How to Actually Save Money on Your Wedding

Weddings can be pricey, but with a bit of creativity and strategic planning, you can have your dream day while staying close to your budget. In this guide, we’ll explore “save money” tips to keep your wedding fabulous and your finances in check.

1. Choose an Off-Peak Date

Consider getting married during the off-peak season or on a weekday. Here’s how it can help:

• Lower Rates: Many venues and vendors offer lower rates during off-peak times. The off-peak season typically includes winter (excluding holidays). Weekdays are also less expensive compared to weekends. 
• Increased Availability: There’s less competition for venues and vendors during off-peak times, making it easier to book your preferred choices.

2. Start Sourcing & Booking Early

Start booking your vendors and venues as early as possible. Ideally, you should aim to begin this process 1.5 to 2 years in advance. Early bookings come with several advantages that can help you stay within your budget:

• Better Availability: Popular venues and top-notch vendors get booked fast. By starting early, you can secure your first choices and ensure your wedding day is exactly how you envisioned.
• Potential Discounts: Some vendors offer early booking discounts. These savings can add up quickly, giving you more room in your budget for other details.
• Spread-Out Payments: Booking early allows you to spread out payments over a longer period, making it easier to manage your budget and avoid large, last-minute expenses.

3. Limit Your Guest Count (Consider a Micro Wedding)

• Smaller Guest List: Limit your guest list to 20-50 of your closest friends and family. This not only reduces costs but also creates a more intimate atmosphere.
• Unique Venues: Think outside the box when it comes to your venue. How about a charming restaurant, a venue designed for micro weddings, a private home (with the right permissions), or a community center? These spots often come with a friendlier price tag than the big, traditional venues.

Take Bellamy Loft, for example. A micro wedding venue specializing in intimate weddings that could host between 60 to 100 guests. Venues like this often offer in-house floral arrangements, which can be a significant cost saver for your special day.

2. Cash Gifts & Honeymoon Funds

Going for cash gifts or a honeymoon fund can be a total game-changer for saving on wedding costs. This approach makes it easier to stay within your budget, reduces financial stress, and allows you to start your married life with a more secure financial footing.

• Practical Presents: Forget the traditional gifts and ask for cash contributions to fund your honeymoon or future plans. This way, you avoid getting stuff you don’t really need and can use the money for something meaningful. It’s practical and makes sure your guests’ generosity is put to good use.
• Online Registries: Modern registries like Honeyfund or Zola are lifesavers. They let guests chip in for specific experiences or funds, making it super easy and convenient for them to give a meaningful gift. These platforms can help you cover major wedding expenses, like your honeymoon, without draining your savings. 

Embrace this modern approach to gift-giving and see how it makes your wedding planning smoother and more budget-friendly.

3. Vendor Saving Tips

Venue and Catering

• Choose a Single Location: Opt for a venue that can host both the ceremony and reception to save on transportation and decoration costs.
• Off-Peak Dates: Book your wedding during off-peak seasons or weekdays when venues offer significant discounts. Usually during winter between January-March are non-busy months, but this depends on your location. Ensure to ask your venue for “off-season” packages.
• Simplify the Menu: Choose a buffet or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner to reduce catering costs. Additionally, consider limiting the bar to beer, wine, and a signature cocktail.
• All-Inclusive Packages: Look for venues that offer all-inclusive packages covering catering, rentals, and coordination services to avoid separate vendor fees.

Photography and Videography

• Book Early: Secure your photographer and videographer well in advance to lock in current rates before they increase.
• Limit Hours: Hire your photographer and videographer for fewer hours, focusing on key moments like the ceremony, toasts, and first dances.
• Package Deals: Look for professionals who offer combined photography and videography packages for a lower overall price.
• Second Shooter: Consider hiring a talented amateur or a photography student as a second shooter to capture additional angles at a lower cost. However, ensure to coordinate this with your main shooters and that they allow this.
• Hire a Content Creator: Instead of a traditional videographer, hire a content creator. They can capture highlights and create short using high-quality smart phones, engaging videos for social media, often at a lower cost.
• Digital Albums: Opt for digital photo albums instead of printed ones to save on printing costs.

Emblaze Photography can help you plan the perfect timeline to capture all the essential moments without exceeding your budget. They provide customizable package deals and are open to working with second shooters to enhance your event coverage.

Moreover, relive your wedding day’s candid moments with experienced content creators, like Glam Love Social. These pros will handle all the details, from shooting to editing, and offer budget-friendly and custom packages. 

Attire

• Shop Sales and Sample Sales: Take advantage of bridal shop sales, trunk shows, and sample sales for significant discounts on designer dresses.
• Consider Pre-Owned: Look for gently used wedding dresses on sites like Stillwhite or Once Wed.
• Rent or Borrow: Rent attire for the groom and groomsmen or borrow accessories from friends and family.
• Simple Alterations: Choose a dress that requires minimal alterations to save on tailoring costs.

Flowers and Decor

• In-season Flowers: Opt for flowers that are in season during your event. They are usually more affordable and readily available. Out-of-season flowers often need to be imported, which can significantly increase costs.
• Reuse Arrangements: Repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception to get the most out of your floral budget.
• Minimalist Approach: Opt for a minimalist decor style, focusing on a few statement pieces rather than numerous small arrangements. Example, instead of using fresh floral arches, rent 2 large statement arrangements instead. 
• Opt for Non-Floral Decor: Incorporate non-floral elements into your decor. Varying heights of candles, lanterns, fairy lights can all create a beautiful atmosphere without the expense of fresh flowers.
• Choose a Venue with Natural Beauty: Select a venue that is naturally beautiful and requires less decorating.
• Simplify Your Color Palette: A simpler color palette can sometimes be easier and cheaper to achieve, as it may reduce the need for specialized flower orders.
• Rent Decor: Rent decor items instead of buying them to save money and reduce waste.
• Use Faux Florals: Rent faux floral arrangements instead of fresh flowers.
• Consult a Professional: Work with a florist or event decorator who understands your budget and can suggest cost-effective options. They often have insider knowledge on how to get the best deals.

Opting for simple centerpieces can beautifully enhance your table setting without stretching your budget. Example, each set below can be rented from $65 (see here and here for examples). 

Compared to buying or using fresh floral centerpieces, which typically cost between $165-$250 per table, this choice saves you around $100 per table. This approach not only keeps your budget in check but also allows for elegant and cohesive decor. 

VintageBASH can be your one-stop shop for stunning wedding flowers and decor. Their creative team can help you design a cohesive look that fits your style and budget. Plus, they have an extensive rental inventory. 

Music and Entertainment

• DJ over Live Band: Hire a DJ instead of a live band to save on costs while still keeping the dance floor lively.
• Student Musicians: Hire talented music students or a local school band for a more affordable live music option.
• Limit the Hours: Book your entertainment for a shorter duration, focusing on key moments like the reception.
• Bundle Services: Look for DJs who can also provide MC services to avoid hiring additional vendors.
• Use a DJ app for the dancing part. Create your own playlists for different parts of the day to keep the music flowing without the expense of a live DJ or band (e.g. cocktail hour, dinner).This could work for more casual and small-sized weddings.

Invitations and Stationery

• DIY Invitations: Design and print your own invitations using online templates and DIY printing services.
• Digital Invitations: Opt for digital invitations and RSVPs to save on printing and postage costs. Check out Plan In Love for some free and paid online wedding stationery templates. You can easily customize the designs to match your wedding theme.
• Minimalist Design: Choose a simple and elegant design that requires less ink and fewer embellishments.
• Bulk Discounts: Order all your stationery items (invitations, programs, menus) from the same vendor to get bulk discounts.
• Printable Templates: Use printable templates for programs and menus to reduce costs.

Cake

• Smaller Display Cake: Have a smaller display cake for cutting and photos, and serve sheet cakes to guests.
• Simplify the Design: Opt for a simpler design with fewer intricate details to reduce labor costs.
• Local Bakeries: Consider local bakeries or even talented friends or family members to make your cake.
• Cupcake Tower: Use a cupcake tower instead of a traditional cake to save on cutting fees and simplify serving.
• Fake Tiers: Use fake tiers decorated with real icing for a grand look at a lower cost. Check with your cake artist.

Transportation

• Carpooling: Encourage guests to carpool or use ride-sharing services to reduce transportation needs.
• DIY Transport: Use personal or borrowed vehicles for the bridal party and family instead of renting limos.
• Single Location: Choose a venue where the ceremony and reception can be held at the same place to eliminate the need for guest transportation.
• Shuttle Services: If transportation is necessary, hire a shuttle service instead of multiple cars to transport guests.
• Local Vendors: Choose transportation vendors close to your venue to reduce travel costs.

Accomodations

Save on accommodation for you and your guests with these creative strategies:

• Block Bookings: Reserve a block of rooms at a hotel for discounts. Compare offers from different hotels to get the best deal.
•  Vacation Rentals: Use platforms like Airbnb or VRBO for affordable, home-like accommodations. Renting a large house can accommodate multiple guests and serve as a central location.
• Off-Season Deals: Book during off-peak times to take advantage of lower rates.
• Family and Friends: Ask nearby family or friends to host guests for a personal and economical option.
• Group Discounts: Use travel websites for group discounts on accommodations.
• Shuttle Service: Arrange a shuttle between accommodations and the wedding venue to save on individual transportation costs.
• Alternative Lodging: Explore unique options like glamping sites, farm stays, or hostels.
• Negotiation: Negotiate rates with hotels or rental owners, especially for multiple rooms or extended stays.
• Early Reservations: Book early to secure lower rates and ensure availability.

Favors and Gifts

Many guests often leave these behind or throw them away. Skip the favors altogether to save money and simplify your planning. Otherwise:

• DIY Favors: Make your own wedding favors, such as homemade jam, candles, or personalized items.
• Practical Gifts: Choose practical favors that guests will use, like seed packets or reusable tote bags.
• Bulk Buying: Buy favors and bridal party gifts in bulk to get discounts.
• Combined Roles: Combine roles, such as asking bridesmaids to also be readers or ushers, and give a single, meaningful gift for their contribution.

Wedding Planner

Hiring an experienced wedding planner could save you money depending on the planner you choose. Ensure to ask for their experiences, services they offer and if they can work within your budget. Check reviews. Here’s how:

• Industry Discounts: Planners get exclusive vendor discounts, offsetting their fees.
• Budget Management: Planners help you stick to your budget and allocate funds efficiently.
• Time-Savings: Planners handle time-consuming tasks, freeing up your schedule to focus on your profession and earn the funds for your wedding, all without the stress of managing the wedding details.
• Avoiding Mistakes: Planners help avoid costly errors and ensure all contracts are reviewed. Preventing hidden fees and securing the best deals.
• Negotiating Skills: Planners negotiate better rates and terms with vendors. Lower rates or additional perks included in packages.
• Packages: Some planners offer packages that can be more cost-effective than hiring separate vendors. A deal that includes planning, coordination, and some decor setup.
• Stress Reduction: Planners reduce stress and prevent last-minute changes and rush fees. Avoiding extra fees for expedited services.
• Vendor Referrals: Planners have trusted vendor networks, ensuring reliability and quality. Recommended vendors are less likely to need costly last-minute changes.

While the benefits of hiring a wedding planner are clear, choosing the right one is crucial. WildBASH Events is a team of passionate and experienced planners who will work closely with you to understand your vision, budget, and style, and then create a personalized plan. 

Miscellaneous

• Second-Hand Decor: Buy second-hand or gently used decor items from other brides or websites like Facebook Marketplace.
• Barter Services: If you have skills or services to offer, consider bartering with vendors for a discount.
• Skip the Extras: Eliminate non-essential extras like elaborate programs, excessive rental items, or unnecessary decor pieces (e.g. bar decor, welcome signs, washroom decor).
• Wedding Websites: Use a wedding website for information and RSVPs to save on printing costs.
• Rehearsal Dinners: This expense is often covered by family members. If it falls on you, opt for an intimate potluck at home or a loved one’s house instead of a formal dinner.

Pros & Cons of Cost-Saving Strategies

When planning a wedding, balancing dreams with budget constraints is a common challenge. Cost-saving strategies can help manage expenses, but they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of adopting cost-saving wedding strategies.

Pros:

• Budget-Friendly: Keeping costs down is a major win. You can stick to your budget and dodge financial stress. Example: Choosing a charming, affordable venue or opting for a buffet over a plated dinner can save big bucks.
• Personal Touch: DIY projects add a unique and personal flair to your wedding. Example: Crafting your own centerpieces or wedding favors makes your day feel extra special and memorable.
• Flexibility: Save in some areas, splurge in others. You decide! Example: By saving on invites, you can splurge on a fantastic photographer or a killer band.
• Reduced Debt: Start your marriage on a financially sound note. Example: Avoiding extravagant expenses means more savings for future adventures, like buying a home or traveling.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: DIY projects and vendor negotiations can eat up your time.
  Example: Handcrafting decorations or managing multiple vendors can become overwhelming and time-intensive.
• Quality Concerns: Sometimes, saving money means compromising on quality.
  Example: A budget-friendly photographer might not capture those magical moments as perfectly as you’d hope.
• Stress: Taking on too much can raise your stress levels. Example: Coordinating DIY projects, logistics, and ensuring everything runs smoothly can be quite the juggling act.
• Hidden Costs: Beware of unexpected expenses popping up. Example: Extra fees for delivery, setup, or overtime can sneakily inflate your budget.
• Limited Options: Budget constraints might mean making tough choices.
  Example: Choosing a budget-friendly venue could mean settling for a spot that doesn’t fully match your dream vision.

Conclusion

Cost-saving wedding strategies are a smart way to keep your expenses in check while planning your special day. These approaches offer several perks like reducing debt, providing flexibility, and adding a personal touch to your celebration.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind the potential downsides, such as the time and effort involved, increased stress, and possible compromises on quality.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons, couples can make informed decisions on which cost-saving strategies to embrace, ensuring a beautiful and memorable wedding that stays within budget and avoids financial strain.

Happy planning!

References:

• https://www.herecomestheguide.com/wedding-ideas/how-to-save-money-on-wedding 
• https://www.wedshed.com.au/17-clever-ways-to-save-money-on-your-wedding 
• https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0212/how-to-save-for-a-wedding.aspx