This is the blog where I tell you how I got the wedding I want under $3000 dollars. I think the most important thing that I did to save money was to make up my mind about what I wanted right off the bat. I knew what colors I wanted and I stuck with them. This means I didn't buy a second set of anything in a different color. I think the next most important thing was to remain flexible. At some point, a different idea will come along that is better than your original plan and also be cheaper. This is an ok example of changing your mind.
As an art major, the Do-It-Yourself part did not scare me. It was actually the fun part of all of it. Tutorials, Pinterest and Oh-Weddings will be your best friends. Etsy is also a good place to get homemade items for cheaper than store bought. However, if you are terrified by the idea of DIY, then coupons will become your next best friend. So right now sign up for mailings and emails from Michael's, Jo-ann's and Hobby Lobby. Pretty much anything you can get your hands on. (Every time you go into one of these stores, check the clearance isle. You never know what you will get for cheap.) Feel free to make a new email account just for mailings like this. That way after the wedding it can be deleted if you are no longer interested. Also, remember your fiance is not just a bump on a log. If he or she can write, they can paint letters on a banner. Remind them that it is their wedding too.
It is really important to remember that renting is not always cheaper. I can make 3 pew bows for the cost of one for rent and mine won't be used before I use them. I am not saying that used isn't a good thing, but at a certain point it's nice to have some of the little things to be your own. Also, I can rent a bird cage for 15 when they normally cost 30. But, if I wait for a 50% off or more coupon I also get it for $15. This is where I have the choice of keeping it, or selling it and thus reducing the cost.
So, before the next post your job is to sign up for those coupons and decide what you want your wedding to look like.
