Your wedding day…
You want it to be perfect, but you also don’t want to break the bank in the process.
Luckily, there are many ways to save $$$ without compromising on quality or style.
100’s of couples have worked with our experienced planners to cut costs & have the wedding of their dreams.
These exclusive money-saving tips are now packaged up in this post for you.
Ready to get started?
Let’s go…
Jump to Tips - See All
- Timing Matters - Plan Ahead!
- Budget Like A Boss!
- Shop Around
- Be a Fearless Negotiator
- Hire Student Vendors
- Invest in Timeless Pieces
- Bling on a Budget: Rent Your Jewels!
- Buy Your Dress Well-Ahead of Time
- Say 'I Do' to Thrifty Chic
- Forget the Boutonnieres & Corsages
- Get Hitched Off-Season Because Why Wait?!
- Set Up a Wedding Website
- Ask Friends & Family For Help
- DIY Where You Can
- Be Smart About Your Guest List
- Limit Plus Ones
- Print 1 Wedding Program Per Couple
- Choose an Intimate Venue
- Make Wise Choices with Your Food & Drink
- Serve a Buffet-Style Meal
- Skip the Favors
- Get Married in a Church or Temple
- Cut Down Transportation Costs
- Take Advantage of a Credit Card Rewards Program
- Consider a Destination Wedding
- Reserve Room Blocks for Your Guests
- Get Married on a Friday or Sunday
- Have a Morning or Afternoon Wedding
- Choose In-Season Flowers
- Or Ditch the Flowers, Use Candles Instead
- Be Tech Savvy
- Snag Your Photographer & Videographer for Quick Shoots and Clips!
- Hire a DJ Instead of a Band
- Get Married at City Hall
- Plan a Honeymoon Fundraiser
- Use Your Resources
- Hire a Wedding Planner
- Sell What You Can After the Wedding
1. Plan Ahead!
You know that famous saying…
“If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail” — Benjamin Franklin”
So, the best way to save money on your wedding is to plan ahead!
If you have a specific date & venue in mind, start shopping now.
This will give you time to compare prices & find the best deals.
Additionally, if you’re able to book your venue & vendors far in advance, you may be able to take advantage of early-bird discounts.
So, start planning as soon as you can to save money on your wedding!
2. Budget Like A Boss!
First & foremost, you absolutely have to set a budget & stick to it.
That’s how you’ll stop overspending in any area.
What’s most important for you? Now allocate your funds accordingly.
For example…
If food & drink at your reception is super important to you, then get an idea of costs and allocate enough budget for this category.
But if you’re not too worried about these details, here’s where you’ll want to save $ by opting for a more simple catering.
No matter what’s important to you, setting (& following) a budget is key to keeping costs down.
3. Shop Around for Vendors
When it comes to wedding vendors, you absolutely need to shop around.
Here’s the rule….
Get quotes from at least 3-5 different vendors before you make your final decision.
It’s not a suggestion, it’s a rule, like changing your underwear after taking a shower. 3 vendors minimum!
You’ll be surprised to find that some vendors cost significantly less than others.
Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re getting quality service for your money so Google for reviews.
Also, be sure to read reviews & ask for referrals from friends & family.
Once you’ve found a vendor you’re happy with, be sure to get the price in writing to avoid any surprises down the road.
4. Be a Fearless Negotiator
Remember, you’re the customer!
If you don’t like a vendor’s price, don’t be afraid to negotiate.
In many cases, vendors are willing to work with you if it means getting your business.
So here are some tips when negotiating…
6 tips to negotiating with vendors like a pro:
1) Start by building a rapport
Take your time to get to know them. Yes, it will help with negotiations but in the end, you want a vendor you like and trust… and visa versa.
2) Let the vendor speak
The more they speak the more you’ll learn and you want them to sell their services.
3) Research other vendor pricing first
Coming prepared will build your confidence and shows them you’re not a pushover.
4) Take your time
The longer the vendor spends with you, the lower the end price will be! Why? They’ll feel pressured to make the sale because of all the time invested in you. 😉
6) Bring in the big guns
Like it or not, your parents or friends may have more experience negotiating. No harm in getting help! And negotiators LOVE negotiating so they’ll gladly roll up their sleeves for you.
7) Aim for honesty and transparency
You want this to be a win-win. If the vendor feels like they underpriced you they might just try to cut corners.
Don’t forget…. get it in writing! Make sure the quote is mega-detailed! You don’t want any surprises.
Expert tip: Want to learn how to negotiate? Check out the best-selling novel, Never Split the Difference.
5. Hire Student Vendors
If you’re looking to save $ on your vendors, consider hiring student vendors.
There are plenty of talented students who would love to help with your wedding in exchange for experience.
For example, you can hire student photographers, videographers, florists, & musicians.
You can also find student vendors through sites like TaskRabbit or Craigslist.
6. Invest in Timeless Pieces
Avoid wasting money on things that won’t last.
For example…
Instead of spending a fortune on flowers that will wilt within days, invest in timeless pieces like a beautiful antique vase or piece of jewelry that you can cherish for years to come.
The same goes for your wedding dress!
7. Bling on a Budget: Rent Your Jewels!
You don’t have to break the bank to look & feel like a million bucks on your wedding day.
In fact, you can actually save quite a bit of money by renting your jewelry instead of buying it outright.
There are many companies that offer rental services for everything from engagement & wedding rings to bridal party jewelry.
This is a great way to get the look you want without spending a fortune!
8. Buy Your Dress Well-Ahead of Time
Wedding dresses can take months (or even up to 1 year!) to arrive.
So, if you want to avoid paying rush fees, it’s best to buy your dress well in advance.
Of course, this also means that you run the risk of the dress going out of style or not fitting properly if you lose or gain weight.
To avoid this, be sure to try on your dress periodically & have it altered if necessary.
9. Say 'I Do' to Thrifty Chic!
There’s no need to spend a fortune on your wedding dress or decor.
You can find plenty of beautiful & unique items secondhand.
For example, you can check out sites like Tradesy or Stillwhite to find a used wedding dress.
Or, you can browse Etsy or eBay for vintage & handmade decor.
You can also check out local consignment shops & garage sales!
10. Forget the Boutonnieres & Corsages
Boutonnieres & corsages are often seen as a necessary part of the wedding, but they can actually be quite costly.
If you’re looking to save money, ditch the boutonnieres & corsages altogether.
Your guests will still look just as lovely without them!
11. Get Hitched Off-Season Because Why Wait?!
The most popular time to get married is during the summer months.
However, this also means that prices for venues & vendors will be at their peak.
If you’re looking to save money, consider getting married during the off-season (typically November through April).
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have your pick of venues & vendors!
12. Set Up A Wedding Website
A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed & up-to-date on all the latest wedding details.
It’s also a great way to save money on things like invitations & thank-you cards.
You can create a free wedding website in just minutes with sites like Squarespace or WordPress!
13. Ask Friends & Family For Help
Don’t forget to ask your friends & family for help!
They can be a great resource when it comes to saving money on your wedding.
For example, if you have a friend who’s a great photographer, see if they’ll take your engagement photos or wedding day shots.
Or, if you have a family member who’s handy with a sewing machine, see if they can help you make your own wedding dress or alter an existing one.
14. DIY Where You Can
Do-it-yourself projects can save you a ton of money, but they’re not always the best option.
Before you start DIYing everything, take a step back & consider whether or not it’s really worth your time & effort.
For example…
If you’re not particularly handy, it may be better to hire a professional to do things like assemble your wedding invitations or decorate your reception hall.
On the other hand, if you’re crafty & have the time, DIYing your own decorations & favors can be a great way to save money.
15. Be Smart About Your Guest List
The more people you invite to your wedding, the more it will cost.
So, if you’re looking to save money, be smart about your guest list.
Start by making a list of everyone you absolutely must invite (immediate family, close friends, etc.) & then add people from there.
Also, while children typically cost less than adults, you may want to consider an adults-only wedding to minimize costs even further!
16. Limit Plus Ones
If you’re not particularly close with someone or you know they probably won’t bring a date, don’t feel obligated to give them a plus one.
This will help to limit the number of people at your wedding &, as a result, help you save money.
17. Print 1 Wedding Program Per Couple
Wedding programs can be a great way to let your guests know what’s going on during the ceremony & reception.
However, they can also be quite costly, especially if you have a large wedding.
1 way to save money is to print 1 program per couple instead of 1 per person.
This will help to cut down on the number of programs you need to print &, as a result, save you money.
18. Choose an Intimate Venue
Choosing a large & lavish venue can be quite costly.
If you’re looking to save money, consider opting for a more intimate venue.
There are plenty of beautiful & unique places that will cost a fraction of the price of a traditional wedding venue.
Some great options include:
- Parks
- Gardens
- Historic homes
- Art galleries
- Mountainsides
- Cliffsides
19. Make Wise Choices with Your Food & Drink
The food & drink you serve at your wedding can also add up quickly.
To save money, be smart about your selection.
For example, instead of having an open bar, consider serving wine & beer only.
Or, if you’re serving a sit-down meal, choose less expensive entrees like chicken or pasta.
You can also save money by having your wedding during the day & serving brunch or lunch instead of dinner.
20. Serve a Buffet-Style Meal
If you’re looking to save money on your food & drink, consider serving a buffet-style meal.
Buffets are typically much cheaper than sit-down meals because you don’t have to pay for things like waitstaff or rentals.
Plus, guests can serve themselves, so there’s less waste.
21. Skip the Favors
Favors are a nice way to thank your guests for attending your wedding, but they’re not necessary.
If you’re looking to save money, skip the favors & use that money towards something else, like your honeymoon or a down payment on a house.
22. Get Married in a Church or Temple
If you’re looking to save money on your wedding, consider getting married in a church or temple.
Not only will this save you money on the venue rental, but it will also give your wedding a more traditional feel.
Plus, you may be able to take advantage of certain discounts & perks that come with getting married in a church or temple.
23. Cut Down Transportation Costs
The cost of transportation can also add up quickly.
To save money, try to cut down on transportation costs where you can.
For example, see if you can get married & have your reception at the same venue.
Or, see if your wedding party is willing to chip in & rent a limo or party bus to get everyone to & from the wedding.
24. Take Advantage of a Credit Card Rewards Program
If you’re looking to save money on your wedding, consider taking advantage of a credit card rewards program.
Many credit cards offer points or cash back when you make purchases, & these rewards can add up quickly.
You can use your rewards to pay for things like your wedding dress, the catering bill, or even your honeymoon.
Just make sure you pay off your credit card balance in full & on time to avoid interest & late fees.
25. Consider a Destination Wedding
If you’re really looking to save money, consider having a destination wedding in Mexico.
Your wedding in the U.S. will probably cost you, on average, $21,000 – $35,000.
Compare that to the average cost of a destination wedding in Cancun at $5,500 – $8000 for a full wedding and reception for 35-100 guests!
An all-inclusive resort wedding can be a fantastic way to cut down on the overall cost of your wedding while still having a beautiful & MEGA memorable event.
Popular destination wedding locations include:
- Mexico
- Jamaica
- The Bahamas
Having a wedding on one of these stunning coastlines can save you a ton of cash.
Plus, many venues & vendors offer discounts for weddings that take place outside of peak season.
26. Reserve Room Blocks for Your Guests
If you’re having a destination wedding, be sure to reserve room blocks for your guests.
This can help you get a discounted rate on hotel rooms & make it easier for your guests to book their travel.
To do this, simply contact the hotel(s) you’re interested in & let them know that you’re looking to reserve a block of rooms for your wedding.
They’ll be able to give you more info on what’s available & how to go about booking the rooms.
27. Get Married on a Friday or Sunday
If you’re looking to save money, consider getting married on a Friday or Sunday.
While Saturday is still the most popular day to get married, it’s also the most expensive.
So, if you’re flexible with your date, you may be able to save quite a bit of money by getting married on a Friday or Sunday.
28. Have a Morning or Afternoon Wedding
Another way to save money on your wedding is to have a morning or afternoon wedding.
While most weddings take place in the evening, this can be quite costly.
If you’re willing to have your wedding during the day, you may be able to get a discount on your venue rental & other wedding-related costs.
Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of having more time to spend with your guests!
29. Choose In-Season Flowers
If you’re looking to save money on your wedding flowers, be sure to choose in-season blooms.
Flowers that are in season are typically less expensive than those that are not.
So, if you’re flexible with your flower selection, you may be able to save quite a bit of money.
Some great in-season flowers include roses, lilies & daisies.
30. Or Ditch the Flowers, Use Candles Instead
If you’re really looking to save money, ditch the flowers & use candles instead.
Not only are candles much cheaper than flowers, but they can also add a beautiful & romantic touch to your wedding.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about them wilting in the heat or dying before your big day!
31. Be Tech Savvy
There are a number of ways you can use technology to save money on your wedding.
For example, you can create your own website & send out electronic invitations instead of traditional paper ones.
You can also use apps like WeddingWire to help you plan & budget for your big day.
Plus, there are a number of great online resources that can help you save money on everything from your dress to your catering.
So, be sure to take advantage of all the great technology out there to help you save money on your wedding!
32. Snag Your Photographer & Videographer for Quick Shoots and Clips!
If you’re looking to save money on your wedding photography & videography, consider booking them for less time.
While it’s nice to have a photographer & videographer there for the entire day, it’s not necessary.
You can save a lot of money by only booking them for the ceremony & reception.
You’ll still end up with beautiful photos & videos of your big day!
33. Hire a DJ Instead of a Band
If you’re looking to save money on your wedding entertainment, consider hiring a DJ instead of a band.
DJs are typically much cheaper than bands, and they can provide a wide range of music for your guests to enjoy.
So, if you’re looking to save money on your wedding entertainment, a DJ is a great option.
34. Get Married at City Hall
If you’re really looking to save money, consider getting married at City Hall.
City Hall weddings are typically much cheaper than traditional weddings, and they can be just as beautiful & special.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about renting a venue or hiring vendors.
35. Plan a Honeymoon Fundraiser
If you’re looking for a creative way to save money on your honeymoon, consider holding a fundraiser.
There are a number of ways you can do this…
But 1 popular option is to set up a registry where guests can make donations towards your honeymoon instead of giving traditional gifts.
You can also hold raffles or auctions where guests can bid on items & the proceeds go towards your honeymoon fund.
37. Use Your Resources
Be sure to use your resources when planning your wedding.
There are a number of great websites & books that can help you save money on everything from your dress to your tuxedo.
So, do your research & take advantage of all the great resources out there!
38. Hire a Wedding Planner
1 of the best ways to save money on your wedding is to hire a wedding planner.
While you may think this will be an expensive addition to your budget, it can actually end up saving you a lot in the long run.
Wedding planners have all the latest info on deals & discounts, so they can help you save money on everything from your venue to your catering.
Plus, they’ll be able to handle all the details of your big day, so you can relax & enjoy yourself!
Do you have any other tips for saving money on your wedding?
Share them in the comments below!
39. Sell What You Can After the Wedding
If you’re looking to recoup some of the money you spent on your wedding, consider selling what you can after the big day.
There are a number of sites where you can sell everything from your dress to your décor.
So, be sure to check them out & see what you can get for your unwanted items!
Need Help Planning?
If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out our other wedding-related posts 👇
- TOP 10 Affordable Wedding Packages in Mexico
- 10 Best Destination Wedding Packages Under $10,000
- 10 BEST Wedding Packages in Mexico for 50 Guests
- Your Ultimate Guide to Destination Weddings
If you need any tips & tricks, our wedding planners are just a phone call away!
Call us at 877-737-0177 for a free consultation or contact us here.
Let’s start planning today!
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