Something definitely has to be said for the feeling that Autumn brings upon me … I can not decide if I like the tastes (pumpkin bread and spiced cider), the festivals, the decor (pumpkins and mums!) or the beautifully colored landscape of the changing leaves. Fall is a wonderful time for all things wedding, and I am absolutely thrilled to have Shachi from Two Penny Parties guest posting on how to pull off a great Autumn wedding while considering your budget.
Two Penny Bridal Tips for an Autumn Wedding
Ahh, Autumn bridal season is upon us. Crisp fall air, gorgeous leaves changing color, pumpkin and spice filled desserts, a $20,000 bill … *record screeches to a halt* … TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS?! Say WHAT?! Yup, I know. Platinum Weddings and Bridezillas aside, the average wedding will set you back twenty thousand smackaroos. Wait! Before you book that flight to Vegas and elope, here are three Two Penny tips to help keep costs down on your big day.
Invitations
Weddings are all about tradition, I know, I know. I totally get it – you want those shiny, fancy ribbon, lace and the kitchen sink invites sent to everyone! Well … if you’re ready to blaze a new trail, why not send out electronic invitations? NOT EVITE, calm down. Check out sites like Paperless Post that can help you craft and send gorgeous online invitations for your wedding. The best part? Invites cost less than the price of postage to send, and RSVPs can be conveniently stored in one centralized place. Plus, they offer a handy tracking page that allows you to follow up with guests who haven’t responded! How easy is that?! Think about it this way: in a year, no one is going to remember your wedding invitations, so why not make them eco-friendly and electronic?
Food
Keep it simple people, keep it simple! One of the best weddings I’ve been to served barbecue. People loved it because it gave guests the chance to let down their hair and loosen up a little! You’d be surprised how the level of fun at a wedding is correlated to the absence of multiple forks at a table. No need for a 10 course meal filled with fois gras and truffle topped filet mignon! Comfort food prevails, and is usually a bit cheaper to serve. I’m not saying run to McDonalds or Subway; I’m just saying serve foods YOU like – your guests will thank you! Suggestions include upscale roasted chicken, penne with pumpkin, sage and sausage, and spinach salad.
Decor
Decor can end up costing you a fortune. Yes, it’s important to dress your tables, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly wedding for heaven’s sake, don’t dress your table in Swarovski crystals and custom linens! Stick to warm autumn colors (golds, deep reds and oranges, mixed with bursts of cream), and use seasonal inspiration. Here’s a great carved pumpkin centerpiece (which can easily be spray-painted any color you’d like) and a beautiful wheat inspired one. Both are DIY! Surround them with candles (either real or artificial) and you’ve got yourself an easy, inexpensive-but-gorgeous centerpiece.
Do you have any budget-friendly wedding tips to share? Brides and brides-to-be, sound off in the comments section below!
Thank you again, Shachi, and yes, readers … please comment. I love reading your ideas and so do the other Hill City Bride readers. Also visit Two Penny Parties for great ideas when you get a chance!
