The most helpful tip I got when I was planning my wedding was to pick 3 things that mattered the most to us as a couple and splurge on those 3 things. So that's what we did. We made sure those important things were taken care of, while also knowing that we had to be thrifty in the other areas of our day.
What were our 3 BIG things? Photography, food, venue. In that order. Photography, because when the day is done, it's all we'd have left to remember. Food, because if you have bad food, your guests won't like you. And venue, because we wanted rustic and nature-y and that's exactly what we got!
We had generous help from our parents, but that doesn't mean there wasn't a budget. We had minimal flowers, and provided all the vases ourselves. We used my iPod (with a very carefully curated playlist) and a friend DJed (which went much better than I expected). Our church loaned us the speakers and mic for the ceremony and reception. I picked up most of the details from thrift shops, and made all the centerpieces myself. My husband's tux was from JCPenny (not kidding) and my dress, although not inexpensive, was probably my favorite detail of the day, which made it worth it.
Your BIG 3 will probably be different from ours, but maybe not. Talk to each other to figure out what each person is envisioning. You may have to compromise on the 3 BIG things, but what is marriage without compromise! :)
~ Stephanie
