weddings

Found: Three stunning wedding venues that won't break the bank.

There is something to be said for the swanky hotel venue, the sparkling tiles of the reception area and the starched shirts of the wait staff.

And there is something to be said for the thousands of dollars you’ll part with to secure that room for six to twelve hours of your wedding reception.

When it comes down to it, the reality is that weddings are expensive enough as is without the added pain of venue costs. So with that in mind, we decided to scour out some of the best ways to bring in the budget without compromising on taste.

Little touches like freshly picked flowers lend a sense of intimacy to your style. (Source: iStock)

Budget: 0 - $5000.

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Idea: Pop-Up Wedding.

One of the best ways to control your wedding budget is to jump aboard the "pop-up wedding" trend. Pop-up weddings take the financial pressure off couples by largely reducing or eliminating the need of venue hire because they are almost always held outdoors with beaches, cliffs and farms serving as the setting.

Pop-up weddings in outdoor locations work really well with a rustic or bohemian feel. One could scout rural op shops for mismatched crockery and other items that maintain a theme without breaking the bank and source local flowers from nearby gardens.

Remember: Many councils will require couples to request the use of a space and pay a booking fee before the big day.

Another cost cutting idea? Make your own wedding cake. Post continues... 

Budget: 0 - $2000

Idea: The Friend or Family Favour.

Many "budget weddings advisers" will tell couples to make use of family and friend connections for catering, photography and flowers. It's good advice so why limit the called in favours to optional extras?

If you're lucky enough to know somebody with a large home or property, you could approach them with a request to use their home to host your special day, especially if you're prepared to cover any breakages and cleaning fees.

Who knows, you might just score an incredible location at the fraction of its value.

Warehouses are often rich in natural light and set a soft tone for your ceremony. (Source: iStock)
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Budget: 0 to $5000.
Idea: Art Gallery, Warehouse or Bed and Breakfast.

It may seem like an unusual choice but there's no reason why you can't make an unusual venue into the reception area of your dreams. After all, large open spaces like a warehouse can be transformed if you're creative enough with styling. Ensure you have a team of family and friends who can help you set up before the ceremony or function begins.

If you tailor your expectations of the space and aren't planning to hold a sit-down dinner for 100 people, you'll be fine.

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