Board #357 | Good Morning Love (Budget Friendly #20)

21 comments posted SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

Mood: vintage garden charm
Palette: butter yellow, milk glass, garden green

A morning ceremony followed by an outdoor brunch is a wonderful way to throw a beautiful, budget-friendly wedding. By holding your wedding earlier in the day, or on a Sunday, some vendors might be willing to bargain. Incorporate vintage elements to add a sweet touch, as well as to help save money, and stick with a simple color palette (I chose buttery yellow and soft white) to create a cohesive look.

The Paper: Take a cue from Linda & Harriett, and create your own invitations with rubber stamps – they create a look that is both low-key and whimsical. You can use that same rubber stamp to continue your motif throughout the wedding, on cocktail napkins, thank you notes, you name it.

The Fashion: Choose a beautiful skirt and top for your bridesmaids, and they’ll appreciate having separates that they might actually wear again. How about a charming bow tie for the groom, and maybe as gifts for the groomsmen? This one by xo elle is only $36, and is made from vintage materials. You can save with a vintage wedding dress, too – the one in this inspiration board is only $275. Vintageous and Cherished Online are two places to look. Pair it with a gorgeous, wide-brimmed sun hat – it might be a splurge, but it will certainly get more wear than a veil!

The Decor: Instead of one sheet of fabric for a photobooth backdrop, hang several panels of fabric from a large tree – either for photos, or just for visual interest. Rent simple white linens – they’re often the cheapest option, and will work with the simple yellow and white color scheme. Other than that, an outdoor venue shouldn’t require much other decorating.

The Flowers: If you have a wholesale flower market nearby, pick up a variety of flowers in the same pale yellow. Arrange them in mismatched milk glass containers – you can find these for as little as $1 from flea markets, antique stores, and eBay. Have a floral designer create a small bouquet for you – cutting down the size can cut the cost in half, and allow you to include pricier blooms.

The Food: A brunch buffet may or may not be cheaper than dinner, but you’ll certainly save on alcohol. Guests will drink less earlier in the day, and you can get by with only two alcoholic options – mimosas and bloody Mary’s. Ask friends or family to contribute their baking skills – if someone is up to the challenge, they might even make a traditional tiered wedding cake for you.

Other Details: Vintage cream-colored rose earrings are the perfect accessory for the bride, and at only $8 they would make a great gift for your bridesmaids, too. Embellish your bouquet with vintage ribbon – a yard of pricier ribbon won’t break the bank, and Etsy is a great place to look for cheaper options. Place a customized crossword puzzle and pencil at each seat – a perfect detail for Sunday brunch, and something you can easily print off your own computer at home.

Row 1: stamped gift tags from Linda & Harriett / dahlias in milk glass from Martha Stewart Weddings / dress from Vintage Dress / hanging fabric photo by Adrienne Page  //  Row 2:  bridesmaid via {frolic!} / rose earrings from Out of the Blue / mimosas from Martha Stewart / custom bow tie by xo elle via Casando Ideias  //  Row 3:  scones from Martha Stewart / garden gate via Peach & Pearl / bouquet and horsehair hat both from Martha Stewart Weddings  //  Row 4:  roses in milk glass photo by Punam Bean / crossword puzzle, coconut cake, and ribbons all from Martha Stewart Weddings
21 comments posted +add a comment SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

You might also like:

Board #356 | Fiesta Means Party! (Budget Friendly #19)

20 comments posted SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

If you’re trying to include a large number of guests without breaking the bank, take a cue from Donia and David and hire your favorite local taco truck to cater – they were able to host a wedding with 300 guests for under $8000! I used that as the jumping off point for this fiesta-inspired wedding board, but there are other cost-effective ways to feed your guests: a crawfish boil, barbecue, or even a soup and bread bowl buffet are all delicious options.

Mood: casually festive
Palette: watermelon pink, citrus yellow, lime green, white

{click image to enlarge}


Top row from left: papeles picados from Brides, bouquet photo by Lisa Lefkowitz, Mexican wedding cookies from Martha Stewart Weddings, taco truck
Row 2: fans photo by Elizabeth Messina, tacos from Beth Helmstetter, mariachi band from Brides, sandals from J.Crew
Row 3: Kay Unger dress from Neiman Marcus, Mexican lotería cards, watermelon from Martha Stewart, fruit skewers from Martha Stewart
Row 4: ring dishes by Paloma’s Nest, watermelon margaritas from Domino, invitation by Hello! Lucky

The Paper: Even if you’re working with a smaller budget, beautiful invitations are still an option. Hello! Lucky has recently started offering a number of their designs in a digital print option (the one I’ve included in this board is only $2.21 when you order 150), Milkmaid Press has just launched a more affordable line, Pearl Press, and Wedding Paper Divas offers affordable styles by some of my favorite designers.

The Fashion: If you’re considering a non-white dress for your wedding, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous designer options for far less than you’d pay for a designer wedding gown (why do they do that!?). This coral number by Kay Unger is $480, and fits perfectly with the bright, festive mood of this inspiration board. Pair it with some gold sandals (starting at $39.50 from J.Crew) and you’re all set!

The Decor: At just $12.50 for 18 feet, traditional Mexican papel picado banners are a budget-friendly way to decorate an outdoor venue. In lieu of table numbers, how about lotería cards? You can find a set of 54 on Amazon for $8, or online here for free.

The Flowers: Supplement a few pitchers of flowers with seasonal fruit – and let guests know they should feel free to help themselves! For just the cost of some tissue paper, you might also make some Mexican tissue paper flowers in keeping with the fiesta theme. And if you’re going to splurge on any flowers, splurge on a lovely bouquet – it will make for some gorgeous photos!

The Food: Paying less for food doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose out on quality – especially if you hire a favorite local taco truck to cater the wedding! Fruit skewers that you’ve made a day ahead (with the help of friends and family of course) and baskets of tortilla chips round out this casual meal. Offer bottles of Mexican soda (Jarritos is my favorite) and beer, and maybe one signature drink such as a margarita in your favorite flavor. Skip the wedding cake in favor of Mexican wedding cookies that you (or someone who loves you very much) can bake in advance and freeze if need be.

Other Details: A custom ring dish by Paloma’s Nest will only set you back $28, and it is a lovely reminder of your wedding day – after the wedding day, use it as a bedside jewelry dish or maybe a Christmas ornament. And who knows – maybe it will become a new heirloom. If you’re holding your wedding in the middle of summer, place hand fans in each guest’s seat – at $1.25 they can double as a favor.

See the rest of Snippet & Ink’s budget-friendly inspiration boards here. What are you doing to keep your budget low?

20 comments posted +add a comment SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

You might also like:

Board #355 | Apricot and Rose Gold (Budget Friendly #18)

9 comments posted SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

Mood: romantic, whimsical
Palette: pale apricot, rose gold, cream

It’s been awhile since I posted some budget-friendly inspiration boards, but I imagine that these days, everyone is looking for ways to save. If you are willing to be flexible, to employ your own talents as well as those of your nearest and dearest, and to focus on what’s most important, there is no reason that a lovely, meaningful wedding has to cost an arm and a leg. As with all of my inspiration boards, these are not meant to be exact blueprints for your wedding, but rather to inspire and to serve as guides during the planning process.

Not only are dessert buffets one of my favorite reception options, but they’re also a great way to save money without sacrificing glamour and elegance. Hold your reception at tea time or after dinner, choose a beautiful and unique venue, dress it up with whimsical handmade paper details, set up a buffet of gorgeous and (most importantly) delicious desserts, and your guests will never miss the meal.

The Paper: Design your own save-the-dates with the help of vintage clipart. Choose a simple bell or bird and scroll motif that can be repeated on your invitations and programs. Thermography is a great way to add some texture to your printed materials without the cost of engraving.

The Fashion: Allow your bridesmaids to wear a skirt and sweater, something they actually will wear again. And if you can break free from the fantasy of a white, strapless wedding gown, consider wearing separates, too. Not only will a floor-length, silk skirt cost less than many dresses (this one from J.Crew is $575), but it really is the sort of thing you might actually wear again. Skip a veil and tie a pretty ribbon in your hair. The groom can save by skipping the jacket and going instead with a vest ($98 from J.Crew, rather than $248 for the matching jacket). And I know I’ve said it before, but buying the groom a nice suit he’ll wear again is such a better investment than renting a tux!

The Decor: One of the biggest ways to save on decor is by choosing a venue that is already impressive. Dress it up with whimsical and inexpensive details – trim the dessert table with ruffled crepe paper ($7.99 for 6 feet from Birds of a Feather) and mark the bride and groom’s chairs with garlands of small tissue bells, about 75-cents apiece.

The Flowers: A single large bloom is a beautiful alternative to a bridal bouquet, and doesn’t require professional arrangement. The same goes for individual flowers in bud vases or floating in bowls. These bud vases from IKEA will only set you back $1.99 each, and you can take a cue from Michelle and later give them as gifts like she did with her candlesticks (with a flower in them of course!).

The Food: Save by serving a variety of beautiful and delicious desserts. Amy Atlas, the empress of dessert buffets, offers her tips for creating something appealing to both the tastebuds and the eyes in this Food & Wine article. Also, in addition to several non-alcoholic options, serve just one type of champagne or sparkling wine that you can buy in bulk.

Other Details: Often, the wedding planning (and expenses) begins with a ring, but there’s no rule that says that ring has to include a diamond. How about an antique cameo or cocktail ring instead? This one featured in Brides was $650 from Doyle & Doyle. Don’t underestimate how lovely crepe paper and glitter can be. Using vintage paper, tinsel, and other ephemera, create your own crowns and medallions for your guests – they might be time consuming, but they’re a sweet detail that can act as both place card and favor.

You can see all of Snippet & Ink’s previous budget-friendly inspiration boards here.

Row 1:  photo by Victoria Pearson / Cheree Berry invitation from Martha Stewart Weddings / vest from J.Crew / dessert and champagne buffet from In Style Weddings  //  Row 2:  China Cabin / chocolate champagne truffles from Martha Stewart Weddings / ruffled crepe paper garland from Birds of a Feather / large peony from Martha Stewart Weddings  //  Row 3:  skirt and sweater set from J.Crew / floating dahlias by Artfool / pink ribbon headbands and cameo ring both from Brides  //  Row 4:  paper crown by Bethany Lowe / tissue bell garland from Martha Stewart Weddings / silk skirt and sweater from J.Crew / roses from Martha Stewart Weddings
9 comments posted +add a comment SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

You might also like:

Board #285 | Sunrise on the Beach (Budget Friendly #17)

8 comments posted SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

There are pros of having a year or two to plan your wedding (plenty of time to gather ideas, book the vendors you want, complete do-it-yourself projects) and there are cons (lots of time to second-guess decisions comes to mind). But just because you don’t want to spend 16 months planning (that’s the average engagement length in the U.S.), doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful, meaningful wedding. Today’s budget friendly inspiration board takes this idea and applies it to a sunrise wedding on the beach with a breakfast reception at home or in a favorite local restaurant, and get friends and family to help you pull it together – if you’re an easy going couple, this might just be the way to go.

Who says…you have to spend months and months planning?

Mood: spontaneous, carefree and casual
Palette: pale blue, sand

{click image to enlarge}


Top row from left: headband from Martha Stewart Weddings, tiki torch aisle from Brides, blueberry corn muffins from Martha Stewart, driftwood photo by Sugar Love
Row 2: bouquet photo by Dana Gallagher, ric-rac invitation by Bird & Banner, dress from Watters, photo by Bella Rose
Row 3: plaid blanket, dress photo by Jude Mooney, emerald ring by Sarah Perlis, thermos photo by Nicole Hill styled by Chelsea Fuss
Row 4: driftwood and seaglass, blueberries from Martha Stewart, sunrise photo from On Site Clicks’ flickr

The Paper: Depending on how last-minute your planning is, you might skip invitations and just send out an email or make phone calls. But if you do have time to make some invitations, at 80-cents per yard, ric-rac is a nice touch and a change from ribbon. When you’re short on time, you’ll probably skip the RSVP cards and ask your guests to respond by email or phone, which is an easy way to save – and for such a casual wedding, it’s totally appropriate!

The Fashion: You can have this beachy dress by Watters for only $630. Personalize it by adding a tiny blue heart to the train – a simple detail that won’t cost much. A Swarovski vine headband for only $30 is a darling way to accessorize, and will dress up outfits even after your wedding. The groom can get away with khakis and a nice shirt that he already owns, and if he doesn’t, it’s a good excuse to buy some! For a reasonably priced and wonderfully unique ring, how about this emerald ring by Sarah Perlis for $750?

The Decor: For around $12, buy some tiki torches – or pull them out of your backyard – to create an aisle on the beach. It won’t be pitch black just before sunrise, but a little flicker of light is a nice way to walk down the aisle. Ask your guests to collect sea glass and driftwood from the beach and use the found objects to decorate the breakfast tables.

The Flowers: If there are no prohibitions against it, make an impromptu bouquet from wild grasses and flowers picked at the ceremony site, and tie them together to carry down the aisle. It definitely fits in with the casual, spontaneous feel of the wedding, and it’s certainly budget friendly.

The Food: If it’s chilly on the beach early in the morning, have thermoses full of coffee and hot chocolate to serve your guests. Follow your sunrise ceremony with an incredible breakfast – fresh seasonal fruit, a variety of (warm!) breakfast breads, eggs make for a cheaper meal than most lunches or dinners. And at an earlier hour than even brunch, you can get away with skipping cake.

Other Details: If hot chocolate isn’t enough to keep your guests warm, make sure you have blankets on hand – they don’t have to match, you can just use what you already own, or borrow some from family if you need to.

Splurges: Go for it and splurge on a photographer! A good one will be able to capture the most memorable moments of your wedding beautifully, no matter how little planning went into it. Also, by booking at the last minute, you might not be able to get exactly the photographer you want, but you might be able to get a deal – especially if your sunrise breakfast wedding happens on a Sunday.

For Free: It’s a beach wedding – go barefoot! Well, and the sunrise is free, too…

Real Wedding Inspiration: A Bodega Wedding and Jeordis & Mathias both via A Practical Wedding

Well friends, today is the last day of budget friendly wedding boards for now – I hope that you’ve enjoyed them and that you’ve been able to find some ideas here. No matter what your budget, it doesn’t hurt to save where you can, and I hope that these inspiration boards have proven that you don’t have to go into debt to have a beautiful, creative wedding!

8 comments posted +add a comment SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

You might also like:

Board #283 | Tea Party (Budget Friendly #15)

9 comments posted SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

I sure do love the idea of a sweet afternoon tea party wedding reception. It’s sweet, delightful, and a great way to save! This wedding board is one part Alice in Wonderland, one party vintage charm. Taking a cue from Alice in Wonderland, how about a game of croquet instead of dancing if the weather is agreeable? Because really…

Who says…dancing is a must?

Mood: playful charm
Palette: fuchsia, pale pink

{click image to enlarge}


Top row from left: front lawn ceremony from The Knot, dress from Posh Girl Vintage, place setting from Martha Stewart Weddings, carnation centerpiece from Mi Mi Design
Row 2: tea sandwiches from Callahan Catering, playing card seating cards photo by Jennifer Causey, tea bag favors from Martha Stewart Weddings, croquet set from Oh How Charming!
Row 3: petits fours from Parisian Events, locket from Vintage Rehab, pink bunting from, carnation bouquet photo by Samm Blake
Row 4: RSVP slip from Stitch Rip Repeat, carnation boutonnieres, champagne photo from Martha Stewart Weddings, bubbles photo by Lisa Lefkowitz

The Paper: By skipping the RSVP cards, you’ll not only save on printing costs but also on postage. Instead, do what Beth did, and include a pretty slip of paper directing your guests to RSVP by email or phone (she also made her own invitations, if you’re feeling ambitious…). For theme-appropriate and budget friendly escort cards, mark playing cards with your guests’ names, and pin them on a bulletin board.

The Fashion: Going vintage is a great way to save. This dress from Posh Girl Vintage is only $265. Vintageous and Unique Vintage are other good places to try online. There are also designers who can create a dress for you using a pre-existing wedding dress – if you want to give new life to your mother’s wedding dress, maybe? Or, if you want something pre-owned, but not necessarily vintage, check out sites like Once Wed, Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses and Encore Bridal. Accesorize with a vintage locket for $98 and simple pearl earrings that you already own.

The Decor: You know those tissue paper pom poms that are so popular right now? Why not shrink that same pattern down and use them as napkin rings? Make bunting in a variety of fabrics and colors to hang around the reception site.

The Flowers: Carnations! I can’t think of another flower that has been more unfairly maligned than the carnation. Maybe it’s because of the tacky dyed ones? Or because they’re cheap? But pick one color, and use a copious amount of blooms, and they will look beautiful instead of cheap. You can make pomanders from them, huge dramatic centerpieces, or a ruffly bouquet, all for around 50-cents per stem.

The Food: An afternoon tea is tucked neatly in between lunch and dinner, so you won’t need as much food as you might for another type of reception. Dainty finger sandwiches and scones with jam and cream will look pretty on a tiered tea tray (which can do double-duty as a centerpiece), or you can go with a buffet. Petits fours are an appropriate, and cheaper, alternative to a formal wedding cake. If you want to offer a signature drink, why not substitute Prosecco for Champagne? It has a different taste, but is still delicious and bubbly, and significantly cheaper. And of course, you’ll want to serve several types of tea.

Other Details: If the weather permits, set up a game of croquet or bocce ball (or both!) to entertain your guests. If you’re staying indoors, how about decks of cards at each table for guests to play with? Instead of having your flower girl toss petals, fill a small vase with bubbles and tie a ribbon around it and let your flower girl blow bubbles down the aisle. For favors under $1, attach personalized tags to tea bags, and arrange them in a tray for your guests to take home.

Splurges: Why not splurge on a higher end croquet set? For $100 – a fraction of the money you’re saving by not hiring a band or DJ – you can have a set that will live to play another game.

For Free: If your mother is anything like mine, you’ve heard her say it a million times – stand up straight and smile. No amount of makeup or expensive clothes can take the place of good posture and a happy face. And they’re both free!

Real Wedding Inspiration: Brittany & Michael, Jennifer & Josh via The Bride’s Cafe part one and two

PS – Check out this pretty photo via {frolic!}.

9 comments posted +add a comment SEE MORE: Budget Friendly, Inspiration Boards

You might also like: