How to Plan a Blog Worthy Wedding on a Budget

By Jada Parrish

Posted: 03/30/16

Category: Wedding Tips

As a wedding photographer, I go to A LOT of weddings and in my spare time I look through countless wedding blogs looking for inspiration. At this point, weddings are pretty much my life. And I love it.

Being so immersed in the wedding world has led me to notice a couple of patterns in what makes one wedding really stand out over another. The wedding industry is very blog heavy, and it is so exciting for a bride to have her wedding day selected to be featured on some of these industry leading sites. 

I know that when you are on a budget it can be hard to choose where to spend and where to save. Here are a few key details to focus on that will truly wow your guests and make your wedding day feature worthy!

 

1. Create a ceremony arbor

  

 It's really important to create an interesting and unique focal point during your ceremony. This will add SO much to your ceremony photos and create a beautiful backdrop for the two of you to say your "I dos."

It should compliment the overall tone and style of your wedding decor. These can be simple and you don't have to spend tons of money! Some of my personal favorites are flower arches, driftwood arbors, hanging pieces of vintage fabric, painted wood, hanging plants, old doors, ribbon backdrops, etc. Get creative!!!

 

2. Invest in flowers

    

I can't stress this enough. Flowers matter!! They make such a huge difference. Choose bouquets and floral arrangements that highlight and enhance your wedding colors. Your flowers are going to be in so many of your wedding photos (portraits, detail shots, reception photos, ceremony photos) so you really want to make sure they pop!

 

3. Go all out with your sweetheart table

  

I know decorating an entire reception venue can get expensive. If you can't afford to elaborately decorate the entire venue, focus on the sweetheart table. Dress is up with creative seating. Vintage chairs or couches are always one of my favorites! You could even have floral garlands line the seats!

Even if you are opting to have a buffet style reception instead of a plated dinner, make sure the two of you have proper table settings. Cute calligraphed name cards with Mr. + Mrs. complimented by china plates and a stunning floral arrangement will create a gorgeous reception focal point and truly add to the photos.

 

4. Twinkle lights

  

Twinkle lights are so inexpensive, and they really add to the overall mood of a reception. They help create a romantic atmosphere and bring so much light and color into your photos.

 

5. Get creative with name cards

  

If you are having a seated dinner, turn your seating chart into a piece of decoration. A few of my favorite ideas are hanging string from a vintage picture frame and hanging the calligraphed name cards from it along with a fresh herb like lavender. If you are having a fall wedding, you could even use leaves as name cards. Or use an old painted shutter to hold the name cards. There are so many ways to go!

 

6. Make your dessert station a focal point

  

If you can't do it all, this is the one other area I suggest spending a little extra time and money on for your reception. Dress up the wall behind the cake or dessert area. You could even mimic a smaller version of your ceremony backdrop. Flowers or fresh greenery are always my personal favorites but ribbon, twinkle lights, or fun fabrics will definitely do the trick! If you are having an outdoor reception, place the cake somewhere that has a gorgeous view.

 

7. Signage

    

Calligraphed or decorated signs always add a lot to a wedding day. The biggest places I'd suggest putting festive signage are at the entrance to the ceremony, the dessert table or bar, the wedding favor table, and if you are having a buffet style reception a menu sign is always a good idea.

Chalk board signs are always great! You can also use vintage picture frames, mirrors, and salvaged wood as well. There are so many great calligraphers in town and tons of Etsy shops that offer custom signage.

 

8. Unique Wedding Favors

    

It's time we all step up our game a little with wedding favors and get a little more creative! Try to think of things that represent the two of you as a couple as well as something that people will actually use. Some of my favorites are baby succulents, hot sauce, homemade beer, honey + jam, quirky candles, mini versions of your favorite alcohol with custom labels, etc.

 

9. Plan a grand exit

A grand exit is the perfect way to end the best day of your life! It also makes for some really great photos and is a ton of fun for your guests. Sparklers as always great! Other ideas to consider are glow sticks, bubbles, confetti, paint powder (only if you'd changed out of your wedding dress), or sprinkles!