Who doesn’t love to save money? Even brides with mega-sized budgets want to save cash in one place so they can spend more in another. Budget simply means getting more bang for your buck! Bridal Hot List has narrowed down five of the most practical and classy budget friendly wedding ideas to use in planning for your big day!

1. Limit your bar to beer, wine, & champagne only. The majority of guests will have more than just one drink during the celebration, so offering a nice array of beers, red, and white wine will satisfy these folks throughout the meal and reception. It is also difficult to plan for hard alcohol drinks with all the different brand choices and mixer preferences that might be ordered. The hard liquor drinkers will either choose an alternative beverage, or hit a bar on the way home. Eliminating hard liquor from the reception also reduces the chances of possible over consumption and resulting horror stories courtesy of your guests!

2. Enlist a talented friend or family member for beauty services. Here’s why: licensed professionals charge more because they bring their own make up & fresh applicators, plus the cost of advertising and opportunity cost for not being available to other clients all day. They also charge brides extra because they see dollar signs! There’s a good chance that out of all the women (& men) you or your friends and family know, somebody has a knack for applying make-up and/or styling hair. Ask around and start contacting these people for a trial. They don’t have to be professionals or have a portfolio, but you do have to love their work and feel comfortable with them. You already have make up that works for you, and plenty of it. Your bridesmaids do too. Why not use what you already have & work it?

3. Cut your floral costs. There are a few things you can do to keep your floral costs low. The first is to choose a floral scheme that only includes blooms that are in season. This not only makes sense financially, but will tie your wedding in with the season it takes place. Second, talk to your florist about incorporating greens to ‘fill out’ arrangements. Fronds from palms and ferns add an exotic and dramatic touch to centerpieces and décor. Lastly, have your florist set up sturdy vases with water at your table and where your bridal party will sit. Your bouquets will have a special place to go, instead of lying on the table looking all sad & wilted!

4. Order plain invitations & add fancy details yourself. Unless you absolutely hate doing crafts, this idea will please your wallet as well as your creative side. You can glue on lace, feathers, decals, add monogrammed stickers, tie on a ribbon….whatever you like! But, don’t over-do it! Be sure to order extra invitations to practice on and have someone you trust give you honest feedback. Also, factor in postage. Extra large, heavy, or awkward envelope shapes may need extra stamps. You’re well on your way to expensive looking invitations that you can take pride in!

5. Choose a Friday or a Sunday for your wedding day. Saturday is typically the most expensive day to book a venue for your wedding, because it is the most popular! Most people don’t mind taking Friday off work and enjoying a long weekend for the sake of attending your lovely wedding. If you have it on a Sunday, a daytime wedding is equally delightful, and gives your guests plenty of time to travel to your venue the night before and check into their hotel room. Extra party points if you invite your guests out to drinks after the rehearsal dinner!

Budget saving ideas are actually really all about incorporating creativity into your wedding and affording you freedom to splurge on the things you want. If you find yourself fretting about money as you plan your trip down the aisle, one or all of these ideas will slash costs without sacrificing quality.