If you are like most engaged couples, you’re looking for some tried and true money saving ideas and budget savers. We all know that planning a wedding requires more than just money.
What truly gets remembered are the creative touches and the unique elements that reflect what’s meaningful to the couple. Those are the moments that make your wedding truly yours and leave a lasting impression on your guests. But while creating a memorable celebration is the goal, sticking to a budget is often a necessity. The good news? With a bit of strategic planning, you can have both!
We can help you plan a memorable event without putting dents in your budget. Here are some tried-and-true money-saving ideas that don’t sacrifice style or special touches:
10 Easy (and Invisible) Money Saving Ideas
1. One of the best money saving ideas is to avoid peak season dates. Choosing an off-peak time for your wedding can save you a significant amount of money. Opt for a mid-week celebration or a Sunday instead of a Saturday, or consider booking your wedding during less popular months like March or November. You could save up to 20% on venue rental fees alone! Plus, you might find that your dream venue or vendors have more availability during these times, giving you more flexibility and options.
2. Make adjustments to your guest list in groups. If you need to trim your guest list, try to make cuts in groups to simplify the process. For example, if your tables seat 8 or 10 guests, make cuts by that number or multiples of that number. This can help keep seating arrangements balanced, and you won’t find yourself having to pay for an extra table that ends up half-empty. Remember, each guest adds to the cost—not just for food, but for everything from invitations to favors.
3. Choosing a venue that hosts both ceremony and reception is a top money saving idea. Opting for a venue that can accommodate both your ceremony and reception can be a major budget saver. Not only will you save on venue rental fees, but you’ll also cut down on transportation costs and logistics between locations. Look for all-inclusive venues that offer packages including catering, décor, and coordination—it’s often more cost-effective than hiring separate vendors.
4. Have a smaller wedding party. Think quality over quantity when it comes to your bridal party. Instead of six bridesmaids and groomsmen, consider choosing two or three close friends or family members to stand by your side. This will help you save on the cost of bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, and bridal party gifts. And, with fewer people, you’ll have a more intimate and stress-free experience as you get ready on the big day.
5. Serve fewer appetizer options. When planning your cocktail hour, don’t feel the need to offer a huge variety of hors d’oeuvres. Instead of ten different options, narrow it down to four crowd-pleasers. Your caterer will still have enough food for everyone, and guests will appreciate the variety without feeling overwhelmed. Reducing the number of options means fewer ingredients to purchase and prepare, which can significantly reduce catering costs.
6. Another money saving idea is to set a specific end time for your photographer. Your photographer is an essential part of capturing the memories of your day, but they don’t need to be there until the very last guest leaves. Consider having your photographer stay only until the main events are over, such as the first dance, cake cutting, and any special toasts. This way, you’ll still have beautiful photos of key moments while saving money on extra hours of coverage.
7. Choose transportation for a grand entrance or a grand exit—but not both. Arriving or departing in style is always fun, but you don’t need to rent a limo for the entire day. Consider making a grand entrance to the ceremony or a stylish exit at the end of the night—whichever feels more important to you. By renting a limo or vintage car for just one part of the day, you can still add a touch of elegance without the all-day rental price.
8. Boost your budget with a little extra cash. If your budget is tight, look for ways to earn a little extra money to put toward your wedding. Consider picking up a part-time job, selling gently used items on eBay or Craigslist, or offering services like tutoring, pet-sitting, door dash, or freelance work. Just remember: Avoid using credit cards to fund your wedding expenses. It’s better to adjust your spending than to start married life with unnecessary debt.
9. Save on postage with postcard RSVPs. Traditional invitation suites often include a separate RSVP card and envelope, which can add up in both printing and postage costs. Instead, opt for a postcard RSVP, which is less expensive to print and costs less to mail. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, especially when sending out dozens or even hundreds of invitations.
10. Make choices based on your personal style. Your wedding should reflect you and your partner’s personalities, and choosing a style that feels true to you can also help save money. For example, if you’re more casual and laid-back, consider hosting a cocktail party reception with appetizers and signature drinks instead of a formal sit-down dinner. It’s more relaxed and can be more budget-friendly while still offering a fantastic experience for your guests.
What Are Your Favorite Ways to Save?
Do you have any other money-saving ideas that you’d add to this list? Let me know what they are in the comments below! I’d love to hear your creative ideas and help other couples keep their budgets in check while planning their dream wedding.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing style or fun! If you’re looking for even more ways to save, or if you have questions about how to make your dream wedding a reality, I’d love to help. Drop a comment below with your thoughts.
Photo credit: rich piggy via photopin (license)
