Planning a wedding is full of exciting decisions, but also many budgeting choices.
One of the savviest ways to stay within budget without compromising your big day’s brilliance is choosing purposefully what to hand make and create yourself, as well as what’s worth investing in professionally. Saving money on smaller details can free up your budget for the things that truly shape your wedding experience like your gown, photography, venue, and the memories you’ll keep forever.
We’ve created this cheeky blog post to showcase some of our chosen wedding elements you can confidently do between you and your partner (delegation station) and still have them look amazing.
Design Your Own Invitations with Canva.
When Emma came back on board at BOA, she laughed heartily when I – suzie, told her I was still using Microsoft Paint…And just like me wasting time trying to be creative on that, wedding invitations can too become costly and fast, but they’re also one of the easiest elements to create and personalise yourself. If you can use Canva. Which I now can…
Platforms like Canva offer beautiful editable templates that allow you to customise:
- Fonts
- Colours
- Wording
- Layout
Many couples then print them using Office Works or their local printing place. Now, truth be told, I too use Canva for everything I can possibly muster up!
Choosing textured or handmade paper instantly elevates the final result, and is much better than Paint.
We forecast your approximate savings potential: $200–$800 (Imagine the pool side service you could get for that!)
Make Your Own Wedding Favours.
Wedding favours don’t need to be elaborate, over priced and statement to feel meaningful and special.
Simple ideas couples love include:
- Mini candles
- Homemade biscuits
- Jars of honey or jam
- Personalised tea blends
- Olive oil bottles
- Handwritten thank-you notes
- Fridge magnets
Adding a small tag with your names and wedding date makes them feel thoughtful and personal, also a cute little keep sake.
Approximate savings potential: $150–$600 (Imagine the emergency exit aisle seats you could get for that!)
Create Your Own Wedding Signage
Wedding signage appears throughout your big day and can really climb up in cost, again, Canva waltzing in with its top hat and cane to save the day.
- Welcome signs
- Seating charts
- Bar menus
- Order of events
- Guestbook instructions
Designing matching signage in Canva creates a cohesive look without the custom signage price tag. Many couples print onto foam board, poster paper, or acrylic sheets.
Approximate savings potential: $200–$500 (Image the honeymoon suite upgrade you could get with that!)
DIY Your Bridal Party Proposal Boxes
Proposal boxes are a gorgeous gesture, but they don’t need to be expensive to feel special, honestly queens, if you even need to do them at all – don’t feel pressured by Instagram to do stuff you don’t want to do, or are able to justify and afford, but if the sentiment really makes you feel warm and fuzzy here are some ways to lower the costs.
Instead of buying pre-made sets, try including:
- Handwritten notes – Taking us back to the ye old days, precious.
- Favourite chocolates – Freckleberry Chocolate will look after you https://freckleberry.com.au/
- Mini candles – adorable, support a small local business, stunning keepsake
- Jewellery to wear on the day – glorious, then you can also conveniently have it match
- Framed memories together – Instapix in advance – so wholesome, adore, love love love.
Often the meaning behind the gesture matters most, also, word of appreciation, acts of service, quality time! They’ll work too!
Approximate savings potential: $80–$300 (Imagine the stunning bridal perfume you could get yourself with this that you can spray on all of your ladies and remember the day each time you use it again!)
Assemble Your Own Guest Welcome Bags
If you have interstate or overseas guests attending, welcome bags are a beautiful touch and very DIY-friendly. They probably do deserve something delightful considering they’re traveling to you for your big day, help them pack a bit lighter.
You could include:
- Snacks
- Water bottles (custom stickers put on them are a cute idea too!)
- A printed weekend itinerary – Yarra Valley, Gippsland, Daylesford, Mornington Peninsula, all of the glorious trips available!
- Recovery kits (bandaids, paracetamol etc – help them pack lighter!)
- Local Melbourne recommendations
Buying items in bulk keeps costs manageable while still creating a warm welcome experience.
Approximate savings potential: $150–$500 (Imagine the beautiful amount you can save and have for a rainy day with this!)
DIY Simple Ceremony or Reception Styling
Not every styling element needs to come from a hire company. It can come from spending time with family and friends and having them help you with the tasks, many hands make light work.
Such as:
- Candle arrangements
- Greenery centrepieces
- Welcome tables
- Seating charts
- Memory tables
Choosing a minimal, intentional styling direction keeps everything looking elegant and cohesive.
Approximate savings potential: $300–$1,000+ (Whooooft, now that is a saving! Imagine the weekend away you and your now husband or wife can have with that!)
Where DIY Doesn’t Always Save Money
Some parts of your wedding are worth prioritising professionally, not just for quality, but for peace of mind on the day.
For obvious and clear reasons, we would suggest investing in:
- Your wedding gown
- Expert alterations
- Photography and Videography
- Hair and makeup
- Catering
- Your venue
These are the elements that shape how your wedding feels and your own unique individual style and how you’ll remember it for years to come. All of the other DIY stuff can be in your unique style too, but some things definitely are just worth being left to the professionals.
Some advice from your BOA gal pals
After helping Melbourne brides for 25 years, we’ve seen firsthand that the most successful wedding budgets aren’t about cutting back, they’re about choosing where to invest wisely.
DIY the details that are fun and personal.
Then make space in your budget for the pieces that really matter, especially the gown you’ll walk down the aisle in.
If you’re starting your dress journey, our team at Brides of Armadale would love to help you find (or design) something that feels completely yours.
You can explore our collection or book an appointment here:
https://bridesofarmadale.com.au
Because every bride deserves a gown that feels just as special as the day itself.