Congratulations – you’re getting married! This is a huge milestone in your life, where you get to celebrate love surrounded by your family and friends. But what’s not so great is the kicker in the piggy bank that you will likely encounter. Look, as all couples will testify, weddings are costly, and the last thing that you want is to go into debt for the big day. The good news? You can save money on your wedding as long as you make smart choices and are intentional about where to splurge and where to save. So, take a deep breath, and let’s find out how you can cut wedding expenses without sacrificing your vision.
Choose other days of the week to get married
There’s no written rule that you can only get married on a Saturday – in fact, experts state that any day of the week is entirely acceptable. However, if you prefer a weekend date, consider choosing a Friday night affair instead, as it can save you thousands of dollars in venue rates.
Alternatively, you could host a Sunday wedding instead, benefiting from reduced venue fees and lower food and beverage minimums, which is ideal for smaller parties.
Cut the guest list
This may not seem like the most politically fun thing to do, but trust us – it can make a significant difference when it comes to cutting wedding costs. Streamlining your guest list will result in a more intimate gathering, enhancing the overall experience, and allowing you to manage expenses more effectively.
It may feel hard to consider celebrating without some people, but remember that you can always invite them to a get-together in the pub, or the after-parties. These days, people are more understanding when it comes to small guest lists, so you should give it a try.
Shop for the wedding dress as early as you can
One thing that you may not consider when it comes to the wedding dress timeline is that rush fees can pile up really quickly, and that’s not something that you want. A tailor can add a rush fee of up to $500, but the good news is that you can avoid it as long as you order your wedding gown eight to nine months in advance.
Obviously, you don’t need to panic if you don’t find your dream gown during your first shopping appointment – this is a common experience for many brides-to-be. In fact, the data suggests that they visit at least two stores before making a decision. Just make sure that this appointment happens ahead of time. One thing that will help is to figure out what you like and what you don’t before you start shopping, so consider brushing up on your inspiration board and finding some common themes among the fabrics, necklines, and silhouettes to easily share your dream wedding dress later with a stylist.
Hold the ceremony and reception at the same venue
Why choose a different location for the ceremony and reception when you can have them at the same venue? This can save you a considerable amount of money, as many places offer package deals if you choose this approach. Additionally, you will only pay to decorate one hall and cater to one group of people, thereby reducing travel expenses for both the guests and yourself.
However, when doing this, you’ll want to create a shared space that feels intentional and ensure the space transitions effortlessly from ceremony to reception. Multipurpose décor can help with this, such as floral arrangements that move from the aisle to the tables, or an arch that can also serve as a backdrop for the sweetheart table.
Stick to simple and seasonal catering
We all know that catering is among the most important aspects to get right when planning the wedding, but if you aren’t careful, it can end up being very costly as well. The good news is that it is possible to save money on it by choosing a more creative, yet simplified menu.
For instance, instead of an extensive multi-course meal, you could serve a few high-quality dishes selected carefully. Moreover, it’s a good idea to work with seasonal ingredients and local vendors, as this will not only reduce costs but also allow you to offer fresh and delicious options that delight guests’ taste buds.
Be smart with décor
It’s so easy to get carried away when it comes to wedding decorations, but you need to prioritize if you want to save money. Consider whether you truly need a dessert bar, a photo booth, individual place cards, and so on – even if these things may be pretty, they aren’t as noticeable as you may think.
Also, wedding favors are not a necessity (unless you’re really into them), and they can really add to the costs of the wedding. But the truth is that there’s a lot you could do with the money you spend on them, so really consider if they matter to you. You can also ask your florist for décor you may hire or borrow – they always have loads of decorative items, including bottles, bowls, lanterns, and vases, so don’t miss the chance of bringing your wedding look together with their secret treasures.
Make the most of photo packages and bundles
Hiring a photographer is undoubtedly crucial when getting married, but this is also where you can cut costs by booking a professional who offers a bundled package that includes both engagement and wedding photography. Alternatively, you could bundle photography and videography services with a single vendor or opt for a package that includes only digital images, allowing you to print your favorites later.
What’s really great is that many photographers and videographers will give you the chance to customize your packages, meaning you can eliminate all the things that you find unnecessary, like parents’ albums or extra filming time. This will make it easier to keep everything within budget.
Takeaway
A budget wedding is possible, but it’s important to be creative and flexible. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box in terms of venues, décor, and services – this will help you plan a wedding that is beautiful and meaningful without going overboard on spending.