Weddings are expensive so save some money! We've compiled lots of inexpensive wedding ideas pertaining to favors, games, and do it yourself projects.

Paper Flower Bridal Bouquet

It’s tradition to make a bridal bouquet for the wedding rehearsal at the bridal shower. Usually it’s a combination of wrapping paper cut outs and ribbons from all of the gifts the bride receives. Well I found this kit on Etsy from paperplatypus (do I even need to say that’s where I find everything any more?) and find it kind of amazing. It combines that tradition with a classier presentation, making the bouquet a keepsake rather than something that gets tossed before the wedding ceremony even happens.

peony paper perfection

peony paper perfection

Each guest writes a message of good luck and well wishes for the big day on the petals. How great to start your wedding with a prettier and personal type of fortune cookie. We start the new year off with fortune cookies, so why not a new marriage? And once the petals are put together they make peonies – my all time favorite flower. Plus if you still want to incorporate the tradition of making the bouquet with the gift wrappings, then tie the ribbons in a bow on the stem. Or make your bride-to-be a ribbon and wrappings tiara and veil instead.

Wild Flower Wedding

Flowers are a pretty key element at every wedding. They’re carried by the bridal party, pinned to the groomsmen, arranged on reception tables and thrown as petals down the aisle. And having the perfect flower arrangements, especially if your flower picks are in a different season then your ceremony, gets costly pretty quickly. But modern brides have so many alternatives these days, that costly store bought flower arrangements just don’t seem necessary. I am in love with this wildflower covered wedding.

those table numbers are also pretty cute

those table numbers are also pretty cute

I love the mismatched buckets, the homemade look, the natural, effortless element it added and the abundance of them everywhere. This modern bride made a great decision when she chose these wildflowers.

make a matching daisy crown for the flower girl?

make a matching daisy crown for the flower girl?

That little line of daisies is absolutely adorable! And check out the bride – gorgeous.

i love the soft loose waves for wedding day hair

i love the soft loose waves for wedding day hair

beach themed wedding details.

Beach themed weddings are usually more laid back – it’s just the nature of the setting. This can allow you the opportunity to have a little more fun with the reception details. Like with these crab wine bottle holders. When else would it be appropriate to use these little cuties besides at a beach side wedding reception? My Wedding Favors recommends using them as a gift for guests, but purchasing just a few for the reception tables is a great way to extend your beach theme.

crab wine bottle holders

crab wine bottle holders

These mini beach chair place cards also offer a way to have a little more fun with your reception table settings. The beach towel stickers are also a simple, do it yourself project that makes this unique element very affordable for any brides working with a budget. Line them all up in sand and decorate with drink umbrellas for a fun way for guests to discover where they’re sitting.

beach chair escort cards

beach chair escort cards

custom wine bottles.

Whether you’re having a cocktail hour, backyard gathering or a formal sit-down dinner, wine is a reception must-have. Champagne is a non-negotiable essential too. And if your friends and family are anything like mine, there will be cases of empty bottles by the end of the night. Since the bottles will likely be seen on tables, bars and in the hands of some guests all night, why not take a moment to remind your guests why they’re all here with customized bottle labels.

wine bottle labels

wine bottle labels

Just ask your invitation designer to put together an image using the same font, colors and style of your invitations (or try My Own Labels, which has an awesome assortment of custom wine labels).  Then stick the labels on the wine you were already planning on using for the reception. The personalized bottles are a great keepsake for you and your guests. It’s also an inexpensive way to add another custom element to your wedding. The custom bottles will look great on the tables at your reception or scattered on the buffet tables. Be sure to save a bottle to eat with the top of your cake on your first anniversary!

Not planning a wedding, but attending one soon? Step up your gift-giving game and create your own label for the bride and groom. It’s an easy way of making the traditional wine and glasses gift special, personalized and one the bride and groom won’t soon forget.