Summer weddings are pretty magical?dancing under the stars on a comfortable breezy evening, having a sparkler send off at the end of the night, and enjoying the company of friends and family without worrying too much about the weather. But summer is also a very popular time of the year to get married, which means that wedding expenses can cost more than in the off-season. Here are eight budget summer wedding ideas to help you not bust your budget while still getting the wedding of your dreams.
1. Pick a Non-Traditional Venue
In the winter you’re pretty much restricted to only indoor ceremony and reception spaces, which tend to be more expensive than outdoor venues. In the summer, you have the big advantage of having great weather on your side?meaning you can get away with hosting your wedding at a non-traditional venue. Host your wedding at a public park, a campsite, a national park, or a farm. Because these spaces aren’t typically used for a wedding, you might be surprised at what kind of savings you can get! 2. Choose Flowers that Are Local and in Season

Couples can expect to spend about 7% of their budget on wedding flowers. This staggering amount can grow even bigger if you choose flowers that aren’t in season or have to be shipped a long way. Work with your florist on finding locally sourced flowers for your bouquets, table decorations, and boutonnières to save some money. Bonus: going the local, in-season route is also better for the environment a...