Do you struggle when it comes to buying gifts? So many gifts are done to death and you almost feel like you’re wasting your money when you buy them.

It’s also a challenge when you want to give gifts to someone who seems to own the world! Or there’s that difficult friend/family member who can’t figure out what they want.

You’ve got to get unique gifts this time. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, your recipients will love to receive something different.

Here are some unique gift ideas you should consider:

1. A Subscription Box

Are you trying to find unique gift baskets for your recipient? There’s a better alternative. You can surprise them with a subscription box.

These are boxes that will arrive at their doorstep once a month. The box will contain items related to their interest. For example, if a guy is growing a beard he might love receiving beard oils each month. If someone loves reading, they can get one book per month delivered to them.

Figure out what makes your friends or family members tick and then get them the corresponding subscription box.

2. Home Goods

Have you considered gifting handmade home goods? These are gifts that make home life more convenient. If your recipient is a ‘homebody’ then these are the thoughtful gifts that they’ll appreciate.

These can include a collection of coasters. It can also include ornaments and decorative wall art. If your recipient likes to entertain, consider gifting them napkins or another table item.

3. Instant Camera

Everyone loves taking photos these days and viewing them on their smartphones and computers. But there’s still that rare individual who wants to print photos and display them.

Consider buying an instant camera as a gift. These are small cameras that print out the photos once snapped. Within a few seconds, you’ll see the photo develop by itself on the photo paper.

These are a great option for anyone who likes to take photos and display them as memories. 

4. Memory Boxes and Time Capsules

One of the unique gift ideas that always gets overlooked is a memory box. This is where your recipient can store anything that brings back memories. At their leisure, they will open the box and look through their memories.

A chest made of fine wood such as mahogany or teak is a great option. You can also consider giving them a time capsule. If you are close to this person, give them a jar where you keep some memorable items of theirs.

They will fill up the rest of the time capsule and then bury it. In a few years, you both can dig up the time capsule and reminisce on what you find! This is easily one of the most thoughtful gifts you can choose.

Choose Your Unique Gifts

These are some of the unique gifts that any close friend or relative will enjoy. The common theme you’ll find is that they are tailored to the specific individual. These gifts exist to make their lives easier and more enjoyable.

Take the time to learn about their interests so you can decide which unique gifts work best for them.

Make sure to share this guide with anyone confused about what gifts to buy! You can find more great shopping tips on our website.

Congratulations!

The proposal’s been proposed and accepted. You’ve spread the word to your friends and family. And now that you’ve had a minute to let things sink in it’s time to start planning the wedding.

That’s when you realize the wedding you see in your mind and the amount of money in your bank account? Not on the same page.

Deep breaths. With these 8 DIY wedding ideas on a budget, your big day will be perfect.

 1. Skip the Stationery Store

It is no longer necessary to shell out lots of money to invite people to your wedding. Now you can download customizable invitations, RSVP cards, and Save the Date notes from places like Etsy or Canva to print at home or your local print shop.

Or get crafty with it. Order a personalized stamp and a pack of blank postcards. Hand letter invitations and then use edge punches to make them fancy.

Even with the craft supplies’ cost, you’ll save hundreds of dollars over customized invitations at a retailer. Or skip the paper invitations altogether and opt for a wedding website hosted on a free platform and email the link to your guests.

2. Location, Location, Location

Hotels, dedicated wedding venues, and even some churches may not be the best way to go if you want to save money.

Look into public or city-managed spaces, museums, or your county courthouse. Your college or university is a great option if you have special memories there. And cafes, bars, or restaurants can be intimate and personal locations for smaller weddings.

While your home or backyard is always a possibility, also consider renting an Airbnb either locally or as a destination wedding for an affordable venue option.

3. Think Outside the Wedding Dress Shop

Obviously, if you have the skills, making your own dress is the true DIY solution, but the cost of materials can be spendy.

Thrift stores, eBay, and Etsy offer many options for vintage or secondhand wedding dresses for every budget. You can wear them as is or tailor them specifically to your aesthetic. 

If you’re buying new, look for dresses without the wedding label for brides and bridesmaids at the shops you love. Grooms and groomsmen can easily forego renting or buying tuxes and opt for suits. Or skip the jackets altogether and go for a button-down for a more casual affair.

4. Frugal Florals

Flowers for weddings are typically priced per stem. The best way to save money on your floral arrangements is to limit your use of fresh flowers. Stick to fresh flowers for your bouquets or boutonnieres and use faux flowers and greenery everywhere else.

Costco, Sams Club, and online wholesale flower sites are budget-friendly sources for your fresh flowers. But be sure to include things like buckets, gardening tools, and gloves in the budget for your DIY work.

If the cost of any amount of fresh flowers falls outside your budget, paper or felt flowers and greenery are perfect DIY options.

5. Be Your Own Caterer

Instead of offering your guests multi-course meals, think a bit smaller. Focus on appetizers, cocktails, or a bar full of fun food that fits your decor and theme. 

To avoid overwhelm, buy store-bought, pre-made items like puff pastry, pre-cut veggies, or anything else that will save you time. Your creations will be just as delicious without keeping you in the kitchen for your big day.

What about the cake? If you’re a master baker, your wedding cake is a DIY no-brainer. If not, start with a store-bought cake and make it your own, or go with the most basic wedding cake your local bakery offers and then add decorations and touches that fit your aesthetic. 

6. Rock Your Reception

The possibilities for simple wedding decoration ideas for the reception are endless. 

Download and print seating charts, escort cards, or menus. Make hand-lettered signs. Mix and match thrift store plates, silverware, and glasses.

Create a photo booth that matches your decor and have your guests take instant photos. They can keep one for themselves and leave one for your guest book.

Finally, be your own DJ. Make a curated playlist or have a communal playlist that your guests can contribute to. Then dance the night away.  

7. Give Gifts From the Heart

Send your guests home with a little taste of the wedding. Small jars of local olive oil or honey that you used in your appetizers. Tiny jars of jam. 

Or gift them something that will continue to grow: succulents, tree seedlings, or flower seeds. You can even use these botanical features as centerpieces on the tables and send the decorations home with your guests.

8. The Deals Are in the Details

We’ve only scratched the surface on what’s possible with wedding decoration ideas on a budget. The amount of money you can save while creating beautiful DIY details is really unlimited.

Use items from home to personalize both the wedding and the reception. Use the pretty books on your shelves as part of the centerpieces. Repurpose antiques and furniture from your home or from thrift stores to make your venue cozy and unique. 

What About the Things You Can’t DIY?

It’s not always possible to do every detail of your wedding yourself. But there are definitely ways to help the budget in those areas as well.

Transportation can be a big stress-inducer on the big day. Especially if you have a lot of people to coordinate and parking is an issue.

Consider getting a wedding shuttle. Most companies offer several sizes and packages to fit all budgets, and they can even help shuttle stuff back and forth as well as people.

To keep your photography and videography expenses down, stay local rather than having someone come from out of town. Check your network to see if someone on your guest list might be the photographer of your dreams.

Or have a photography registry or GoFundMe instead of a gift registry. Your friends and family can help you capture your day and also benefit by getting copies of the photos.

DIY Wedding Ideas on a Budget For the Win

These DIY wedding ideas on a budget prove that you can have the amazing wedding of your dreams without sacrificing your entire savings. Better yet, by using all the creativity, skills, and connections at your disposal, your wedding will not only be affordable, but completely you. 

Check out the other sections of our blog for more thrifty ideas to save money before and after your wedding day.

 

 

Weddings are by no means cheap. In 2019, the average cost for a wedding was $33,900. Meanwhile, 2020 inspired many creative, social-distancing events that made planning on a budget easy.

Do you want to plan a big wedding that suits your budget this year? You’re not alone. In fact, almost 70% of couples say budgeting is one of the most important parts of wedding planning.

It’s easier than you might think!

Here are the nine budget wedding tips you need to make your big day an easy expense! With these tips, you can celebrate without financial stress.

Start planning your big day with this wedding inspiration 2021 guide today!

1. Know What You Can Afford

Before you put these budget wedding tips to use, sit down with your partner. It’s important to have a candid conversation about what you can afford.

Otherwise, you could get lost in planning your wedding without considering your budget first. It can feel disappointing to squash your plans so early in the process.

Talk about what you both hope for your big day. Do you want a more intimate gathering or a big bash? Look at current wedding trends to determine what you want as well.

Try to find a compromise between both visions.

Once you have a vision in mind, start researching. What’s the expected cost for expenses in your area? Seeing the cost for the venue, catering, music, and other expenses will help you set your budget.

Otherwise, you might fail to set realistic expectations about what you can afford. 

Remind yourself you don’t want to spend more than you’re comfortable with. Setting realistic expectations will keep you on track to avoid overspending.

Once you’ve gathered a few estimates and proposals, sit down and decide on a hard budget. What are you comfortable with spending? How much can you spend without taking debt?

Consider who will help fund your wedding as well.

You might want to bring them into the conversation before you determine your spending limit.

2. Maximize Your Interest

Did you save money specifically for your wedding day? Did your parents? Make sure you’re maximizing the interest on your wedding day before the big day.

Otherwise, consider how much you’ll need to save in the upcoming weeks. During your engagement, how much money can you save? How much of that money will go to your wedding budget?

You’ll have many financial discussions with your spouse in the years to come. Consider this an opportunity for some practice!

Getting on the same page about your expenses will start you both on the right foot.

3. Know Your Priorities

Now that you’ve set a budget, take a look at the proposals you gathered. Your list might include a:

• Wedding planner
• Dress and tuxedo
• Wedding venue
• Photographer/videographer
• Caterer
• Florist
• DJ or band
• Officiant
• Makeup artist
• Hair stylist
• Cake baker
• Reception rentals
• Rings
• Honeymoon

Which expenses are a priority? Circle those items on your list.

As you review this list, consider ways you can save money, too. For example, can you do your own hair and makeup? Do you want to have your wedding reception at home instead of at a venue?

Removing these items from your priority list can help you stick to your budget. Using this “wedding ideas 2021” guide can help you save money for your marriage, too.

4. Find the Ring

If you or your spouse hasn’t popped the question yet, there are also a few ways you can save on the ring.

First, look for cheaper jewelry stores. You can also visit vintage shops for a thriftier option. If you buy a vintage ring, make sure it doesn’t need repairs.

Do you have a family heirloom you can use instead? The emotional significance can become a great romantic gesture.

Make sure to check the quality and look of the diamonds if you plan on buying a diamond ring. Get it insured as well.

5. Time It Right

About 2,132,853 weddings occur in the US every year. With so many weddings occurring annually, choosing the right wedding date is key. Unfortunately, the venue often eats up a lot of your budget.

As you use these budget wedding ideas, consider your timing. Picking an unpopular day, like a Monday, could give you a discount. Even florists and photographers sometimes offer discounts for unpopular days. 

Choosing winter over spring might help you save money as well.

6. Look for Bargains

As you start looking for the dress and other wedding essentials, keep an eye out for bargains and discounts. Your wedding doesn’t have to look cheap. Finding bargains will still allow you to throw the wedding of your dreams.

You can also save money by finding fun alternatives. For example, you don’t have to hire a photographer. Instead, this article suggests a fun alternative everyone will love.

Searching for bargains can help you avoid breaking the bank or falling into debt.

7. Know What’s Included

Make sure you know what’s included with every service and package. Review the contract before you sign on the dotted line.

Ask as many questions as possible as you speak with each vendor.

For example, is there a charge for tables and chairs? Is there a minimum headcount or are you charged by person?

Keep track of these expenses to avoid going over budget.

8. Haggle

You can also haggle with many of your vendors. Express that you’re on a budget but still want to utilize their services. Many vendors can help you find deals.

Some might even throw in something for free. 

Make sure to get everything in writing to avoid disagreements down the road.

9. Bring in Friends

Share your “getting married 2021” binder with friends and family members. Is there any way they can help?

For example, you might have a friend in a band who can provide music. Maybe you know someone who can cook or bake the cake.

Bringing your friends into the mix will help you plan a wedding people will remember for years to come. They want to be there for your big day!

Say I Do: 9 Budget Wedding Tips for a Dream-Worthy Wedding

Your big day is almost here! With these nine budget wedding tips, you can plan a romantic, unforgettable event. Stick to your budget and plan a stress-free wedding with these easy tips today. 

Looking for more ways to live a thrifty lifestyle? We’re here to help!

Explore our latest guides for more helpful tips and tricks!

When it comes to hair removal, shaving is still the number one method most people rely on. However, did you know that shaving can cause a number of problems from inflaming the skin to introducing bacteria to your pores? 

Fortunately, there’s a better way to approach hair removal: lasers. Laser hair removal accomplishes the same goal but with better end results and fewer risks.

You’re probably wondering about laser hair removal prices, and we can understand why. Switching up your habits is intimidating, especially when you’re not sure about the price tag.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the cost of laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal Prices By Body Part

Generally, you’ll find that most salons and offices offering laser hair removal are going to price their services by body part. Some areas, like the feet, underarms, or bikini line are small and don’t take a ton of time to treat. As a result, you’ll find that these are the cheaper areas to treat.

Following that same logic, it will cost more to remove hair from your legs than your arms. If you’re only looking to have hair removed from half your leg, this will cost less than having hair removed from your full leg.

There are two ways to take advantage of deals when deciding which areas of the body you wanted to be treated. One is to find a salon that offers a BOGO deal, allowing you to have two treatments for the price of one. The other is to opt for the full-body treatment, which is going to cost less than having multiple areas treated individually.

Laser Hair Removal Prices Per Session

How else can you cut down the cost of your laser hair removal treatment? This laser hair removal clinic offers a perfect model that every client should look for. 

What is significant about their pricing? When you book multiple sessions, the price per session goes down. For example, where booking one underarm session at a time costs £70, booking eight at a time costs £280. If you were to wait and book eight session s individually, that would end up costing you £560. 

If you book multiple sessions at a time, how often do you need to come back? While some salons or clinics may require clients to follow a certain timeline, you can assume that it will take four to six weeks after an appointment for treatment to be necessary again. That means that you could spread eight sessions out over the course of eight months to one year!

Ditch the Razor

If you have body hair you’d like removed, why keep using a razor? Shaving is something the skin detests that produces only minimal results. Instead, learn more about laser hair removal prices and kiss your razors goodbye.

Looking for more deals and money-saving tips? Wondering how you can bring in some extra cash each week or month? Take a look at more of our content to find out everything you need to know to become a thrifty momma. 

Before you buy a home, you obviously need to make sure that you can afford to pay for it. You’re going to need to take a look at your finances to see whether or not buying a house fits within your budget.

You’re also going to need to make sure that you can afford to maintain a home after buying it. On average, you should be prepared to pay anywhere from 1 to 4% of the value of a home to maintain it each year.

Additionally, you may want to consider making certain home investments that will save you a whole lot of money in the long run. There are things that you can buy for a new home that will help you cut back on your spending well into the future.

Check out some of the different home investments that you should think about making when you buy a new home and get ready to start paying for it.

Appliances

The good news for homeowners is that most of the appliances that are on the market today are more energy-efficient than ever before. The bad news is that many people are still relying on old appliances in their homes.

You should change that by investing in new appliances for your home. From kitchen appliances like a refrigerator and oven to other home appliances like washing machines and dryers, you should upgrade all the appliances in your home if you can.

These new appliances will prove to be some of the smartest home investments you ever make. They’ll use up less energy every day, which will bring your utility bills down by leaps and bounds over time.

LED Lighting

Speaking of using less energy, have you thought about how much energy you might be wasting in your home every day by using incandescent lighting throughout it? You should strongly consider taking out all your incandescent lights and replacing them with LED ones if you can.

LED lighting is known to use up about 75% less energy than incandescent lighting. It also tends to last about 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.

Putting LED lighting into place throughout your home is going to call for you to make an initial investment in it. But once you’re done paying to have LED lights installed, you’ll notice that it’ll save you a nice chunk of change in the months and years to come.

Windows

If you have older windows in your home, you might be surprised by how much money they’re costing you every month. Old windows often allow air to leak in and out of them at all times, which can force your HVAC system to have to work way harder than it should have to in order to heat and cool your home.

You can reverse this trend in an instant by sticking new windows into your home in place of your old ones. You’ll notice a big difference in the way that your home looks and feels once you’ve had replacement windows installed in it, and you’ll notice your energy bills go down quite a bit, too.

HVAC

Installing a new HVAC system in your home is one of the biggest home investments that you can possibly make. It’s why so many people put it off for as long as they can.

But with that being said, installing a new HVAC system in your home is also one of the best decisions you’ll ever make as a homeowner. From the second that you start using it, it’ll use less energy to heat and cool your home while also making it more comfortable inside.

And as long as you work to actively maintain your HVAC system each year, you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon once it’s been installed. It should last at least 10 or 15 years, if not longer, before you’ll have to even think about putting a new one into place.

Furniture

You’re going to have to buy lots of different furniture for all of the rooms throughout your house. From a sofa for the living room to dressers for the bedrooms, there is going to be no getting around buying up a bunch of furniture for your home.

You might be tempted to buy the cheapest furniture you can find in an effort to save money on furniture upfront. But you’re going to be way better off in the long run buying high-quality products that you know are going to last. Try not to skimp on furniture if you can avoid doing it.

Mattresses

Just like with furniture, you also shouldn’t skimp when it’s time to buy mattresses for all the bedrooms in your home. Since you’ll probably need at least a few of them for your house, the temptation to simply buy whichever mattresses are the cheapest will be strong.

But you should only purchase mattresses that you know are going to last you for an extended period of time. You should also look for mattresses that are going to be comfortable to sleep on so that you know you’ll love them for many years to come.

This hybrid mattress is the best mattress money can buy when it comes to making long-term home investments.

Tools

Throughout the course of owning a home, you’re going to be forced to do different repairs to it. Things are going to break on you all the time and need to be fixed.

You could go ahead and call someone to fix them for you when you need help. But why do that when you could learn how to make certain repairs yourself?

To do this, you’ll need to invest in some tools for your home. But those tools will start to pay for themselves in no time once you begin tackling home repairs yourself and saving money in the process.

Make These Home Investments Today and Start Saving Money Immediately

You’re not going to be able to steer clear of all the expenses related to owning a home. But you can certainly save some money over time by making the right home investments.

You’ll be amazed by how much money you can save by doing something as simple as buying a bunch of LED lightbulbs or investing in a new mattress. These things will keep your homeownership costs down and free up money to make other home improvements.

Browse through the other informative articles on our blog for more great tips and tricks related to saving money.