How to Save Money for a Wedding

After the excitement of the marriage proposal settles, the reality of wedding planning kicks in. The main goal of every couple tends to be how to save money for the wedding. Today, the cost of items has increased manifold, so it makes sense for couples to find ways to cut down their wedding expenses. It would be a lie if we said that many couples don’t end up stressed as they try to plan and save for their wedding.

Of course, you want your dream wedding, but don’t think you have to break the bank in the process. Saving for your wedding does not mean sacrificing everything. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so it should be something enjoyable.

Simple Ways to Save for a Wedding

Saving for your wedding isn’t that hard. First, you need to increase your sources of income. So, consider making cash from platforms such as Pawns.app to supplement your wedding budget. On Pawns, you earn by answering easy surveys and sharing your internet. With some savvy planning, lifestyle change, and our advice on how and where you can reduce costs, you can easily manage your wedding expenditures. This comprehensive guide contains some essential tips. Let’s dive in.

How to Save Money on a Wedding Venue

Choosing a wedding venue is one of the critical decisions you must make. The location you select will set the tone of your day. Did you know that a venue is among the most significant wedding expenses? In fact, research indicates that, on average, couples spend $10,700 on a wedding space in the US. However, it’s possible to find affordable spots to tie the knot. How? Follow these tips: 

• Get married during off-peak season 

Depending on the venue you wish to hold your wedding, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, you have to consider getting married in the off season, perhaps in early spring and late winter. Even though the weather might not be favorable for a wedding, it will be totally worth it. You’ll get married in your preferred venue but at a much lower price. 

• Go all-inclusive 

Choosing an all-inclusive venue can be a smart way to save. Many budget wedding venues offer various packages, allowing you to know all the cost upfront. This can come in handy if you are on a tight budget. 

• Avoid an at-home wedding 

You may think having a reception in your backyard will help you spare some coins. However, that’s not the case. It’s often even more expensive compared to a traditional wedding venue. Why? You’ll have to rent everything from generators to tents, a food prep station, and even portable toilets. All these expenses will add up quickly. So, it’s best to look for an all-inclusive venue that provides many services in-house. 

• Marry on a weekday 

Marrying on a weekday is a great way to save on your wedding. Usually, venues charge more for weekend events since there is a lot of competition. Although it’s not a convenient day for you or your loved ones, it will save you a bunch. Changing your wedding date from Saturday to a Friday, Thursday, or even Monday might be the answer to your tight budget. If you pick Friday, you can extend your celebrations into the weekend with a party or barbecue elsewhere.

How to Save Money on Wedding Catering

Research shows couples spend at least $75 per person on wedding food in the US. This statistic is an indication that catering is another considerable expense. However, you can save in various ways while still serving tasty and memorable meals to your guests. Here’s how: 

• Select a venue with outside catering 

Some venues are flexible when it comes to food, but others only allow their caterer to handle the event. So, if you are yet to pick a location, find one that allows outside catering. This move will enable you to research providers and choose one that suits your budget. Furthermore, you will not have to stick to the venue’s menu options. 

• Have a cocktail-style reception 

You can save money by skipping a sit-down dinner or buffet. Instead, go for passed appetizers. But ensure you have enough for everyone, and your guests don’t get hungry. 

• Hold a brunch wedding 

A brunch menu is usually less expensive than dinner. So, consider holding a wedding in the morning or early afternoon – it can help you save on food. You’ll wow your visitors with fresh waffles, omelet stations, and more! 

• Serve seasonal foods 

Usually, when food items are out of season, they are expensive. So, deciding to offer in-season dishes on your big day can minimize catering prices. As a bonus, foods in season are usually fresh and taste better. So, talk with your caterer to know what’s in season and which options are most affordable. 

• Limit your bar 

Are you in for a wide cocktail selection and a fully stocked open bar your priority? If not, consider limiting your alcohol selection to save. Rather than stocking your bar with every mixer and liquor imaginable, stick to beer and wine. If you want more variety, including one or two signature drinks on your menu is a great idea.

How to Save Money on Wedding Flowers and Décor

Nowadays, flowers make up a huge chunk of a wedding budget. But this doesn’t mean you can’t save your hard-earned money. What do we recommend? Well, to start with, be flexible and listen to your florist. Other ways to save on wedding décor and flowers include: 

• Select a naturally beautiful venue 

The best way to save money while planning a wedding is by selecting a venue that doesn’t require extensive décor to look beautiful. Choose a flower garden, a public park, or an ornate place of worship. This way, you won’t have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on additional décor. 

• Buy local in-season flowers 

If you buy in-season blooms for your event, you’ll save a lot on your big day. This is because local and in-season flowers are cheaper than those shipped from abroad. For example, getting peonies and ranunculus all year round can be challenging, but daisies and roses are readily available and cost less. 

• Be flexible 

Flexibility is vital. Avoid being too stuck on having a particular bloom on your flower arrangements. Try to focus on your wedding theme, color, and style, then allow your florist to pick affordable flowers that suit the occasion best.

How to Save Money on a Wedding Cake

Your wedding cake is probably the priciest dessert you’ll ever have to purchase. Lucky for you, we have tips that will help you save on your wedding cake. They include: 

• Order a small display cake 

Consider going for a one or two-tier cake for that unforgettable cake-cutting moment. Then, supplement it with cookies, cupcakes, pies, or sheet cake so everyone can have a slice. 

• Select fresh flowers rather than sugar 

Even though sugar flowers are small, they are costly since they require time and effort to prepare. So, choose fresh flowers for your confection because they are more affordable. 

• Opt for slimmer slices 

Obviously, smaller cake slices will enable you to save on a cake. So, when cutting the cake, go for slimmer pieces, especially if you’ll cater an additional dessert bar. This way, you’ll save on cake costs.

How to Save Money on Wedding Invitations and Stationery

There are so many beautiful wedding invitations out there, so finding a pocket-friendly option can be tedious. Fortunately, we have some tips and tricks to help you cut your wedding stationery budget. 

• Go digital 

Special printing techniques such as engraving, letterpress, and foil stamping are gorgeous but expensive. If you wish to save, go the digital way since it’s more affordable. 

• Create a wedding website 

If you don’t wish to go digital, you can still leverage tech to save. You can create a wedding website that you can use to communicate with your guests. A website helps keep your invitation simple. Simply put, it allows you to ensure your invite contains the necessary details, such as the wedding date, venue, and registry. 

• Do away with an oversized invite 

One mistake that couples make is to forget to budget for postage fees while allocating funds for wedding invitations, and this can build drastically. Technically, heavy, uniquely shaped, or large invites will cost more to send. Therefore, ensure your invitation is simple and light.

How to Save Money on Wedding Attire

Of course, your wedding attire means a lot to you. After all, the meaningful photographs from the event will feature your outfit. Therefore, something that will make you feel confident and comfortable without going overboard is essential. Here is how to save money on your wedding attire: 

• Avoid last-minute shopping 

The best way to save on your wedding dress or suit is to shop early. The best time to start shopping is eight months before the wedding day. Last-minute orders will incur extra expenses, such as rush fees. 

• Rent your dress 

Even though renting your wedding attire might not seem like a good choice, you will save lots of money. And because you will probably only wear your wedding dress once, renting will also clear space in your closet. There are many websites where you can rent chic designer looks at affordable prices. 

• Take advantage of sample sales 

Before you purchase attire, do some pre-shopping research. Contact your local dress shop to know whether they have sample sales or trunk shows coming soon. These events can help you save a lot.

How to Save Money on Wedding Photography and Videography

A photographer and videographer are essential in a wedding. With so many options out there, you must be careful when choosing one for your special day. The best way to save is by researching a vendor before hiring one. Want to save a few more dollars? Check these tips out: 

• Limit filming time 

Consider hiring your photographer for at least 8-10 hours rather than the whole day, which is usually 12-14 hours. Within 8-10 hours, they’ll still be able to capture the most critical moments. In the end, expect a 20% saving!  

• Read packages carefully 

Some photographers and videographers will give you the option to customize your package. So, study it carefully and remove the things you do not need, such as your parent’s album, extra filming, a drone shot, etc. This way, you can save and keep things within your budget. 

• Hire a local photographer and videographer 

Many professional photo and video pros charge extra fees if they have to travel from far. So, narrow your research to experts living near your wedding venue.

How to Save Money on Wedding Music

Having a live band on your big day is the best way to create a unique atmosphere. Even though some bands can be expensive, you can still find affordable ones. Here is how you can save money and hire a talented and reliable crew simultaneously. 

• Book a local band 

Bands charge extra if they have to travel to your wedding venue. The prices can add up quickly, especially if they come from a different city and have to stay overnight. Fortunately, you can save by hiring locally. 

• Hire a small band 

The smaller the band, the fewer instruments you have to rent and the fewer people you must hire. For instance, choosing seven or six vocalists and equipment instead of a dozen is an easy way to save on live music.

How to Save Money on Wedding Transportation

Transportation is critical when it comes to planning a wedding. It helps ensure you and your family reach your wedding venue. You can hire a professional transport company to help you select suitable vehicles and stay on budget. 

• Think about proximity 

There are various things to consider when selecting your venue, and proximity should be one of them. To save on transportation, choose a ceremony site close to guest accommodations and the reception spot. You can save more if you select a venue with a wedding space, reception area, and accommodation options under one roof. 

• Select a limo alternative 

One way to save on transportation is by renting a six-person town car instead of a limo. Of course, the whistles and bells result in a fun ride, but your objective should be to get to and from your venue safely (and on a budget.)

FAQ