Step One: Locaion, Location, Location

Planning where to have your wedding will tell you so many key details about your special day!

The location can also be the most expensive part of the entire budget.

When on a strict budget, it may be hard to find a place that feels special enough for the money you are willing to spend. Many places may come to mind, but I can assure that you will not be married at the Plaza Hotel on a $2000 budget.

My number one goal when seeking out a location was based on somewhere special. Personally, I thought a hotel was the most impersonal place to be wed of all. I wanted somewhere special, that we had been too or traveled too. Somewhere we had memories.

Luckily, many of these places host weddings and host them for little small fees, donations, or for free!
Places like this can include:
Parks
Beaches
Restaurants

When originally planning the all-out wedding, we had opted for our local city park, which is absolutely gorgeous. When starting to plan the smaller wedding, we decided to go for a destination feel. Many beaches or hotels will allow you to have your ceremony and reception on the beach for free. This is an awesome alternative to renting a hall or hotel.

When using your own location, be budget conscious.