Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be overwhelming when you realise how quickly things can add up. The goods news though is that with a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can save money on your wedding while still having the day of your dreams. Here are ten practical ways to save money while wedding planning.
1. Choose a Mid-Week Wedding
Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular days for weddings, which often makes them the most expensive. By opting for a mid-week wedding, you’ll not only save on venue costs but you may also find vendors more willing to offer discounts. Back in 2022, my husband and I opted to have a Thursday wedding. We found that we didn’t have to meet such a high minimum guest count (80 guests for a Saturday compared to 30 for a Thursday) and most of our guests chose to make the most of a long weekend! No one at all minded taking that extra day or so off work.
2. Have Your Ceremony and Reception at the Same Venue
Eliminate the need for additional transportation and venue fees by holding your ceremony and reception at the same location. This not only simplifies logistics but it also comes with package deals from your venue that include everything from getting ready areas to catering and styling.
3. Opt for a Smaller Wedding Party
Large wedding parties mean higher costs for dresses, suits, gifts and extras like hair and makeup. Consider having one or two bridesmaids and/or groomsmen each, or none at all. A smaller wedding party allows you to allocate your budget to other priorities or splurge on other special details for your day.
4. Buy Styling Items and Re-Sell Them
Invest in styling items like table linen, cutlery and candles that you can re-sell afterward on Facebook Marketplace or local wedding groups. This not only saves you from rental costs but also helps you recoup some of your expenses.
5. Consider an Alternative to a Traditional Wedding Cake
Wedding cakes can be surprisingly pricey, especially when factoring in specific designs and multi-tiered options. Instead, consider alternatives like a champagne tower, donut bar or brownie trays.
6. Limit Your Guest Numbers
One of the quickest ways to cut costs is by trimming your guest list. Fewer guests mean lower costs for catering, venue size, invitations and menus. Focus on inviting those who truly matter to you and your partner.
7. Streamline your Stationery
Instead of having seperate place cards and menus, consider printing your guest names directly onto the menus. This not only simplifies your table setting but saves you on print costs by not having to print two pieces.
8. Re-Purpose Your Ceremony Flowers
Fresh flowers are by far the most beautiful addition to any wedding day, but they can quickly eat into your styling budget. Maximise their use by repurposing your ceremony flowers for your reception. For example, ceremony aisle arrangements can double as table centrepieces and welcome sign florals can be moved to accompany your seating chart for the reception.
9. Host at a Private Property
If done correctly, hosting your wedding at a private property can save you money on venue fees. You may have a family member or friend willing to loan you their property for the day meaning you only have to focus on things like catering and styling rather than an additional venue fee on top.
10. Skip Wedding Favours
Wedding favours can be a lovely gesture but they are definitely not a necessity. Many guests won’t even take them home. If you would still like to thank your guests, consider writing personalised thank you cards to each guest.
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love and commitment, not about how much you spend. By incorporating some or all of these money-saving tips, you can plan a beautiful and memorable day that reflects your own unique style and personality. If you are in need of custom stationery for your wedding day or just want to bounce ideas around planning, you are always welcome to reach out here.
