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.
