Stephanie Gatzionis | Point of View
Arizona wedding season is officially upon us and as Arizona couples get ready for their big day, some planning stress is bound to happen. Budgeting for the big day is one of the most stressful, albeit important, items on every wedding to-do list. Below are four of the top ways to keep your wedding below budget.
Do-It-Yourself Arizona Wedding
One of the latest wedding trends and the best way to keep a wedding under budget is DIY projects. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on centerpieces and bouquets, brides and grooms are opting for homemade options using low-cost supplies. While this requires a hands-on approach and allocated time to construct each item, DIY adds a beautiful, personal touch to the wedding while saving money.
For DIY inspiration, social media channels like Pinterest and TikTok have step-by-step instructions on everything from bridal party proposals to event signage and decor. Even those who are not crafty can find ways to DIY their wedding.
Shop Discounts for Arizona weddings
Wedding show exhibitions are not only a perfect place to meet and make connections for your future wedding, but they are also a great opportunity to find high-quality items and vendors at a special price reserved only for attendees. At the Arizona Wedding Show on Sunday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be vendor specials on everything from gowns and suits to caterers and honeymoon packages.
For example, local Mesa dress-store, Amy’s Bridal, will be offering a 50% discount on wedding gowns and even offers a separate area for event attendees to try on their dream dresses. Wedding shows have some of the best deals couples will find when planning a wedding and by trusted, reliable vendors to boot.
Timing and Size
An easy way to plan an affordable wedding is by keeping your guest list small. Micro-weddings, a current trend, are smaller and intimate celebrations but can still have all the glitz and glamor of a large wedding. Fine-tuning your guest list will help keep costs down on every aspect of the wedding – venue, food, and supplies.
Budget-conscious brides and grooms are also choosing to host their weddings during the week. A weekday wedding can reduce your venue costs by 20-50%. Sunday through Thursday is going to be when venues are most likely to give clients a good deal.
Go nontraditional for an Arizona Wedding
Opting for nontraditional features at your wedding can also save costs. A great example of this is selecting an out-of-box venue. Hosting your wedding in a garden, at a forest or beach will not only provide breathtaking scenery for photos but is also a lower cost option and requires less budgeting for décor and florals.
Although it is becoming increasingly more popular, asking a friend or family member to officiate a wedding can also save you several hundred dollars!
Regardless of the ways you choose to stay on or below budget, make sure you are not sacrificing your dream wedding. The key to planning the perfect wedding is to communicate your wants and needs with your partner and come up with a solid plan together.
Always make sure to set your budget before selecting items for your wedding and document every dollar you are putting towards the big day. Staying organized will help keep your budget on track!
For those who want to learn more about planning a wedding on a budget, consult with 200+ of the best Arizona wedding experts and vendors at the 2023 Arizona Wedding Show on June 11 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Editor’s note: Ms. Gatzionis is the manager of the Arizona Wedding Show.
