Trying to throw a small yet elegant wedding on a low budget? Here’s an idea for a wedding that should cost you $1000 or less!

I have gotten some “Ask Tinka” emails about throwing a wedding as little as $1000 so I decided to respond with an idea I have.  Afterall, everyone deserves to celebrate their wedding– even those who don’t have $15,000 to spend!

If I were getting married with a small budget and wanted to have a simple wedding day with only close family and friends, this is what I would do: I would have the wedding and reception at my home or the home of a close relative or friend. It’s cozy and best of all, FREE! I would wear a simple white sundress and have my groom wear something casual like khakis and a white shirt. Then, instead of a traditional buffet or sit-down dinner, I’d serve coffee, hot chocolate, and cake! Get your favorite songs together to play on your stereo and have a designated area for dancing. Keep the reception short– about an hour or two and maybe serve wine and beer.

That sounds just delightful to me

Trying to stick to a strict budget? Don’t forget these hidden costs of having a wedding!

1. Gratuity! Gratuity is usually added to the final bill for your caterer. However, it is also polite to tip waiters/waitresses, bartenders, church musicians, and any others who you think deserve it.
2. Taxes! Don’t forget to include taxes in your budget for the dress and tux, flowers, food, and beverages. You may think you are paying $20 per person and end up paying over $25!
3. Overtime! Many wedding vendors such as photographers and DJs charge overtime fees. You never know until the day of your wedding how long you are going to need them so make sure to work this out BEFORE your big day!
4. Food for your wedding vendors! Don’t forget to feed your wedding vendors! Your photographer, videographer, DJ, etc. will probably be at your wedding for more than 6 hours. Unless you want them to leave to get dinner, make sure you have a meal for each of them.
5. Postage! Some invitations can cost up to $2 for postage. If you are sending out 100 invitations, that adds up to $200. Make sure to leave some room in your budget for stamps.

You see these wedding acronyms all the time and barely know what they each mean…. well here is a good breakdown:

BM= bridesmaid or best man
MOH= maid/matron of honor
GM= groomsmen
FH= future husband
FW= future wife
FG= flower girl
RB= ring bearer
MOB= mother of the bride
MOG= mother of the groom
FOB= father of the bride
FOG= father of the groom

Any others?

COLORS: Red & gold. Only bold and dramatic colors fit a Hollywood theme.
 
 
FLOWERS: Ranunculus. Big, bold, and beautiful, these flowers have the star quality you need for this theme!

ATTIRE: A mermaid gown with a chapel train. A short bubble veil will compliment the look perfectly.

LOCATION: A glamorous indoor setting such as a ballroom. Don’t forget your red carpet!

CAKE: Couture wedding cake. A classy, couture cake with red and/or gold accents.

MENU: A sit-down dinner with only the finest foods. Serve steak and/or lobster, and don’t forget the wine!

OTHER IDEAS:
- Don’t forget your red carpet!
- Leave your reception VIP-style in a stretch limo!
- Place disposable cameras on each table and let your guests know they are your paparrazzi!
- Don’t forget to hire a videographer!

Here is a sample budget for an average priced wedding!

Budget: $10,000
Ceremony venue: $300
Reception venue: $800
Officiant: $100
Florist: $700
Caterer/Food: $1500
DJ: $800
Wedding dress & alterations: $700
Suit/Tux: 150
Bride & Groom Accessories: $400
Cake: $200
Photographer: $1000
Videographer: $600
Invitations/Announcements: $300
Favors: $150
Hair, Make-up, etc: $100
Transporation: $200
Rings: $800
Wedding party gifts: $200
Marriage license (depends on state): about $50
Alcohol: $500
Other costs (decorations, ceremony accessories, etc): $450

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this wedding theme is perfect for a romantic day! Think roses, wine, and candles…

COLORS: Reds & pinks. Use Valentine’s Day as your inspiration to pick romantic wedding colors.

FLOWERS: White, red, and pink roses. Nothing is more romantic than roses. Continue Reading »

In recent years, the sand ceremony has come to replace the more traditional unity candle ceremony during the wedding service. Originally, during sand ceremonies the bride and groom would toss handfuls of sand together into the wind. The concept was that the sand was now combined and unable to be separated, symbolizing unity and eternity.

Today, it is more common to use a small alter to hold the sand containers so that the couples is left with a keepsake. You can purchase sand in various colors (to match your wedding color scheme, for example) along with two smaller glass containers for the bride and groom and one larger glass container representing your marriage, relationship and new life. Continue Reading »

So many “something blues” in this winter wedding theme!

COLORS: Wintery blues and silver. Let the winter season be your guide in choosing the right blues and silver.
  

FLOWERS: Hydrangeas in white & various shades of blue. Your bouquet can include white and light blue flowers while your bridesmaids’ bouquets incorporate darker blue flowers. Continue Reading »

Short wedding dresses! A BIG 2009 trend is having a short wedding dress and short bridesmaids’ dresses. So don’t be afraid to show a little leg! Styles include above and below-the-knee dresses.

Trendy hairdos! If you want to wear your hair down, try big, dramatic curls or flowing waves. If you’d rather wear your hair up, try a messy bun. Let us know if you are wearing your hair up or down in our January 2009 poll. Continue Reading »

Don’t let your wedding be just like any other. Below are 6 ways of putting your own personal touch on your special day.

Create a picture slideshow for your wedding reception! Nothing looks as fancy and personalized than a video of you and your soon-to-be hubby over the years. It can start with baby pictures then include pictures of the two of you together. It is unique and definitely entertaining. Continue Reading »