Are There Any Tips for Saving Money on Your Ceremony?

There's a number of ways to trim the costs of your wedding ceremony without sacrificing style. From reserving a low-cost ceremony site to getting creative with decor, you can create your dream wedding and still stay within your budget.

Location. You can opt for a gorgeous, outdoor location such as a botanical garden, a beach, a national park, or a public rose garden. You’ll often pay only the price of a permit, and the natural beauty of your surroundings precludes any additional decoration. You may also consider asking a close friend or family member to allow you the use of their beautiful home or garden as their wedding gift to you.

Decor. Potted trees strung with fairy lights are an ethereal alternative to flower arrangements and can often be rented from nurseries for a nominal fee. Have your wedding party or event planner transport them to the reception site, and you’ll cut additional costs on decor. Do-it-yourself aisle ribbons are easy to fashion out of wide ribbon or tulle available at craft stores, and silk flowers can be had for a fraction of the cost of fresh ones.

Accessories. Many craft stores sell plain ceremony accessories for extremely reasonable prices. Pick up a basic ring pillow, guest book, and unity candle; then decorate them yourself with ribbon, beads, and fabric secured with a glue gun.

Flowers. Carrying a single stem is extremely chic right now. Consider walking down the aisle holding a single rose, calla lily, or orchid (your bridesmaids can do the same). You can also replace the traditional bouquet with a meaningful token or heirloom, such as a family bible or rosary.

Whatever you decide, remember that the main focus of your wedding ceremony is you and your groom – not how much money you spent.