As I plan my special day, I’ve found myself torn between wanting to indulge in the finer things and knowing that I need to prioritize my budget. Being accused of being resourceful, I’ve developed a habit of seeking out the best value in every aspect of life. While some might view this as frugal, it’s allowed me to treat myself to luxury when the opportunity arises – like extended vacations at private villas overlooking cliffs. I’ve learned to live by the mantra ‘do I want this or do I need this’ when it comes to spending. Unless it’s travel, provisions, or exorbitant NYC rent, I tend not to splurge in my daily life. The discovery of wedding price tags was a jolt to my bargain-hunting mentality. In the past six months, I’ve found ways to balance indulging with being mindful of my expenses. As a result, I’ve discovered some notable budget-friendly finds and splurges that I’m excited to share with you today.
Budget Finds – Bridal Shoes
As I strolled through the neighborhood with my dog, Teddy, a month ago, my eyes landed on a pair of lime yellow LOQ sandals that stopped me in my tracks. The perfect combination of a short chunky heel for casual beach trips and a funky color scheme to match my LA cool-girl bride style caught my attention. However, the price tag of $310 was a significant deterrent. While I’ve rationalized the purchase by considering the ‘you only get married once’ argument or the ‘you’ll get plenty of use out of them’ point, the question remains: how many high-end shoes does a girl really need? The harsh reality is that New York City’s fast-paced lifestyle can quickly destroy even the most expensive shoes. In search of more affordable options, I’ve scoured ASOS, Zara, and other trendy outlets for similar styles. While they may not boast the same bright, funky color palette, I appreciate the simple yet hip design of these $30 chunky heeled sandals, which won’t clash with silk and are perfect for everyday wear.
Wedding Bands
The rings that adorn my fingers are a curated selection of unique pieces from talented designers. From top to bottom, you’ll find Anna Sheffield, Sofia Zakia via Catbird, Sofia Zakia via Catbird, and Satomi Kawakita via Catbird – each one a testament to the beauty of craftsmanship. While I do have a few preferences when it comes to wedding bands, my criteria is more relaxed than with rings. As long as they’re created with integrity and possess a certain je ne sais quoi, I’m happy to consider a variety of styles. In fact, if I were to wear them together, the Anna Sheffield ring would be my top choice, followed closely by the Sofia Zakia design. Alternatively, I might opt for wearing my solitaire engagement ring solo, pairing it with a Morocco-inspired band on another finger – a nod to my enduring love affair with that enchanting country.
Party Photos
When it comes to capturing the magic of your wedding dance party, you might be surprised to hear that I’m skipping the tradition altogether. But before you assume I’ve gone mad, let me explain.
As we planned our special day, we found an amazing photographer who fit perfectly within our budget – just barely, mind you. We did splurge a bit by adding photos of our Welcome Party, which means if we want to capture the 9 pm shenanigans at our wedding, we’d be well over budget in the photo department.
Luckily, I have a stash of instant cameras and film that I’ve collected over the years. Each one has its own unique personality, fun flashes, and is ridiculously easy to use.
I think we might just save that extra $500 and let our friends and family capture the late-night fiesta for us. After all, there will be plenty of photos from earlier in the day – why not let someone else have some fun?
Bridal Robe
As I work from home, my loungewear collection has taken on a life of its own. A silk robe, purchased during a trip to Vietnam with Jack years ago, has become a trusted travel companion. Its vibrant colors and sentimental value far outweigh any desire for luxury brands like Loulette Lingerie. Despite the allure of a plush new robe, I’m happy to stick with what I have, a $15 treasure that’s been with me through thick and thin.
Wedding Flowers
The allure of Todos Santos is undeniable, with its vibrant bougainvillea covering the streets like a tapestry of color. As much as I adore flowers, it’s hard to justify the hefty price tag that usually comes with them. My partner in crime, my best friend, and I have a different plan – we’re on a mission to become floral bandits! We’ll scour the town for fallen branches, draping them wildly across tables and crafting oversized bouquets from whatever natural materials we can find. The result will be a whimsical, effortless display that’s as charming as it is budget-friendly.
Bridal Makeup
A recent philosophical conundrum has been consuming me – the notion that a bride shouldn’t wear any bridal make up. The debate is ongoing, but in the quest to cut costs, I’m considering forgoing professional services, investing in my own products and taking tips from makeup artists to create my own look.
Plates & Flatware
Imagine a wedding where eco-friendliness meets convenience. Biodegradable disposable dishes are the answer, offering a cost-effective and environmentally safe solution. Not only do they spare your guests from the chore of washing dishes at the end of the night, but they’re also surprisingly adorable! With an estimated total cost of around $40, this option is sure to bring a smile to your face – just like it did for us.
Wedding Splurges – Venue & Stay
When it comes to accommodations, I’m happy to splurge. Our choice of venue was surprisingly affordable compared to similar options in the USA, yet still exceeded my expectations for a Mexican getaway. What’s more, my parents were kind enough to book the entire villa for an extended stay, well above the minimum nights required. As we settle into our new life together, Jack and I look forward to spending quality time with loved ones in Todos Santos – think beachside barbecues, swimming alongside gentle whale sharks, and leisurely strolls along the shore. And as newlyweds, we’re treating ourselves to a luxurious beachside pool villa, because who says you can’t indulge in a little romance?
Welcome Party Dress
Sampling the world of designer dresses during sale season is truly exhilarating. My personal experience with purchasing the Danra Dress by Leanne Marshall is a testament to the thrill of scoring a stunning gown at an unbeatable price. When I acquired this dress, I was thrilled to have snagged it for over 90% off its original value – a steal considering it’s priced higher than my own wedding dress, aside from that special day. As a professional in the wedding industry, as both a photographer and editor, I believe this beautiful gown is an investment worth making. With minor alterations needed, this exquisite dress may require a slightly larger budget, but for me, it’s a treat to have more than one show-stopping dress to wear during our special wedding week celebrations.