How To Save Money On Your Wedding

Weddings are expensive, and continually trend upwards in cost thanks to the never-ending scroll of beautiful images on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. You can make your wedding elaborate, simple, or anything in between but you will still find that all of the bills, big and small, pile up into an overwhelming total. If there is anything I am asked again and again it is ways to cut back the overall spend on your wedding. Below are some tips, but please keep in mind what works for one bride may not work for another. It is important to choose what is worth the splurge for your wedding and what is not. Here are some ideas:

• Cut down your guest list. This is the fastest way to drastically drop the overall price. Rather than focusing solely on the price per person, focus on the number of people you are inviting. If you lower that you will quickly see your food/beverage and rentals (chairs, tables, linens) decrease. I encourage brides who are overspending their budget to potentially choose between a simpler menu/venue set up with a larger guest list or have a smaller guest count but more of the fancy cocktails and décor upgrades.
• You do not “need” everything. Once again thanks to social media often times brides feel they “need” a candy bar, photo booth, wall to wall draping, signature cocktails, favors, and grand centerpieces. The list goes on and on. Listen, while all of that would be nice you need to prioritize what is most important to you. You do not “need” all these things (though social media tells you otherwise!). Pick one or two (or more if your budget allows) things to splurge on and leave out the rest. No one will ever know you had considered them in the first place so it won’t look like you’re missing anything.
• Buy used wedding items. This one is easy! Shop on Wedzee.com to save! How would anyone ever know if those votives were brand new or already used, same with your earrings and veil. Cut corners where you can and definitely save money buying gently used items.
• DIY. You are craftier and more creative than you think! I promise you can do it! While you may not feel comfortable doing your own floral arrangements (and that’s totally ok!), make some of your own signs. Chalkboards signs are very trendy, inexpensive, and super easy. Buy bulk greenery garland or floating candles and keep it simple. There are so many beautiful ways to decorate that don’t have to cost you beaucoup bucks. You can even blow up an engagement photo of yours and have your guests sign it instead of a traditional album. It makes great home décor and doesn’t just collect dust on a shelf.
• Host your ceremony and reception at the same location. This helps in a few different ways. First, it eliminates the need for organized transportation for the wedding party (goodbye high limo bill!). Secondly, it makes it much easier to reuse some of your ceremony décor for your reception. For example, line the ceremony aisle with lanterns and have your coordinator or designated person move them directly afterwards onto the reception tables for centerpieces. Third, you can usually find a much better rental price rather than having to rent space at two separate locations.
• Pick a date that is off-season or not peak. Most venues will offer discounted rates for dates that are non-peak so consider a Friday or Sunday wedding as opposed to a Saturday. You can also ask if they offer discounted rates in offseason. Depending on where you are located geographically that will vary but in Florida, rates are generally discounted during the summer months thanks to the heat, rain, and hurricane season.
• Be open to seasonal selections. Particularly for flowers and food options, be willing to go with seasonal options. This is much more cost-effective than trying to order food or flowers that are not plentiful at that time. Your florist and caterer can give guidance on cost-effective options that pair nicely.
• Scale back the bar and consider offering beer and wine only. While an open bar isn’t in the budget for some, it doesn’t necessarily have to be an all or nothing option. Discuss the possibility of a champagne toast for all, then offering just beer and wine at the reception. This is way easier on your wallet.
• Print your own invitations. There are so many great services out there to design and print your own save the date cards, invitations, rsvp cards, and thank you cards. It’s not as daunting as it may sound because there are so many preset templates where you simply plug in your info and voila! Print and done.
• Consider cutting out the cake. The latest trend is to have a doughnut wall or cupcakes in lieu of a traditional wedding cake. Some couples have a smaller cake (think the size of the top layer only) to cut and enjoy but then a sheet cake is sliced and served to the guests (they don’t ever see that part and have no idea) or they are offered cupcakes or doughnuts. Wedding cakes can cost a ton of money, especially buttercream, so consider an alternative.
• Resell everything after the wedding. I am a huge advocate of buying versus renting because after your big day you own everything and can resell it! Renting it, while more convenient for some items, does not present the opportunity to recoup any of that spend. Reselling items is quick and easy on Wedzee.com. Snap a photo with your cell phone, set your own price, write a description, and consider it done. Listings are always free on Wedzee.
• Sometimes less truly is more. Simple weddings can be very elegant. Cut out the charger plates, the chair sashes, and fancy favors. Keep it simple, minimal, and elegant. Bonus if you can find a venue that is beautiful au naturel that does not require enhancements to dress it up.

About the Author

Jennifer Burns — Founder of Wedzee

Jennifer is a professional in the wedding industry with 12 years of experience in wedding planning, catering sales, and food and beverage operations. She has a BA in Tourism and Event Management. This is an opinion, based on personal experiences and perceived current trends. It is original content intended to inspire and guide planning brides.