Planning your wedding can seem like a huge undertaking, even with people by your side helping you along the way. Staying within a budget is typically one of the more stressful parts of planning a wedding. I was there not too long ago and can definitely attest. I want to share five unique ways Louis and I saved money on our own wedding- take and use what you’d like! The biggest thing to remember is that this is your day! Make a list of your top priorities and find creative ways to save on the lesser important details and logistics. While it may feel impossible, there are little things you can do to make sure that stress is kept at bay. 

1. Virtual invites
   By sending out virtual invites, you are not only preserving the environment, but you are also saving hundreds of dollars on stamps, printing, and design, just to name a few! Making a virtual invite will be a different + uniquely fun approach to inviting your guests to your wedding.Think about creating a free customized website on www.minted.com where you can incorporate both your invitation, wedding registry, guest/RSVP list, lodging details, etc! Once your website is created, send out a personal text message to each of your wedding guests including the link to your website. You can even send a photo of you and your fiancé with a simple message along the lines of “Hey (insert name)! Here’s your formal invite to our wedding on (date)! You can click the link for details & to RSVP. Please RSVP by (insert date.) We can’t wait to celebrate with you!”
   
2. Virtual thank you’s!
   Send your guests a 30-second  thank you video sharing about how much you appreciated their presence at your wedding + the love they’ve showered over you. Your “thank you” will hold so much more meaning and intentionality. It is something your guests are sure to cherish forever and it will save you time + money, trust me!
3. Let’s talk floral!
   Really think through those flower expenses. Louis & I decided to go with dried floral arrangements rather than fresh for our wedding. Why? Gosh, so many reasons! Dried floral is more cost-efficient and sustainable. I’m all about sustainability over here!! I also personally love the texture that dried floral brings into a space. Plus, the beauty will not fade away! My bridal bouquet is still just as stunning as ever and is in a vase on our dining room table. Another way to save money in the floral department is to skip the corsages/boutonnières for parents + grandparents. They will obviously look fabulous with or without!
4. Cake or nah?
   While some couples love the tradition of having a tiered wedding cake, this can be an expensive endeavor! If you don’t care too much about a custom tiered cake, you could forgo and serve cookies, or another beloved treat that is less expensive. This could be an opportunity to add another personal touch to your day! Louis and I had a taco bar catered at our wedding and instead of cake, we served churros and succulent cookies! Our guests loved them so much that there were no leftovers at the end of the night.
5. An open bar isn’t for everyone
   You could be saving quite a bit of money by opting for a cash bar rather than an open bar. Not everyone at the wedding will be drinking alcohol, so this could be a big area of savings! Check with your venue and ask what their alcohol policy is. Some venues will even allow you to bring your own– which could also be a more cost efficient than an open bar.

While there are many other ways to save money while planning your wedding, I hope you find these tips helpful + inspirational for staying within your means + budget! It may seem like a difficult task, but with affirmation from yourself and your fiancé, you can do it friend!