(images via realsimple.com, marthastewartweddings.com, marthastewartweddings.com)

5) Online Tools: The possibilities of the internet these days! Replace your wedding planner with inexpensive apps on your phone- iWedding, Bridal Binder and My Wedding all act as organizers for your perfect day. Sites like Pinterest, Evernote or Stumbleupon are all book marking tools that will help you find and make note of your online inspirations. Use online invite websites to keep track of your RSVPs and for an overwhelmed couple that doesn't have time to register at a store- Card Avenue is a site that lets you register for giftcards.

Did you have a wedding budget? Did you stick to it?

If you liked that, check out:

5 Wedding Budget Tips
Budgeting For Your Big Day
Wedding Ideas: The Rustic and Vintage Wedding

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	on Sep 07, 2012 KatelynRose1984 19,143 said: A holiday wedding is such a romantic idea. I absolutely love all of these ideas, and wish that I would be invited to an event like these ones! It sounds like such a warm, cozy and comfortable place to be.
	on Apr 09, 2012 GoneBatty 2,861 said: I think if I were to go back and do it again, I would have gotten married in the winter and bought all my decor during the holidays. A silver and blue wedding would be so pretty during the winter and the decorations would be so easy to find!
	on Dec 16, 2011 Suelyn 2,423 said: I like all the deco.
	on Nov 23, 2011 AlexJC said: @Keeks The great thing about destination weddings on a beach is that you can get away with wearing a less expensive dress- I would try and hit up small local boutiques and department stores. I think a flowy, long, loose dress would be gorgeous!
	on Nov 23, 2011 Daisy ford said: Great post ,valuable and very useful information,you has provided us for that I really thankful to you, I will bookmark it for sharing with my friends.Really great presentation of information,Thanks again. Lip Fusion
	on Nov 22, 2011 Keeks 1,017 said: I love the picture of pointsettias, holly or evergreen needles, my friend is having them in her wedding this December. I'm having a winter wedding next year but we are going to have a destination wedding in Mexico. I am so stressed about finding a dress thats still elegant but not too hot. I always wanted a ballgown style but I dont think it will really suit a beach wedding :(
	on Nov 19, 2011 sthom 319 said: I love the idea of a pre-loved wedding dress. Maybe just in theory. I don't really know how I would feel if I was actually getting married. But I think its a shame that beautiful wedding dresses only get worn once!
	on Nov 18, 2011 Bren 21,017 said: (((LOVE))) the clear globe with the pinecone and branch inside how pretty!
	on Nov 18, 2011 LadyChick234234 3,651 said: www.gowngoround.com If you're in the Tdot area. Whenever I think winter romance (or wedding) I think White Christmas or Serendipity. sigh
	on Nov 17, 2011 GlamGal 2,328 said: A holiday wedding is a lovely idea, what wonderful tips! 'Tis the season :)