I do, but I don’t go into debt.
A bride has gone viral for pulling off a picture-perfect wedding on a budget, relying on this one clever trick and ditching some traditions.
Lauren Ingham, 30, and husband Andy, 33, had just bought their first home when they got engaged, meaning a lot of money had already been spent.
But when critics said a dream wedding couldn’t be done on a budget, Lauren set out to prove them wrong.
“We always wanted to have a low-budget wedding, as we have other things to spend our money on, such as doing up our new house,” she told What’s The Jam.
“I couldn’t picture forking out tens of thousands for one day, no matter how special it is. I stuck to my guns and made it work.”
The couple married at a registry office before hosting a free reception at a local restaurant and invited just 22 guests to celebrate the day. They chose a three-course dinner with a welcome drink at $50 per head and $325 on cocktails.
Rather than pricey invitations, Lauren sent free text messages, and instead of a $700 cake, the couple served an $80 doughnut tower.
One cheeky trick helped stretch the budget further — she didn’t tell vendors it was her wedding.
“When people hear the word ‘wedding’ they double the price,” Lauren explained.
“I often said anything I bought was for a birthday, so I could get items a bit cheaper.”
DIY décor made from reclaimed wood, discounted craft items, and handmade flower arrangements brought by friends tied everything together.
Her stepdad Derek snapped photos for free, and a Spotify playlist replaced a DJ, so the savings stacked up.
Her $1,200 wedding dress from a local boutique was where she splurged — but still rang up much lower than most special white dresses.
The Inghams’ wedding was everything they wanted, and they spent no more than they wanted.
Laura strongly insists that setting a budget and sticking to it is the best way to go.
“If you start using a credit card, you’ll rack up other purchases and the debt will quickly mount up. It’s a lethal choice,” she said.
She also recommends creating a mood board, accepting help from others and noted that “following other people on social media or sticking to trends will only increase the price.”
“I just didn’t pay for things I didn’t want,” she said simply.
Wedding cost breakdown:
- Registry Office – £600
- Reception Venue – Free
- Food and Welcome Drink – £50 pp
- Cocktails – £325
- Maid Of Honour Dress – £40
- Invites – Free
- Doughnut Tower – £80
- Table Decor – £80
- Flowers – £67
- Dress – $1,200
- Hair Accessories – £13
- Shoes and Bag – £54
- Hair and Makeup for Two – £200
- Photographer – Free
- Spotify Playlist – Free
- Groom Suit – £400
- Misc: £900
- TOTAL: £3,800
Read the full article here
