10 Ways to Save Money on Your Big Day
Chances are, if you’re planning a wedding, you have a budget that you want to stick to. You may just have a number in mind, or you may be super duper organized and have the money broken down into different categories, either way, chances are you will probably go over that budget a little, or a lot. After all, you’re only doing this one time in life, and you want it to be perfect! In order to help you stick to your wedding budget, I’ve compiled ten tips to help you cut costs. Now the important thing about this is, know yourself. What I mean by this is, if DIY stresses you out and you don’t want to be putting together flower arrangements the day before your wedding, then don’t. Use some other money saving tips instead. If you’re super confident in your makeup artistry and drawing a perfect winged liner on the big day doesn’t freak you out, then go for it! But just remember, professionals charge what they charge for a reason. Don’t sacrifice your sanity to save money. It could cost you more in the long run. For me, I know my photos, dress, music, and food (which will probably be included in the venue), are most important, so I don’t think I’ll be skimping there. Just make sure to have your own list of priorities when budgeting and save where you can!
Get married in the “off season.”
I’m sure it depends on which state or country you live in, but I know for the Northeast, the off season is typically January to March, sometimes August, and sometimes December. Usually your venue, and sometimes your vendors, will offer a discount because they aren’t getting as much business.
Don’t get married on a Saturday.
Getting married on a Friday or Sunday will save you some money on your venue. Fridays cane be an inconvenience because people are coming from work or have to take off of work depending on what time your wedding is (which I believe if the people love you enough they will sacrifice a vacation day…who wants to go to work anyway lol). Sundays are also discounted because of the buzzkill of going to work the next day. Know your group! If you know no one will ditch you Sunday night mid-party because of work, then go for it! Or if you’re into a brunch wedding, that works too (I’m into club vibes so that’s not for me.) Just beware of holiday Sundays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. They usually cost the same as getting married on a Saturday.
Limit or forgo out of season florals.
You can save money on your flowers by opting for in season blooms. Try swapping out of season flowers for ones with a similar look that are in season, or just limit the amount to save some cash.
Ex-nay to the second bouquet.
If you plan on doing the bouquet toss, don’t pay for a second bouquet. Either use your real one (because what else are you going to do with it besides set it on your table or on the floor next to your chair) or make your maid of honor give you her bouquet and sacrifice that one instead haha.
DIY where you can.
Again, I want to reiterate that I am not into being exhausted on your wedding day because you decided to DIY everything and overextend yourself. You don’t want your entire bridal party and mom to be dead tired the day of. That’s no fun!! But do DIY where you can, especially if it’s something that can be done way in advance, like place cards, menu cards, and any other stationary like programs for the ceremony.
Forget the favors.
Let’s be honest, most people leave the favors at the venue by accident or don’t use whatever it is. I’m a fan of handing out leftover cake at the end of the night. People want a midnight snack anyway! This is also great if your venue serves other desserts as well.
Speaking of cake…Fake your cake.
Get a small cake for cutting and then sheet cakes to serve to guests. They won’t even notice! Just keep them in the kitchen and have the venue cut and serve it. (Just remember this only works if your venue doesn’t provide the cake).
DJ all the way.
I have always been team DJ, and I’m sure some are just as expensive as bands, but sometimes they are less expensive!
Think before you upgrade.
It can be easy to get wrapped up into the upgrades that your venue provides. Just make sure to really think about if they make sense for you or provide value for your guests. For example, if your group is really into wine, you may want to skip the wine service with dinner. They usually only give you two choices to pick from. Chances are your wine-loving group has a particular brand or type of wine they like and will get it from the bar anyway. Congrats, you just saved hundreds of dollars.
Shop during a trunk show.
If you shop for your dress during a trunk show, you may just get a discount! Make sure to search for trunk shows on designers’ websites and check with boutiques before you book.
I hope some of these tips help you save some bucks when it comes to your big day! Let me know which of these you plan on using or if you have any money saving tips of your own!
