Load up on inspiration with these fun Wedding Freebies and DIY Weddings Ideas!
Check out this HUGE List of Budget Wedding Tips, Wedding Freebies and DIY Wedding Ideas to make your special day the most memorable day ever!
Beautiful weddings don’t need to cost a fortune… you’ll be amazed at how many good deals you can find! Check out this enormous list of budget friendly wedding tips and tricks and Wedding Freebies to save a bundle on your special day! Let’s get started…
Wedding Freebies and Budget Tips
Budgeting Tips:
How to Budget For Your Wedding {+ 15 Brilliant Tips to Cut Costs}
When you’re prepared with the best tips for how to budget for your wedding, it’ll be so much easier to afford the beautiful wedding you’ve always dreamed about!
Wedding Freebies:
Best Online Wedding Registry + Freebies just for Registering!
Get FREE Gifts from top brand when you start your registry here!
Budget Wedding Venues that are Stunning and Affordable:
Heather writes: “I had my wedding and my reception in the same place to save money. It was at a local park at the wood cabin pavilion, and it was free for locals to rent for the day!”
Keylee writes: “My son getting married this spring is saving by using a friend’s property for the wedding and reception.”
Angie writes: “We got married on my best friend’s property.”
Heather writes: “We got married outside and our guests sat on covered hay bales (we farm)” 🙂
Mona writes: “My daughter is having her wedding in October using the woods behind my house for the ceremony.”
Katie writes: “We got married in my parents’ front yard, and held the reception in the back!”
Betsy writes: “I got married in my sister’s back yard.”
How to Make Pretty DIY Flower Poms
Christin writes: “We had our wedding on a Sunday, and the venue was half price.”
Holly writes: “My daughter is saving money on her wedding day by having it ‘off season’. The wedding venues are less money in the ‘off season’ months.”
Kimberlee writes: “October. We had our wedding in October… gorgeous weather and cheaper venue.”
Michelle writes: “We got married on a golf course with the reception on site in April.”
Colleen writes: “Winter. We got married in the winter for half the cost.”
Grace writes: “We used a friend’s lake house for the location of our wedding.”
Kimberlee writes: “For the venue, we really wanted something unusual, so we were married at a turn of the century paper mill in Phoenixville, PA (right outside Philly).”
Christine writes: “We got a friend’s and family discount on the venue.”
April writes: “To save money, we had our wedding in my backyard.”
Davina writes: “And we held the reception in the gym at my church.”
Christina writes: “We got married at the Justice of the Peace and put the money towards a nice reception with everything we wanted!”
Lydia writes: “We went to Las Vegas, bought a package wedding that included a decent chapel, pictures, a minister, etc. then went to Bucca di Beppo for a dinner party. The next morning we did a brunch buffet, and then relaxed for two days in Vegas.”
Frugal Tip: Have a dreamy wedding on a budget, skip the fancy resorts, and get married right on the public beach!
14 Ultimate Beach Getaways
How to Save Money on Wedding Invitations:
Beautiful Wedding Invitations
Kimberlee writes: “We also made our own invites and programs for 100 guests.”
Anna writes: “I designed the invitations, and made them myself.”
Erin writes: “I bought mismatching clearance invitations from Target – since no one ever compares invites, they never knew there were 3 different styles sent out!”
Frugal Tip: Use your Free Target Gift Cards to save even more on invites…
How To Get Target Gift Cards for Free
Wedding Flowers on a Budget:
Amanda writes: “I used my bridesmaids’ flowers and my bouquet on the head reception table as decor! Just put out empty vases with water on the table, then drop them in there when you get to the reception!”
Anna writes: “Double the use of bridesmaids flowers and put on the wedding cake table for decoration and pictures.”
Holly writes: “I ordered all my white roses from Sam’s Club. I got 125 roses for $90!”
Frugal Tip: How to Get Free Wedding Flowers from Sam’s Club using Free Sam’s Club Gift Cards!
Laura writes: “We made our own flower arrangements and bouquets.”
Mary writes: “Flowers from the exterior of the ceremony were transported ahead of me to decorate our tented reception. We used flowering shrubs in low planters so they were easy to scoop and go. I also gifted them to the moms later so they each have shrubs from our wedding day blooming at their homes.”
Frugal Tip: How to Grow Your Own Roses for Your Wedding! {See Rose Gardening Tips}
Grace writes: “We only used flowers that were in season.”
Robin writes: “To save money, we had minimal floral arrangements as decorations.”
Becky writes: “When my daughter got married, she chose to only have one large flower arrangement in the church. The beauty of the church was enough. Also, at the entrance to the church were Fall potted flowers that belonged to the church.”
Lisa writes: “Ask for cheaper prices, and shop around. I did with my florist. I got flowers for 7 girls, 6 guys, the mothers and 2 huge arrangements for the ceremony all for $600 because I asked. And I still got almost all the flowers I wanted.”
Martine writes: “We saved a bunch of money getting flowers at a local Flower Market/District and then having a local florist (who came recommended) put them together for centerpieces. Or you could do it yourself, too! To save the most money, pick flowers that are in season.”
Kimberlee writes: “My mom ordered all my flowers in bulk from a flower farm, and all the women came to put them together. We also did the centerpieces and hall decorations ourselves. The flowers and jewels hanging from the gazebo were artificial flowers from Michael’s and Dollar Tree… we hung them the night before, just after our rehearsal dinner.”
Heather writes: “We made our own flower arrangements using artificial flowers.”
Katie writes: “I made the bouquets myself using silk flowers from Michael’s. The centerpieces were also silk flower bouquets from Michael’s.”
Becky writes: “Costco has some pretty nice flowers for cheap, too.”
Erin writes: “I had my matron of honor make the flower bouquets, and we purchased bulk roses from Costco.”
Teressa writes: “I bought artificial flowers at the Dollar Tree to make my bouquet.”
Erynn writes: “I had the wedding at my own home on a few acres outdoors during an already decorative season (Autumn), so no flowers or decorations were needed. I handmade the bouquets and boutonnieres. I glued fall leaves and silk flowers to terra cotta pots from the dollar store to make center pieces and put a bottle of sparkling wine in each. Then I hollowed out tiny pumpkins to make tealight holders for each table. We put up a canopy in the yard and trimmed it with Christmas lights.”
More Free Wedding Supplies:
You can save BIG on your Wedding Essentials with you do your shopping with these Free Gift Cards!
How to Get Free Walmart Gift Cards
Free Bed Bath and Beyond Gift Card
How to Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards {10 Easy Tips}
Budget Wedding Guest List Tips:
Angie writes: “We saved money by keeping our guest list very small, like 40 people. We had family and the best of friends there.”
Dee writes: “We had a short notice and small wedding, but we used Facebook Live to share our special day with those too far to make the long trip on short notice.”
Wanda writes: “To save money, we only had 50 people attend our wedding.”
Cindy writes: “We had a very small ceremony of about 35 people.”
Budget Wedding Dresses and Accessories:
Emily writes: “I got a designer dress on discount for $250… it was originally $2,000!”
Shari writes: “I got my dress on the clearance rack at Macy’s”
Frugal Tip: How to Get a Free Macy’s Gift Card to use for your dress or accessories!
Erin writes: “I bought my dress online and paid under $300, including alterations. I intentionally ordered it too big and then had a seamstress alter it.”
Wedding Dresses: up to 70% off {some under $100!}
Katie writes: “I ordered a $340 dress online, and rented the veil to save money.”
Chelsea writes: “My wedding dress was actually a bridesmaid dress I ordered in ivory… saved a ton!”
Frugal Tip: Score beautiful wedding jewelry on a budget when you shop with a Free Kohl’s Gift Card…
How to Get a Free Kohl’s Gift Card
Tiana writes: “I found my dress at David’s Bridal for just $99!”
Keylee writes: “I wore my Mom’s wedding dress.”
Michelle writes: “I bought a ‘previously loved’ wedding dress and had a veil made for me for $75.
Frugal Tip: How to Get a FREE Wedding Dresses for Military and First Responders
Betsy writes: “I actually wore a prom dress as my wedding dress!”
Elecia writes: “I had a hand-me-down dress and made my own veil.”
Rachel writes: “I got my wedding dress off eBay!”
Frugal Tip: How to Get a Free eBay Gift Card for your wedding dress or accessories!
Davina writes: “I made my own dress!”
Daniela writes: “I rented an expensive wedding dress, so I only spent about $500 and I didn’t have to store it afterwards.”
Kimberlee writes: “The veil I wanted was $400… I made mine for about $50.”
Bridal Shoes Sale: up to 50% off!
Ways to Save Money on Wedding Rings:
Anna writes: “To save money, I had no wedding band added to my ring.”
Frugal Tip: Save BIG on your man’s ring with these deals… I bought my hubby’s ring here for around $5.00… seriously, and he loves it!
Up to 95% off Men’s Wedding Rings! {for real!}
Titanium | Tungsten | Stainless
Frugal Tip: If you and/or your spouse are athletic, opt for Silicone Wedding Rings… they’re both fun and frugal!
Silicone Wedding Rings on Sale
Wedding Ring Boxes For the Wedding
Ring Pillows For the Wedding
How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home! {Trick to Make it Sparkle}
You won’t believe how gorgeous your ring will look after you try this easy trick for How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home!
How to Save Money on Wedding Hair and Makeup:
Frugal Tip: Recruit a friend to help you! That’s what I did… my sweet friend who had recently finished cosmetology school did my hair and makeup for free! Best gift ever! To save even more money, I opted to skip the veil all together. 🙂
Michelle writes: “I had a friend to my hair and makeup that was coming to the wedding also.”
Frugal Tip: Save even more when you load up on free makeup from Sephora…
How to Get a Free Sephora Gift Card
Wedding Photography on a Budget:
Anna writes: “Splurges? Definitely on photography. These will be your captured memories and worth every penny. Hire a company that has 2 photographers (to get best shots from multiple angles and to capture more memories) and that will give you the rights to print yourself. DO NOT hire someone who will only give you proofs and then pay A LOT to print through them. I did a photo book online through Kodak and it turned out beautifully and reasonably.”
Brandi writes: “Find people you know how specialize in photography, and ask if they will donate their time as your wedding gift, and you just pay the cost!”
Susan writes: “My brother did the video saving us $3,000. He rented really good equipment for just $200.”
Cindy writes: “We asked our guests to take pictures and forward them to our email address.”
Frugal Tip: You can also ask your guests to snap pictures and share on Instagram using a personalized wedding hashtag you share with them. That way, you’ve got another easy way to capture more fun candid shots of your wedding and reception… for FREE!
Related: Wedding Instagram Hashtag Signs
Erin writes: “When researching photographers, they will charge you an arm and a leg for minimal amounts of prints. So what my husband and I did was we found a photographer, that provided no prints at all and instead gave us a proof book and digital copies (WITH the copyright release) of every picture taken. So we are able to go through on our own time and choose exactly which photos we want to have prints of, and then either print them at home or take them to a professional printing place and pay a fraction of what the photography studio would have charged.”
Emily writes: “I had my friends take the pictures.”
Angel writes: “You can also Check out any local schools that offer photography, they usually have a list of recently graduates and their work on file and they usually are pretty cheap and need the experience. Also Check out Craigslist for any available photographers looking for work, and just be sure to request a portfolio of their work. I have a friend of mine who does local photography and he is charging me 150 dollars for my wedding, including prints, and digital copies of every photo.”
Get 40 Free Prints {for new members} + 50% off Wedding Prints and Books Here!
{use Promo Code: WEDDING}
Rachel writes: “To save money, my brother was the photographer.”
Michelle writes: “I had my best friend’s husband take our pictures, and it also helped him build his photography business portfolio!”
Wedding Music on a Budget:
Frugal Tip: In lieu of a wedding gift, as musical friends or family to sing or play songs for your wedding, and you’ll save a bundle!
Christine writes: “We made a playlist and played it through the night so no DJ.”
Frugal Tip: If you’re opting to skip the DJ, use Free iTunes Gift Cards to make a free playlist for your wedding…
How to Get Free iTunes Gift Cards
Inexpensive Wedding Cakes + Wedding Cupcake Ideas:
Maria writes: “Unless you have always dreamed of a certain cake, you can skip the “Amazing Cakes” type cake. I’ve seen a lot of non-traditional ones, and everyone was happy. It is mainly about cutting it and feeding it to each other anyway.”
Gramma R. writes: “For your cake, pick something you and your husband-to-be like. My cousin and her husband like cheesecake, so they purchased different flavored cheesecakes, placed them on pedestals, and had a beautiful, unique cake.”
Janelle writes: “A friend and myself made cupcakes instead of having a cake. The trick was to use a fancy frosting tip (super easy) to make them look professional.”
Frugal Tip: Check out this decadent, better-than-any-bakery Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Keylee writes: “My son saved money by having the family make cupcakes to serve at the reception.”
Mona writes: “For my daughter’s wedding, she wants cupcakes. So I’m making those in 4 or 5 different flavors.”
Frugal Tip: Save even more money by serving up Mini Cupcakes, like these Gluten Free Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes
Erynn writes: “I stacked cupcakes for the cake, and topped the tier with a 6″ round cake for us to save for the anniversary.”
Dee writes: “We also had cupcakes and just a small cake for us to cut. We saved lots of money that way.”
Frugal Tip: For a winter wedding, try serving up these Candy Cane Cupcakes!
Tabby writes: “I did individual cakes on each table and used it as the center piece..it saved a lot of money!!”
Kelly writes: “After we number crunched… doing individual cakes saved us over $700!”
Vanessa writes: “Mama made my cake!”
KS writes: “This is such an awesome idea! Bake all of your own cakes a day or two before and now you cut the price of everything down!”
Naomi writes: “As a cake decorator, I can tell you that undecorated cakes freeze REALLY well! Just bake, place on a cardboard piece, wrap well in plastic wrap and freeze! Defrost fully before you frost the cake and voila!”
Mary writes: “Typically the shelf life of a frozen undecorated cake or cupcake is 30 days but I wouldn’t freeze them for any longer than 2 weeks to prevent possible freezer burn.”
Related: Pretty Wedding Cake and Cupcake Stands
Brandi writes: “Find people you know who specialize in baking, and ask if they will donate their time as your wedding gift, and you just pay the cost!”
Frugal Tip: Skip the Expensive Silverware! Rather than spending a fortune renting silverware, use these Disposable Wooden Utensils instead! You’ll save a bundle, and it will add another fun rustic touch to your reception!
Betsy writes: “We bought a grocery store cake.”
Frugal Tip: Save even more on your cake with this tip for How to Get Free Stuff at Safeway!
Amy writes: “We enlisted an acquaintance to make a HUGE cake, which she only charged us $250 for!”
Cheap Wedding Drinks Ideas:
Angie writes: “We purchased our glassware at a restaurant supply store and are able to reuse them now at parties.
Kimberlee writes: “We purchased our own wine in bulk from a distributor to save money.”
Christine writes: “Our friend that works at a vineyard gave us 4 cases of wine and champagne as a gift.”
These Mason Jar Mugs are the cutest addition to your wedding drink station, and will be so fun to use or repurpose after the wedding, too!
Best Party Punch Recipes
Wedding Reception Food Ideas on a Budget:
Erynn writes: “For food, we had a pasta bar. Four different kinds of pasta, 5 sauces, and a few sides, buffet style. Served 55 people for $72.
Easy Garlic Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Crockpot Pepper Jack Tomato Pasta Sauce Recipe
Nicole writes: “Keep it SIMPLE!!!! Also, have the wedding in the mid afternoon so you want have to pay for a “sit down dinner” and have family members help you make foods ahead of time and freeze.”
Tami writes: “To save money, we scheduled our wedding for mid afternoon, so we could just have just cake and snacks instead of a meal.”
Anna writes: “We did an early afternoon weather so we could just have light snacks, not a meal.”
Wedding Cookie Stations: A wedding cookie station is such a fun addition to your reception’s food. Choose from these 56 Easy Cake Mix Cookie Recipes and serve up a variety of fun and delicious cookies! Serve them on pretty cake stands, and they’ll look adorable!
Wedding Candy Bar:
Evelyn writes: “Purchase valentine candy after Valentine’s Day is over and use it to make favors. You can get really pretty heart-shaped candies for almost nothing on 2/15.”
Renee writes: “We made a “candy bar” with different glass containers filled with candy in our wedding colors and the guests could fill decorated bags with the candy. I also found various wedding themed picture frames and set out pictures of my hubby and I on different tables.”
DIY Candy Stations: Candy stations are always a well-loved addition to any wedding reception! Kids and adults love self-serving these treats! Here are some fun things to include in your Wedding Candy Station…
BBQ Food Station:
Maria writes: “Don’t worry about expensive food. People want good food, yes, but it doesn’t have to be steak.”
Barbecue Wedding Reception Food: Can’t say ‘I Do’ without some BBQ? I’ve got you covered! Check out these Best Southern BBQ Recipes for dishes your guests will love!
More Fun Desserts:
Oreo Pops = Tasty Party Treat
Cream Cheese Filled Strawberries
Heart Shaped Jello Cookies
Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries…
Rustic Wedding Essentials:
Wedding Reception Sparkler Sendoff
DIY Distressed Mason Jars
Easy DIY Flower Poms
DIY: Elegant Mason Jar Centerpieces
Supplies Needed: 16 oz. Mason Jars | 2″ Burlap Lace Ribbon | Glue Dots | Baby’s Breath | Wood Slices with Bark
Instructions: Fasten Ribbon around center of Mason Jar and secure using Glue Dots all around the jar {on the underside of the ribbon}. Fill with water, add Baby’s Breath, and rest on Wood Slices with Bark on the center of each table! Easy and so pretty!
DIY: Mason Jar Candles
Wedding Favors:
Mason Jar Favors: Hugs and Kisses
Mint to Be – Wedding Gift in a Jar
More DIY Wedding Favors
Flower Girl Rose Petals:
Sarah writes: “Rose petals can bring color to the aisle you walk down. Instead of getting them from a florist, you’ll save money when you buy the roses from Sam’s Club. Pull the petals off the night before and store them in plastic bags in fridge.”
Or Use Silk Rose Petals! No time to purchase the roses and remove the petals? Opt for Silk Flower Petals!
More Budget Wedding Planning Tips:
BIG List of Tips for a Wedding on a Budget
Bridal Shower Ideas:
45 Fun Bridal Shower Gifts
75 Bridal Shower Ideas {Fun Games, Food & Classy Decor}
Bridal Survival Kit
Bridesmaid Gifts:
Pamper Yourself Gifts in a Jar
Homemade Bath Salt Recipes
Sugar Scrub Recipes
Coffee Gift Card Holders
Honeymoons:
10 Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations
Romantic Ideas + Sweet Decor:
Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him
Love Decorative Pillow Covers
So don’t miss out! Get all the latest fun new Frugal Girls Tips, Crafts, Recipes + more right here…
So how have YOU saved money on your wedding??
Got a fun Tip or Idea? Or know of some Wedding Freebies? We’d love to hear!
Leave a comment and share!
Jennifer says
A good list about wedding ideas, very nice organized. Thank you very much, Heidi!!
Kathleen Silver says
Thanks so so much u gave me so much wedding ideas.Glad I run across frugal girl
Dee says
I just ordered my guys ring from Amazon. I thought the shipping would kill me, but all together it was $5.31.
Heidi says
Isn’t it such a crazy good deal? 😉
Hazel Adams says
I think that it is important to do a lot of DIY projects for your wedding. That way you can see what your decorations are. I think that helps a lot with wedding planning.
Sabrina Truxal says
Thanks! I just ordered the return labels. I had already ordered my invites from Vistaprint so the labels were in my same design. And I got 280 instead b/c they gave me 140 more as a promotion. $4.54 for shipping!
Heidi says
Yay… that’s a fantastic deal, Sabrina!
Keeshna says
Your links are so helpful! I use the Vistaprint link for my save the dates earlier in the year. I just used the Tanga link for my fiance’s wedding ring. The ring was absolutely FREE! So excited! Thanks!
Heidi says
Aww ~ you’re very welcome, Keeshna! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!! 😉
~ Heidi
Andria says
Just ordered the return address labels!! I love that my fiance and I were able to pick them out together and we both love the design!
Deanna says
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this website!!!! So happy I fell across it! ; )
Heidi says
Aww ~ thanks, Deanna! So glad to have you here! 😉
~ Heidi
Lynnzy says
If your planning a wedding (which im doing and finding to be very expensive) there’s alot of things you can do to save money the one big one im doing is the flowers. At A.C Moore they will make your bouquets and everything for you and all you have to pay is for the supplies, well one thing to do is right now a.c Moore is having 50% all of there flowers and other things so this would be a great time to do it. I was able to get my flowers for everybody ( i have 4 bridesmaids and 4 groomsman and mothers and fathers) I was able to get all my bouquets and mens flowers for just about $60 FOR all of them great deal so check out A.C Moore it would be a great way to save a ton of money.
Niki says
I’m getting married next August. My mom LOVES your site, and she told me about the free save the dates you were advertising on here. My fiancee and I each ordered the maximum 100 (perfect since we are inviting 200 people). They just came in, and they are beautiful!! Thank you so much. We are both just starting out in our careers and trying to save as much money as we can, and your advice is so helpful. I’ll be checking this website a LOT in the coming months.
Heidi says
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, Niki! I’m so glad your ‘Save the Dates’ turned out so beautiful! 😉
~ Heidi
Carol says
My daughter is getting married 11-11-11! We are planning a bridal shower tea for her. If anyone has any ideas, hints, or attended a tea and remembers something wonderful we can do to make it a happy afternoon, please let me know! I enjoy reading all the frugal projects and look forward to your help!! Thank you! Carol
Heidi says
Hi Carol – be sure to check out the fun Bridal Shower Tips in the comment section on this post:
https://thefrugalgirls.com/2011/02/bridal-shower-budget.html
Have fun!!
~ Heidi
Gloria Rodriguez says
Hi ladies- if your having a colorful wedding a great idea is using paper flowers.. out of coffee filters.. Im working on my nephews wedding and is a spanish fiesta themed wedding lots of colors- on the center pieces im blending in some paper flowers and also in brides boquet.. saving tons of money
nicole p says
I’m doing this for my wedding. So many different flower tutorials out there! I’m really excited to surprise everyone the day of when they see them.
Smiley says
I’m getting married 11.11.11
We got our STDs, invitations, rsvps, etc all from Vista Print. They turned out so nice!!!
I made the bouquets from cardstock. It is a very, very inexpensive and quite unique.
Tia says
Do you have any pictures or info on how to do this?
Smiley says
I used this tutorial. I think my best flowers are the ones I used two pieces of paper.
A fun wedding site is Offbeat brides. Tons of different ideas/ways to make paper flowers.
Smiley says
I used Jones Design Company tutorial. My best flowers were the ones using two pieces of paper.
If you look at Off Beat Brides you’ll find a lot of different ways to make flower bouquets.
Deanna says
My niece is getting married 11*11*11…how neat! I’m guessing it’s going to be a very popular weeding date…lol
Sarah says
Ha! That is really neat. I am getting married on 9*10*11…and it is VERY popular!
Good luck to your niece!!!
Teresa says
I’m getting married 9/10/11 too!! My cousin is getting married 11/11/11!
Jeanie says
I loved the link on how to order save-the-date postcards! We got $100 for only the shipping, and they look so cute! I can’t wait til we get them. Thank you for sharing this!!!!!
ps: I love that postage will save us money, too. 😀
Grace Saved says
A bunch of great ideas here, thank you for listing them all!
Chelle says
Thank you sooo much!!! I just ordered my Save the Date postcards and address labels and just paid s/h!!!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Chelle! Congrats on your upcoming wedding!! 😉
~ Heidi
Sara Graham says
Make your own bouquets from silk flowers