I remember when my husband and I first met, he saw my enthusiasm when watching the television show Platinum Weddings and was curious to know what I thought was an appropriate budget for a wedding. To his surprise, I quite calmly stated that I thought $30,000 was reasonable, and he looked at me like I had four heads! Compared to the millions the couples on the show were spending, I thought it was frugal to go so “low.” Fast forward 11 years later, and I laugh and cringe at the thought that I would spend so much money for one day. After all, the people who come to love and support you make the day what it is, right? You can still have a lovely wedding without spending a fortune, and here’s how.
1. Start with a Clear Budget
Begin with a crystal-clear budget blueprint to govern your wedding expenses. Decide what matters to you most, and allocate your funds to those two or three areas where you really need optimal quality. A precise budget ensures a disciplined approach, enabling you to make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary financial stress throughout the planning process.
2. Prioritize the Essentials
You have to decide what you want to prioritize on your big day. For some, that’s the venue; for others, it’s the photographer, and for others, it’s the cake. Whatever aspects aren’t as important to you, find ways to cut corners to make more room for things like food, decor, etc.
3. Consider Off-Peak Wedding Dates
Opt for off-peak wedding dates to maximize cost savings without compromising on quality. Selecting less popular months or weekdays allows you to secure favorable deals from venues and vendors. Unless the date you want to pick holds sentimental value, take what you can get and plan accordingly.
4. Consider A Less Traditional Venue
Another way to cut costs for your wedding is by choosing an unconventional venue. A scenic park, a backyard with nice landscaping, the beach, an aquarium, or a community hall are a few options that can add a unique charm to your wedding. These alternatives often come with lower rental costs, saving you money.
5. DIY Decorations
Be creative and craft your own decorations and favors, elevating your wedding with a personal touch while trimming unnecessary expenses. Some popular ideas include repurposing mason jars as candle holders or floral vases, creating personalized signs using chalkboards or wooden boards to guide guests or convey special messages, and DIY hanging floral arrangements or draped fairy lights. All of these are incredibly cute touches to add to your wedding day.
6. Explore Affordable Catering Options
Instead of choosing the regular catering options for your wedding, opt for a buffet or, even better, a food truck! It’s a fantastic idea that’s also creative and sure to impress your guests. These choices provide culinary variety and a relaxed atmosphere for a memorable dining experience without worrying about per-plate costs.
7. Limit the Guest List
I know this one is tough for some folks, as it’s a celebration where you want to invite those who want to be in attendance. Unfortunately, if you really want to save money on your wedding, you should limit the guest list to close friends and family members. Go for an intimate occasion and make alternative plans to go out with others who would also like to celebrate your union. Being selective about your guest list will significantly reduce costs associated with catering, seating, and other accommodations.
8. Choose a Simple Wedding Dress
This cost-effective strategy may be the most difficult one of them all. When you come across THE dress, you know it. And sometimes, it’s not the most budget-friendly option available. However, in the spirit of frugality, try to pick a sophisticated yet affordable wedding gown. Explore second-hand options, which not only contribute to sustainable practices but also offer inexpensive alternatives without compromising on style.
9. Utilize E-vites
We’re living in a digital age where you can pretty much do any and everything online. Why not use this to your advantage when possible? Electronic invitations are innovative and spread the word faster than printed invitations. With one touch of a button, you’ve sent out a mass email to everyone on your guest list. It also reduces paper waste; save yourself time and money from mailing everything by choosing e-vites instead.
10. Seasonal and Locally Sourced Flowers
Enhance your wedding’s natural beauty by selecting seasonal and locally sourced flowers in your arrangements. Beyond their freshness, these blooms are economical, fitting within your budget while supporting local businesses. It’s an excellent way to give back to your community!
11. Search for Discounts
Seek discounts or package deals when securing vendors for your wedding. For example, it’s common to find a venue willing to host your ceremony or reception, provide catering services, and even decorations for a lower price than if you purchased these items individually. Also, photographers usually have some connection to someone who can also do videography if they don’t offer that themselves. The goal is to shop around for the best deals out there.
12. Skip the Extras
Get what you need and nothing more when you’re planning your wedding. It’s tempting, but you’ll have to give up the cute, personalized wedding favors unless you can find an inexpensive way to make them yourself. Choose meaningful gestures over lavish trinkets, wedding gown embellishments, elaborate centerpieces, and other things that won’t get much use beyond that day.
13. Select A Smaller Wedding Cake or a Dessert Bar
Think about picking a smaller wedding cake and jazzing up the celebration with a dessert bar. The former is an excellent alternative because you don’t need a fancy cake to make the wedding special. Cupcake tiers are also less expensive, but if you’re dead set on a cake, get one that’s just big enough for everyone to have one slice. A dessert bar sounds like a brilliant idea that’s fun for everyone and offers more variety anyway.
14. Hire a Local or Student Photographer
Hire a local and reasonably-priced photographer or consider the creativity of student photographers. I know this may be a non-negotiable for some, but if you get a chance to see the person’s work beforehand, do it. Allow them the opportunity to make you confident in their ability to get beautiful and professional shots of your special moments.
15. Plan the Honeymoon Accordingly
Plan a honeymoon that fits your budget or, if needed, give it a rain check for a later date. It’s about making post-wedding memories without the financial headache, ensuring a relaxed start to the married life. Knowing me, I’d be okay skimping on things for the wedding because I’d want to splurge on the honeymoon! Nonetheless, if you’re expecting a child, purchasing a home, or making a significant life change, it’s wise to prioritize those expenses over the honeymoon.
