Planning a wedding is a memorable and joyful experience, but it can also be financially challenging. However, creating a beautiful and meaningful day doesn’t have to come with overwhelming costs. By making thoughtful decisions and considering alternative options, it’s possible to manage your budget without compromising on quality or the special moments that matter most. Here are 24 practical tips to help you save on your wedding while still having the best time of your life.
Planning
Set Priorities
Get started by figuring out your top priorities for the wedding. Take a moment to sit down with your partner and decide which two or three aspects of your big day matter the most to you both. Is it a wedding venue? Content? Or perhaps, catering? Knowing your non-negotiables will help you allocate your budget to what’s most meaningful while trimming costs elsewhere. To stay organized and easily keep track of everything, we suggest using helpful managing tools such as spreadsheets or platforms like Notion.
Invest in a Wedding Planner
It might seem like an extra expense, yes, but hiring a wedding planner can actually save you money in the long run. Being in the industry for years, they are experts in finding the best deals and know how to help their couples avoid costly mistakes or last-minute splurges. And with industry connections and negotiation skills, they can often secure deals you wouldn't get on your own. Think of it as spending a little extra now to save a lot later!
Choose an Off-Peak Season
No doubt, spring and summer are the 'hottest' and busiests wedding seasons. There are more options for beautiful florals, amazing food and the weather is just perfect for al-fresco wedding dinners and dancing till dawn. But that can also mean higher-than-the-sky prices and more competition for venues and vendors. So, if you’re looking to save a bit but still have incredible time, we recommend picking an off-peak season. Since demand is lower and fewer weddings are happening, venues often reduce their rates, and vendors may be more flexible with pricing.
Skip Saturday
There are seven days in a week, so why limit yourself to Saturday? Yes, it might be the most convenient day for a wedding, but just like with peak seasons, it’s also the most expensive one. Weekday weddings can be no less wonderful and more so save you a significant amount of money. However, if you still feel like hosting your big day on the weekend, have a thought about Sunday instead. Typically, they are less pricey and more budget-friendly than Saturdays.
Two Events - Same Location
Another great budget-saving tip is hosting both your ceremony and reception at the same venue. Although it’s popular among couples to have them at separate locations, it comes with a pricier tag. Having everything in one place, however, not only cuts down on venue costs but also saves you on transportation and travel time for your vendors. As a bonus, some venues may offer discounts when you book both events on their property!
Limit Your Guest List
While it’s the hardest decision to make, it’s the easiest way to reduce budget. Shorter guest list means lower costs for everything from rentals and catering to stationery and favors. Besides, you’ll have more time to spend with each invitee, making your day more personal and special. So, if a smaller, more intimate wedding feels right for you, it’s definitely a great option to consider.
Florals & Decor
Find a Naturally Stunning Location
Let the location take center stage and do the decorating for you! A naturally stunning venue can make a huge impact all on its own, creating a beautiful setting without needing a lot of additional styling. Not only does this help keep your budget in check, but it’s also one of the hottest trends in weddings right now.
Greenery Over Flowers
Flower arrangements are a classic choice for many weddings, but, unfortunately, not as budget-friendly as one would imagine. As an alternative, we suggest using foliage which is often more affordable than traditional floral installations and centerpieces. Greenery is perfect for modern weddings with a unique and on-trend feel.
Go with Local, In-Season Florals
As we’ve mentioned, florals can be one of your biggest wedding expenses. You’ll most likely want them for everything from altar decorations to bridal bouquet and centerpieces. Still, you can save a bit of budget going with locally-grown, in-season blooms. They’re easier to find when they’re at their peak and don’t need to be shipped from far away, which helps save on transportation costs. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses!
Say “Yes” to Minimalism
Less can truly be more! A simple, minimalist look can be incredibly chic, and have a timeless yet at the same time modern feel. For example, you can use single-stem flower arrangements for your tablescape to create an understated atmosphere without overwhelming the space. Minimalism never goes out of style!
Focus on Lighting
Great use of lighting can actually transform your wedding space. String lights, candles, and lanterns, while wallet-friendly, create a beautiful ambiance. The soft glow of well-placed lighting can elevate your venue, making it look absolutely stunning without needing a lot of extra decor.
Allegory Events, Serebro Wedding
Content
Shorten Your Coverage Time
Wedding photos and videos help couples relive beautiful moments of the day all over again, which is why many choose to go for full coverage. However, if you're working with a tight budget, you can hire your photographer and videographer for just a few hours instead of the whole day. They can focus on capturing the ceremony and a few key moments at the reception.
Consider Local Professionals
Choosing your photographer and videographer is a tough decision! You might already have some names in mind, which is exciting. But if you are still on a search make sure not to overlook local professionals. Working with them you won't have to worry about paying travel fees, which can be a big plus for your budget. Besides, as locals, your photographer and videographer might already know your venue inside and out, and can easily find the best spots for stunning photos and videos.
Skip Extras
Be super-attentive when looking through photo and video packages! Many professionals offer an option of customizing yours and removing things you might not really need for your celebration. These might be prints and albums, extra filming time or even services of a second shooter. So, make sure to carefully revise what each package includes and consider if you genuinely need all the extras.
Dias De Vino Y Rosas, Catherine Goce
Stationery
Go Paperless
Although nothing quite compares to the feeling of holding a beautiful invitation, digital stationery is becoming a thoughtful, modern alternative. Going paperless, you can save both time and money, while still being creative and, most importantly, eco-conscious.
Limit Inserts
Consider skipping all the pricey inserts! Instead, direct your guests to your wedding website, where they can find all the necessary information about your wedding as well as some extra details, including your wedding registry. Some websites even allow guests to RSVP online, which makes the entire process more convenient for everyone.
DIY Stationery
From save-the-dates, to invitations, placecards, menus and more, the cost of working with a designer on your stationery suite can quickly add up, leaving a large and unexpected dent in your budget. For a more cost effective solution, try a DIY approach. There are dozens of user-friendly apps and platforms that can help. But keep in mind: it's a task not for the faint hearted! It will require a keen eye for detail and time to create quality results.
Cakes & Catering
Think Beyond the Cake
Cake is definitely a highlight of any wedding celebration, but there's a whole world of less expensive desserts that can steal the spotlight just as much. Think about swapping out the traditional cake for cupcakes, portioned creamy tiramisu, fresh and fruity berry tarts, or light éclairs.
Minimal Decorations
The more ornate your wedding cake, the higher its price, so consider keeping the decorations on a more simple side. And remember: minimal doesn’t mean boring! Elegant and clean look of your wedding cake can add a super-chic and lavish feel without the need of overspending. You can achieve a stunning effect with just a few well-chosen elements, such as delicate piping, subtle fondant textures, or a single statement flower.
Choose Local & Seasonal Food
Team up with your caterer to design a menu that takes advantage of local, seasonal ingredients. Not only does in-season produce typically cost less than sourcing out-of-season or imported ingredients, but it also means your dishes will be fresher and more delicious. Besides, it's a great way to show the best flavors of the area!
Kristen Marie Parker, Kirthanaa Naidu
Style
Shop for Your Gown Early
To keep costs down and avoid any last-minute stress, we suggest starting your wedding dress search as early as possible. Ideally, 8-10 months before the big day. This way, you won’t face unexpected rush fees or extra charges, and have plenty of time for fittings, alterations, and any custom touches you might want.
Attend Trunk Shows
Be sure to keep an eye out for bridal trunk shows at local boutiques. What we love about trunk shows is that they can give you early access to the latest styles and often include discounts on the dresses featured. Definitely a great opportunity to snag a designer gown at a more affordable price.
Consider Pre-Loved
The pre-loved fashion industry has taken on a life of it's own in recent years, and bridal is no exception. With some of the chicest designer and vintage pieces available to purchase online, it gives you access to high-end pieces for a fraction of the price. And beyond contributing to the history of the piece, it equally contributes to sustainability, increasing the longevity and life cycle of each gown beyond the traditional one-day wear.
Expand Your Search
Explore a little beyond bridal-specific retailers and designers. Many non-bridal fashion brands offer ready-to-wear wedding collections at more affordable price points, yet not compromising on style. Jacquemus, Magda Butrym, and Rotate are just a few examples.
Incorporate Family Heirlooms
We love pieces with history! Your family heirloom can become a beautiful addition to your wedding ensemble adding more meaning and sentimental value to the entire look. These might be your grandmother’s treasured earrings, your mother’s favorite clutch, or even a veil passed down through generations. Best of all, they won’t cost you a thing yet will make a unique and memorable statement.
