On 100 Layer Cake, we share a variety of weddings from DIY to Glam, and Bohemian to Romantic Elegance. All of these weddings tend to have one thing in common... they're super creative! While each wedding has an unique and varied budget, we're always so inspired when we find out that the couple was able to create their dream wedding on a small budget. To help you in your wedding planning process, and maybe save some $$$ along the way, we've combed through our site to give you a few of our favorite cost-saving tips.
USE OUR VENDOR GUIDE!
Our vendor guide is a place to find fabulous vendors as well as place service request for your wedding day. Yep, that's right, you can post a particular request for your wedding (from photography to music to flowers) and vendors in our guide will bid on your event!!! Our vendors are looking for creative brides, so pop on over and give it a try. These two New York brides found their vendors on our site.
This bride found her planner and photographer in our vendor guide.
This bride hooked up with photog Lauren Rae Photography after making a proposal right here on 100LC for wedding photographers within their budget.
RECRUIT FAMILY & FRIENDS TO HELP WITH FLORALS
Not only is this a cost saving tip, it's fun, and a great way to bring people together.
Simple one stem florals placed into antique medicine bottles can make such an elegant statement on your table.
For the adventurous bride, try foraging for your bridal bouquet.
Store bought florals popped into whimsical vessels by family and friends. So cute!
ALTERNATIVE WEDDING DRESSES
Okay, here's the deal, you don't have to go to a huge, well know bridal store to find your dream wedding dress. We're not saying you shouldn't go and try a few on, but there are other options. These creative brides found the perfect dress for their big day and saved lots of $$$!
We love that this bride spotted her vintage wedding dress on Etsy for $400.
This DIY bride found her dream wedding dress from Free People.
If you fancy an unconventional wedding, maybe think about forgoing the typical white dress for something more stylish. This bride really knew how to make a statement with her bright Mara Hoffman wedding dress.
CREATIVE CATERING
If you’re having a casual wedding, think about a potluck! This is great for an early afternoon wedding. All you need to do is create a menu and pick a few reliable friends and family member to bring a super yummy dish. Voila!
FAVORS
Try giving something really thoughtful and cost effective with these DIY colorful potted succulents.
CREATIVE DECOR.
Think beyond florals for wedding decor. The cost of hiring a florist can really rack up the cost, so think beyond a typical floral centerpiece or bouquet.
In lieu of florals, collect potted cactus or your tablescape. Bonus, you can decorate with them in your house or send them with a guest as a parting gift.
Paper flowers can be a festive, fun activity for you and your maids to create for your wedding decor.
DIY CEREMONY BACKDROPS & ARBORS IDEAS
Go bright and whimsical with this paper decor backdrop.
This couple had their family create this meaningful arbor for their ceremony.
The groom is a woodworker so he created this greenhouse structure for his bride, who's a floral designer. How thoughtful!
ALTERNATIVE CAKE
Behold the donut cake! Don’t get us wrong, we love a big dramatic wedding cake, but this donut cake concept is just too cute and a fraction of the cost.
SAVE ON YOUR LIQUOR BILL
This couple is really into beer, so instead of a full bar, they opted to pour their favorite blend. Talk about HUGE savings! We love how they stayed true to their passion.
CONSIDER A FREE VENUE
Save on your venue cost by hosting an intimate backyard wedding.
These are just a few of our favorite cost-saving wedding ideas. Be sure to pop over for more wedding ideas for your big day!