Weddings are expensive. Everyone knows this. It’s one of the most stressful things about planning a wedding. You want everything to be fun and beautiful and perfect, but then again, you don’t want to go into debt either! I’m not an expert on the money side of it, but I did find several other wedding vendors that know plenty of tricks. Keep reading to learn the Top Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding.
Top Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding
Don’t Overdo It
Less is more in many situations. Wedding can certainly be “overdone”. Remember you and your fiancé are the stars of the show. Pick a venue that won’t need much embellishment.
****This is so true. Another thing that can save you money in a venue is what’s included. Make sure to ask them what all you get. Some places like The Barn at the Springs include tables, tables clothes, a sound system, and someone to help out on the wedding day. Other wedding venues give you nothing but the space. That can be a huge difference in cost! ****
Get Help from Your Wedding Planner
Planning a wedding can be exciting and daunting at the same time and money can cause so much strife. Make sure you seek counsel with your wedding planner. They are there to make your dream wedding come true, as well as assist you with experience of how the wedding industry works and where to save you money.
Some people have a large budget and others smaller but with any budget your wedding planner can make it work and make it your day! One can spend so much time trying to figure out ways to save money when the person that can help is right there just waiting to help. A wedding planner is like a tour guide you can go it alone but you will miss so much along the way without them!
It’s Not About the Little Things
Don’t waste your money on the little things. When I say little things I mean the little trinkets that nobody will notice. These days, with the venues themselves being so beautiful, less is more and you can do a lot with just a little. Save on that kind of stuff.
Food is another area that you don’t have to go all out on in my opinion. Make sure your guests have enough food but don’t think you have to go nuts.
People will remember how beautiful the bride looked and how much fun they had. That’s about all. Have the best photographer, videographer and entertainment and you will remember all the amazing moments from the best day of your life!
Cut Your Guest List
I can’t say this enough – CUT YOUR GUEST LIST!!! The more people you invite, the more food and alcohol you’re going to buy, not to mention chairs, place settings, centerpieces and printed goods. Those things add up quickly, and the better you can limit your guest list, the more customized experience you can give to your closest guests.
Spend on the Important Things
No matter how large of a budget, there will always be trade offs. I recommend you don’t skimp on 2 things: the dress and the photographer. We have imagined our wedding gowns since we were little girls. Find a dress that you will be proud of for years and makes you feel beautiful. Don’t settle. You may give it to your daughter some day. As for the photographer, you will see your wedding photos for the next 60 years hopefully. You will not get a redo or a second chance to capture those memories. Having the whole family together to celebrate should be captured by the best photographer possible.
When looking to save, one great tool is Facebook Marketplace. Many brides buy certain decorations, linens, bridesmaid dresses, flowers, fabrics and accessories then resell them after the wedding. You can save quite a bit by shopping around for items on the site. Plus, there are several groups that specialize in wedding specific items.
A Short Engagement Can Save Big $$$
Get married in a short time frame. It can be done and many vendors like venues, photographers, videographers, hair/makeup artists discount the closer you book to a date they have not filled. We joke and say that a Saturday next June or October is beachfront property in Malibu. You’re going to pay dearly for it!
co-owner, The Ravington
Don’t Decorate Everything
You do not have to decorate every table with extravagance and flowers. On occasion, that can even look a little cluttered. My advice is to decorate anywhere from 50% – 75% of the tables in the main room, if you are trying to save money.
What’s Your Priority?
Prioritize spending. Most of our guests consider the location a high priority. Every last item doesn’t have to be approached as a high priority. Consider what you will remember and prioritize that. Photography and location are an important place to consider spending a little more as ultimately your memories will be shaped and reframed by your photographs and the place you were married more than almost any other decision.
Save Big with a Nontraditional Date
Alternative to a Traditional Registry
These are such great ideas! It’s really hard for me to follow up all of that great advice. One way no one mentioned is having others help you pay for things. There is the traditional idea that parents and family can help pay for your wedding, but that’s not what I’m talking about.
People are going to bring you gifts or buy things from your registry, so why can’t they help pay for parts of the wedding? You can set up a special registry or a crowdfunding like page and people can put money towards certain things.
I will say that some people might find this idea tacky or rude. I’ll leave that up to you. You might ask some people first and see what the general opinion is. If you do go for it though, you can get something you really want instead of some pans.
Conclusion
Money can be such a issue when it comes to weddings. Follow a few of these top ways to save money on your wedding, and it could save you thousands of dollars. Let me know if you have any questions or need any more help. Happy planning!
