Cost Saving Tips for Your Wedding Day: How to Save Money and Eliminate Stress

Hiring a wedding planner is your best bet to save as much money as possible. It is our goal to save you time, money, and stress. Plus, we know all the best vendors in town! However, if you do want to plan your wedding on your own to have the experience, you should! It is possible to plan the wedding of your dreams on a budget. Little sacrifices may need to be made but none that are too large would take away from the overall desired goal. We want our wedding to reflect our perfectly curated Pinterest board. I know you have one! Below I have listed the top tips on how to plan your ideal wedding and save money. There are big tips, little tips, and tips that are often kept secret, but I am going to tell you anyway. Shh…now let’s get planning!

BOOK THE PHOTOGRAPHER FOR 10 – 12 HOURS

Typically, a full day for a photographer is 12 – 15 hours. Consider booking them for less to save up to $2000. All the important moments will still be captured but you’ll pay less.

FEWER PROGRAMS & PAPER GOODS

Provide one program per couple instead of per person. You will cut your program cost in half! There is no need for each person to have a program. People often share anyway. If possible, it’ll save you a lot of money to cut down the number of paper goods you use in general. Provide one menu every other seat and trade in the escort cards for one seating chart board.

USE CANDLES IN PLACE OF FLOWERS

Candles are far more affordable than flowers. Use them in place of the flowers. There is a large variety of choices when it comes to candles. Lots of shapes and colors. You will save so much money and it will give your venue space an extra romantic glow.

PLASTIC CONTAINERS INSTEAD OF GLASS FOR FLOWERS

Ask your florists to use plastic or even metallic vases for the flowers. They come in many shapes and sizes. They will look just as nice but at a cheaper cost. No one will even be able to tell.

NO BOUTONNIERES

Skipping on boutonnieres can save you up to $300. Encourage the groom and groomsmen to shop for pocket squares instead. I promise they will still look handsome and dare I say dashing?

BUY YOUR DRESS AT A SAMPLE SALE OR TRUNK SHOW

Sample sales happen twice a year, in late spring and early fall. When you buy a dress off the rack at a sample sale, the retail is marked down 20 to 90 percent, Miss the sample sales? You can also ask boutiques if they’re looking to sell any samples. Trunk shows are similar. At a trunk show, you could pay $150 to $500 less for your designer dress. Who said gorgeous couldn’t be affordable?

CONSIDER OTHER DAYS OF THE WEEK OR OFF-SEASONS

Saturday is a popular day to schedule a wedding, but it is also the most expensive. Having your wedding on a weekday or even a Sunday can save thousands of dollars on your wedding venue. Food and beverage minimums are also cheaper on weekdays. Also, consider throwing your wedding during the off-season. Typically, November – March. Again, venues and vendors lower their prices. These two changes alone can save you thousands.

CHOOSE FLAT PRINTING & DIGITAL OVER LETTERPRESS

Letterpress is beautiful but it is far more expensive than flat printing or digital. A great tip is to use letterpress on the main invitation and other alternatives for the rest of the paper goods. However, if you do want to save more, switching from letterpress to flat-printing can save you $500 on invites alone.

ADDRESS THE ENVELOPS YOURSELF

Stationers can charge as much as $7 per set for addressing, assembly, and mailing. Consider DIY assembly and penmanship. I recommend asking friends for a little help! It takes more time and effort but will save you a lot of money.

ORDER YOUR DRESS 9 – 10 MONTHS OUT

Ordering your dress this far out helps you to avoid last-minute alteration and rush fees. Fees that can cost anywhere from $100 - $500. You’ll save money and be at peace knowing that your dress is ready to go!

PICK IN-SEASON FLOWERS AND FOOD

Flowers and food have lower prices when you buy them in season. I also recommend buying local to save on shipping costs. The florals and food will be fresh and affordable.

SMALLER GUEST LIST

This one is a given. If possible, have fewer people attend. Make it an intimate affair. Fewer people equal a smaller number of items and a smaller amount of money that you need to spend.

HAVE YOUR ENTIRE WEDDING AT ONE VENUE

You can save up to $4000 by eliminating guest transportation costs from the ceremony location to the reception location. If possible, book the ceremony and reception at the same place or within walking distance. About transportation, if you do need to transport, skip the limo. It is an unnecessary cost. Grab a ride from a family member, friend, or even uber. Far cheaper!

SKIP THE ENGAGEMENT OR BACHELORETTE PARTY

I get it. It’s a great time! If your heart desires a night out with the girls and a celebratory party for your engagement, do it! However, if you are on a budget and you don’t need it, I would opt-out. Going out and throwing parties is expensive and that money could be used for the wedding instead. A cute alternative is to have home celebrations with a BYOB request. You can drink champagne and celebrate while in the house with your friends and family and save money while you’re at it.

SOMETHING BORROWED

Anything that you can borrow, BORROW! That can be gowns, jewelry, shoes, someone’s backyard, hairpieces, tables, chairs, and so much more! You can even rent jewelry, tuxedos, and other accessories for a more affordable price than buying. Just make sure to return them after.

CHOOSE BUFFET STYLE & SKIP HORS D’OEUVRES

To save on staffing fees, buffet style is the correct choice to make. It depends on the caterer, but you could save $1500 - $3000 per 100 guests. You usually get more food as well for the price you pay when compared to plated dinners. Passed appetizers can be pricey, so skip them if possible. If you do feel the need to have them, pick 2-3 of your favorites or a display style for your appetizers.

STICK TO BEER OR WINE OR BYOB & SIGNATURE DRINKS

Beer and wine are more affordable than liquor, especially if there is a variety and it’s top-shelf. Most guests will be happy with a few wine and beer options. Now, if you’re a diehard fan of spirits and your guests are too, save on liquor by choosing one to three signature drinks. Serve them during cocktail hour and then switch to beer and wine later. Better yet, ask your venue if you can bring your own! In fact, encourage everyone to bring their own. No matter which option of these you choose, you will save thousands of dollars. Liquor, although fun is quite pricey. Cheers to cheaper drinks!

START WITH VENDOR BASICS

Go with the basics! Food and drink first. If you’ve booked the vendor basics and have more in your budget, then proceed with booking the vendors for fun and entertainment.

CHOOSE A DJ OVER A LIVE MUSICIAN

I adore live music but hiring a DJ will be a cheaper option and they are so much fun! A DJ often comes with an MC, booth, lights, and all the songs you desire. Many offer all-inclusive packages that will cover the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Talk about dancing on a budget!

REPURPOSE YOUR FLOWERS, USE GREENERY & BABY BREATH

Florals are so pricey, so let’s cut that price in half by repurposing them. The gorgeous flowers used at your ceremony will be just as gorgeous at your reception. Looking to make those double-duty florals pop even more but on a budget? Add lots of baby breath and greenery! Also, consider these fillers for affordable bouquets. Far cheaper and equally beautiful. Since we’re on the subject of repurposing, you can also repurpose your chairs. Just a thought!

CHOOSE BUTTERCREAM OVER FONDANT OR KEEP THE CAKE SIMPLE

Cakes are expensive but there are a few ways to save money when choosing your wedding cake. Although fondant is more durable and easier to manipulate into designs, buttercream is cheaper and tastier. You can also downsize your cake and supplement with a dessert bar. Now if you do want a custom multi-tiered cake, ask your baker to avoid sugar flowers and extra decorative accents. Instead, request them to only embellish the edges. This could save you hundreds.

TABLE RUNNER OVER LINENS

I love linens but they’re expensive. Trade in-linens for your venue's standard cotton or polyester tablecloths. Add a decorative runner if you’d like. You will save around $25 per table. The tables will be stunning but at a more affordable cost.

POLAROID OVER PHOTOBOOTH

Photobooths cost hundreds of dollars to rent. Save a ton by setting up a polaroid station with a few cameras, lots of film, and loads of props. Your guests will have the best time!

BOOK AN OUT OF CITY CATERER

If your wedding is in a major city, there is a good chance that in-city caterers will be super expensive. Instead, try booking a caterer from the suburbs that is okay with traveling into the city. There is a good chance they will charge less money. Also, check-in and see if they’re willing to do discount prices for kid’s meals and vendor’s meals.

ORDER LATE-NIGHT FOR ONLY 50% OF YOUR HEADCOUNT

Serve late-night food but limit the amount. Many guests often leave early or don’t have the desire to eat that late in the evening. That 50% will save you a good amount of money and there will be less food wasted/food to take home.

CHOOSE A NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

When you choose a location like a beach or a park with lots of greenery, the beautiful decorations are already there. All you need to do next is enhance it a bit with your desired décor. Cutting your decoration costs will save you a lot of money.

HOME WEDDING

Do you or a friend have a huge backyard? Throw your wedding there! You won’t need to pay a venue fee and that will save you thousands of dollars. It will also be super cozy and intimate which is always lovely.

Enjoy reading this blog? At Exclusive Planning and Management, I have tips on all things wedding and events. Read my other blogs or visit my Instagram page @sandynissou for more tips, tricks, and wedding inspiration. See you there!

Interested in looking further into how we can help with your wedding planning? Send us an email to see how we can help make your dream day come to life!