Now the estimated cost of our wedding has become ridiculous, we needed to knuckle down and think where we could cut back without it looking like we’ve skimped in areas. One of our major savings was in our DIY Engagement party.

And engagement party is typically the pre-event to the big day that should give your guests a glimpse of what is to come. What you do here in the way of theme, invitation style, flowers really should reflect and follow through to the actual wedding day itself.

Here are my tips if you want to save some coin but still throw a fabulous party.

Hold it at a home

Holding your engagement party at a private home will save you hundreds. Our biggest restriction was our 170 guest list; lucky for us, the day of our party dawned bright and beautiful, so we were able to fit outside nicely.

We previously looked at hiring out function rooms and halls, but the initial outlay was too pricey (let alone the insurance you’d have to pay to cover you for the evening).

Beg, borrow and steal

Ok, maybe not the steal part! Now not every household has chairs and tables to fit 170 people, so ask around…bets are that your family and friends will be more than willing to help out where they can.

We borrowed tables from the local SES centre, chairs from the local church, and tablecloths from the grandparents. And who cares if they’re mismatched? I think it adds character to the styling.

Self cater

We opted for an afternoon tea party. Again cutting costs without having to provide a three course meal for each person. And there was more than enough food for everyone so it was well catered for.

We both come from families who love to cook and EAT! Between the help of our Mums and my wonderful bridesmaids we were able to divvy up the sweet and savoury food selections. To add a personal touch to each platter I made little name cards which showed who made what.

Get crafty

I am a creative person who adores craft, so making the decorations was the most exciting part for me. If you’re time poor you can pick up things like this online, or hire a wedding stylist yourself.

I made this cute bunting from a book of scrapbooking paper and a ball of twine, and drew on stitch marks to make it look a little more authentic. It cost about $10 in material and a few hours in front of the telly one night. Cost effective and it looked fantastic!

Score some wine

Alcohol will be one of the biggest costs so if you can buy in bulk then you’ll be doing yourself a favour. Our wine was supplied by Poachers Pantry – Wily Trout Sparkling – delicious.

For the lads we bought a few cases of beer so there was plenty to choose from. For non-alcoholic drinkers I made a punch bowl and a Pimms bowls, both of which you could add your poison to your liking.

Bake your own cake

Unfortunately I lack the skills to make a cake look good; it’ll taste divine but look like a train wreck. That’s where the future mother-in-law comes in.  If you can find someone to make your cake for you – whether it be an aunty or a sister  (or brother) – then take them up on the offer.

I am astonished by the ridiculous prices people are charging for a cake because it has the word ‘wedding’ attached to it. Save yourself hundreds and whip up one yourself. If you don’t know anyone, then how about making cupcakes yourself – a different approach but less chance of failure.

What other DIY tips do you have for wedding style?