9 Professional ways to Cut Wedding Costs
Cutting wedding costs does not have to be a negative or stressful task.
There are a lot of ways you can save money for your wedding budget without sacrificing the quality of your big day!
In fact, often less is more, and by going through all of your expenses and seeing what can be left out may save you from going over the top on any unneeded expenditures.
Now, let’s save you some money!
1. Shave your Guest List
Cutting down on your wedding guest list can be a delicate task. It is normal to want to include as many people as you can to celebrate with you; however, each wedding guest will dramatically increase your overall wedding cost.
Keep in mind more wedding guests equals more meals, favors, tables, decorations, staff assistance, and higher venue prices to name a few.
A popular way to include people in your celebration who do not make the guest list cut is to still invite them to your engagement party, bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, or all of the above.
You can explain to them personally or via invitation that you and your partner are choosing to have a small ceremony and reception. More times than not, everyone is understanding.
If you are struggling to shave your wedding gust list, download our FREE 30 SECOND FLOW CHART
to help decide which guests may not need to make the cut.
2. Lower Cost Wedding Stationary & Electronic Options
Wedding stationary can put a big dent in your overall wedding budget. Although it can be hard to resist all of the premium options available, a lot of the standard options are just as appealing and much more affordable. This is true whether you are considering wedding invitations, RSVP cards, table signage, etc.
Some great ways to utilize budget friendly services are using design programs, such as Canva, to create and print your own designs. You can choose from premade templates or start your design from a blank slate. You can choose to order directly from there website, or download your files and have them printed elsewhere if you find a more affordable provider.
Keep in mind that you may also save money when you order in bulk. Make a list of all your wedding stationary needs and try to order it all at the same time. Also, look out for coupons and promotions from your selected service providers for event more saving opportunities!
Another popular and proven way to save on wedding stationary, is going electronic. It is a great alternative for many reasons such as being cost efficient, user-friendly, and always available on you and your guests devices if needed.
3. Attenuate Decor
As previously mentioned, less is often more. You do not need to go overboard on decorations, especially if your wedding venue is already beautiful.
A few decorative arrangements and personal touches are plenty to liven up the space and make it unique to you and your partner.
4. Be Thrifty
When trying to cut wedding costs, always explore affordable options and alternative ways to achieve your wedding goals.
Some ways you can apply thrifty habits into your wedding planning can include:
DIY - bouquets, backdrops, centerpieces, etc.
Finding gently used items and decorations - check Facebook marketplace, thrift stores, and garage sales
Research if renting in lieu of purchasing items will be more affordable
Always ask about package deals - does the venue include catering options that are cheaper than bringing in an outside caterer, etc.
Invest in a good wedding planner journal in place of a wedding planner.
5. Cash Bar
A cash bar is when your guests pay for their own alcoholic beverages and can save you a significant amount of money.
It also has the potential to limit the amount of guests who overindulge at the bar because they will be more inclined to control their intake if they are paying their own tab.
Always be sure to talk to your venue about their alcohol policies.
6. Hire an Event Planner
An event planner is a event professional who specializes in the planning, organizing, and execution of a social event. It is also their job to prioritize and stay within your budget while bringing your vision and your event to life. They often have connections and tricks-of-the-trade that can save you money and stretch your wedding budget.
If in your budget, hiring an event planner can be a great asset.
You will love this list of the 5 Reasons You Should Hire an Event Planner
7. Focus on your Priorities List
As previously mentioned, focusing on what elements are most important to you and your partner on your wedding day can help eliminate any unneeded purchases.
To help with decision making, make a list of your must-haves and if you are faced with a decision that does not fit anywhere on that list then most likely it won’t be missed.
8. Explore other Wedding Venues
Your venue will be a huge expense to your wedding budget so make sure you shop around before making any final decisions.
It is so important to ask your potential wedding venue the right questions. That is why we put together the 25 Must Ask Venue Questions Template.
You can check Facebook groups to find venues and vendors in the desired area or state where you want to get married. Different venues may offer different packages, so be sure to have your list of venue questions ready.
You can also consider hosting your ceremony and/or reception at a public venue such as a park, historic building, library, or beach. If you go this route, be sure to check with the city to go over any needed regulations, permits, and such.
9. Skip the Weekend Wedding & Peak Months
Wedding venue prices are typically the highest during peak seasons (May-Sep) and on weekends.
Ask your venue about how their prices fluctuate during different times of the year or days of the week.
Don’t feel obligated to have your wedding on a Saturday.
Friday weddings are fun because it gives them and their guests an extra day to recoup from partying.
Sunday weddings are great because they are usually more budget friendly and have more date availability.
Wednesday weddings are said to be one of the best days of the week to get married not only because it can save you money and gives you and your guests something to look forward to mid-week, but it is superstitiously said to be good luck.
