Wedding Ideas

When you envision your dream wedding, you may not see a lacy white wedding dress, elaborate arrangements of flowers, and an audience full of guests. You may see you and your partner exchanging vows on a beach with only an officiant and a couple of witnesses, or the two of you standing in front of a Justice of the Peace. Many couples forgo a big wedding production in favor of a simple ceremony. Eloping saves money, hassle, and time.

Even if you're eloping, you can still get creative and have your wedding just the way you want it. Here are five ideas for eloping on a budget and timeline that will help you arrange a memorable wedding day, without all the fuss. 

1. Choose a venue and your witnesses.

Would you like to be close to home, or take an adventure to a faraway destination? If you plan to travel, what's within your budget and timeframe? If you'll be bringing your own witnesses, be realistic about where they can travel with you. Some chapels will provide their own staff as witnesses, but make sure to check in advance. 

2. Get a marriage license.

Marriage license requirements vary by location, so look up your state for the marriage license fee and where to apply.

3. Buy your rings.

The wedding band sets at My Trio Rings are perfect for eloping. They come as a matching set, and you'll be certain to find one that fits your budget. For example, this diamond and white gold wedding ring set is sleek, simple, and only $309.99. This 14K gold ring set has an impressive sparkle and shine, and it won't break the bank at $499.99. We ship quickly from our New York City location, and your rings will ship within no more than two business days of your order, and typically much faster. After that, our standard free FedEx shipping takes two business days, and you can pay a small fee for overnight shipping. If you're on a tight timeline, you can make sure that your rings arrive before your big day!

4. Decide on a dress.

This is a special day, so wear something that makes you feel great. For some, that's a suit for the groom and a traditional wedding dress for the bride. For others, it's faded jeans and a sundress. If you're looking for a traditional dress, see our post on Where to Buy and Sell Used Wedding Items for dresses that are lovely and barely worn. You might also borrow a wedding dress from a family member or friend. After all, it's not getting much use hanging in the closet!

5. Plan your honeymoon. 

Some couples save on the wedding and splurge on big honeymoon, like a trip around the world. Others keep the honeymoon as simple as the ceremony and take a "mini-moon" to a nearby destination, perhaps the place where you first fell in love, or a town you've always wanted to visit. Make sure you do plan some time for just the two of you, ideally something out of your normal routine. Don't become so focused on figuring out how to elope that you forget to build in time for your first days as a married couple!

Before you elope, select one of the beautiful, reasonably priced wedding band sets at My Trio Rings!

Image credit: bokeh burger

When you’re ready to get married, you’re ready to get married. But according to some sources, most Americans are engaged for over a year before they tie the knot. Some couples need time to save up for their wedding, and others feel the need for plenty of time to plan the perfect wedding. Whatever the reason, many couples like having a lot of time between their engagement and their wedding. But believe it or not, if you’re ready to get married sooner, planning a wedding on a budget at the last minute is easy to do with a few easy tips.

Planning a Wedding on a Budget – Fast!

1. Food

If you are planning a wedding on a budget, then it is a wise move to avoid a wedding that coincides with a meal time, no matter what your time frame is for making wedding plans. It is much cheaper to serve your guests appetizers, champagne, and wedding cake than a full-on catered meal. Even cheaper would be just cake and champagne. If you’re hoping to plan a wedding in a short amount of time, then your best wedding cake option is probably a large grocery store bakery. They are likely to have more last-minute availability and lower prices than dedicated wedding cake bakeries, and they will still taste delicious.

2. Décor

Get married in a beautiful outdoor setting or a gorgeous church if you want to save your decorating dollars. Or plan an impromptu flash wedding in an art museum, like in the recent romantic movie “The Vow.” If flowers are important to you, consider planning a last minute wedding in the spring, when lots of flowers are in bloom. If you’ve got a green thumb, you could host a wedding in your own backyard garden, or you could at least grow your own bouquet or flowers for the reception.

3. Attire

If you are planning a wedding on a budget, then you can easily shop for affordable wedding band sets online and have them shipped quickly. The wedding clothing might seem more complicated than the wedding jewelry, but that is not necessarily the case. Last-minute tuxedo rentals are not too difficult to come by, especially if you avoid a date that coincides with local high school proms. And as for wedding gowns, look into gown rental at local bridal shops or costume stores, or buy a dress straight off the sale rack and have it altered. And if you’re thinking of a spring wedding, there is no shame in choosing a less expensive white prom gown!

What are your last minute wedding planning tips?

Shop for affordable wedding band sets online now!

Photo credit: lisaclarke