Dreaming of a picture-perfect wedding but working with a tight budget? You’ve come to the right place!
As someone who’s juggled budgeting for a busy family life and various side hustles, I know how overwhelming it can be to spend a large amount of money on a single life event.
In this guide, I’ll share 25 ways to help you save money on your dream wedding. Let’s team up to turn your dream big day into a reality!
1. Choose an Off-Peak Season Date
Choosing to have your wedding during the off-season can be a smart way to save money.
Venues and vendors often offer discounts when their demand is lower. This means you could snag the same great locations and services for less.
For many places, winter months are less popular for weddings, but always check local trends. Some areas might offer the best discounts during summer or fall.
Pro Tip: Ask vendors directly about off-season discounts! Sometimes, these aren’t advertised and you might unlock savings just by starting the discussion.
2. Have a Smaller Guest List
Fewer guests mean less money spent on food, drinks, and rentals like tables and chairs. I learned this firsthand when planning my own wedding.
By keeping the celebration intimate, my husband and I managed significant savings on our catering and venue costs.
Pro Tip: If cutting the guest list isn’t an option for you, try bundling services!
Look for deals where you can pay once but get multiple services, like a venue that includes catering, decorations, and audio equipment.
3. Skip the Save-The-Date Cards
It may come as a surprise, but save-the-date cards can be costly. Hence, skipping them can save you money.
Instead, use Paperless Post to send digital save-the-dates. They’re eco-friendly and much cheaper!
After all, digital invitations are just as lovely and reach guests quickly.
4. Serve Signature Cocktails Instead of a Full Open Bar
Offering signature cocktails instead of a full open bar can save you a lot on your wedding.
For instance, choose a few specialty drinks that match your wedding theme. Your guests will surely love the unique touch!
Pro Tip: Look for a venue that lets you BYOB (bring your own booze)! This way, you can buy alcohol in bulk. Doing so will help you save even more.
5. Do Your Own Hair and Makeup or Enlist a Friend
Doing your own hair and makeup can save a lot of money on your wedding day.
I, for one, did my own makeup and felt beautiful and relaxed. In fact, it made the day feel even more special.
But you can also ask a friend to help. Many loved ones like being part of your special day in this way.
6. Buy Attire During Off-Season Sales
Buying wedding attire during off-season sales can save you a lot. For one thing, hit department stores from January through March for discounts on dresses.
These months often have major markdowns, so you can find beautiful gowns at a fraction of the price.
Further, shopping off-season means less competition and more choices!
7. Look for a Pre-owned or Sample Wedding Dress
Instead of buying new, consider looking for a dress that’s been gently worn or used as a sample.
This can drastically cut costs without sacrificing style. Online platforms like Still White offer a wide range of beautiful pre-owned dresses!
You can check out eBay or local Facebook marketplace groups for additional options as well.
8. Choose In-Season Flowers
Stick with flowers that are at their peak during your wedding month, and be flexible about the types of flowers used.
For spring weddings, consider tulips and daffodils. Meanwhile, summer brides might choose sunflowers or lilies.
On the other hand, fall weddings are perfect for chrysanthemums and dahlias.
Basically, using in-season blooms ensures you get the best quality at the best price.
9. Repurpose Ceremony Flowers for the Reception
Yes, you read that right! Repurposing ceremony flowers for your reception is a great method to save money.
After the ceremony, move floral arrangements to the reception area. This simple trick reduces costs while keeping your decor cohesive.
Pro Tip: Use your bridesmaids’ bouquets to decorate the reception tables. They make beautiful centerpieces! We did this at our wedding and it looked stunning.
10. Use a Friend or Family Member’s Musical Talent for Entertainment
Using a friend or family member’s musical talent for your wedding entertainment is urged!
Don’t overlook the help friends and family are eager to offer. My cousin played guitar at our ceremony and it was quite memorable for all of us.
The bottom line is relying on loved ones for entertainment can create unique and heartfelt moments.
11. Choose an Unconventional Wedding Day and Time
Surprisingly, picking a non-traditional day for your wedding can lead to big savings! Saturdays are the most popular and expensive days to get married.
Why not pick a weekday or a Sunday instead? Venues and vendors usually offer lower rates on these less common days.
You can also save by having your wedding earlier in the day!
A morning ceremony followed by a brunch can be just as beautiful and much cheaper than a dinner reception.
12. DIY Your Wedding Website
Creating your own wedding website can be a fun and cost-effective way to keep everyone informed.
Using free website builders like Wix or WordPress, you can design a beautiful site without any technical skills.
For our wedding, I designed our online invite myself!
It was a simple setup that allowed guests to RSVP online, see the schedule for the day, and even check out our photos.
13. Serve Plated Dinners Instead of Buffet-Style Meals
Selecting plated dinners for your wedding can be more budget-friendly than a buffet.
With plated meals, you control the portion sizes and ingredients, which helps in managing food costs more effectively.
Plated dinners also require less staff to serve, which can reduce your catering labor costs.
Note: Buffets often lead to higher food waste and over-catering to ensure there’s enough for everyone to have their fill.
14. Let Bridesmaids Wear Their Own Dresses in a Matching Color
Allowing bridesmaids to wear their own dresses in a chosen color can significantly cut down your wedding costs.
Buying dresses for all the bridesmaids can be very expensive, and this alternative makes sure everyone feels cozy while still looking coordinated.
Basically, by selecting a color theme, like blush pink or navy blue, your bridesmaids can choose a style that suits their budget and taste.
15. Opt for a Photo Booth Instead of a Second Photographer
Choosing a photo booth over hiring a second photographer can surely save you a lot.
A photo booth allows guests to create their own memories. This also cuts down on the overlooked cost of wedding favors!
Basically, the photos themselves become a personal memento that guests truly appreciate and want to keep.
Moreover, opting for a photo booth encourages guests to interact and enjoy the festivities actively.
16. Use a Playlist and Speakers for Music
Using a playlist and speakers rather than a live DJ can significantly slash your wedding costs.
We created two playlists for our own wedding: one with relaxing tunes for the cocktail hour and another for the reception party.
Starting months in advance, we collected songs that were special to us and added family and friends’ requests.
Pro Tip: Prepare two devices with your playlists loaded and designate someone to manage the music to avoid any hiccups.
17. Book a Photographer for Fewer Hours
Booking your photographer for fewer hours is an excellent way to reduce costs.
For example, having the photographer for just the ceremony and the beginning of the reception can capture the most essential moments!
Pro Tip: During the reception, you can engage guests in capturing moments by creating a unique hashtag for your wedding.
Then, encourage them to use it when posting photos online. This way, you’ll have plenty of candid shots from the perspectives of your guests.
18. Borrow or Buy Decorations Secondhand
Borrowing or buying secondhand decorations is a good move for budget-conscious couples.
Undoubtedly, embracing the “something borrowed” tradition can extend to decor!
Pro Tip: If you need to buy, though, look for used decorations that you can easily resell after your wedding.
Websites like ThredUp offer a platform to sell decor items. It will surely help you recoup some of your expenses.
19. DIY Your Dessert Table With Homemade Treats
Instead of spending big on a professional caterer, you can bake your favorite sweets or ask family members to help.
You can choose simple, beloved recipes that don’t require expensive ingredients but still taste great.
For instance, cookies, brownies, and cupcakes are all crowd-pleasers that are easy to make in bulk.
20. Plan a Mini-Moon and Save for a Bigger Trip Later
Generally, a shorter, simpler trip allows you to celebrate your marriage without spending a fortune.
Later, when you’ve saved more, you can plan a bigger dream honeymoon.
Pro Tip: To make even a mini-moon special, consider using reward points for travel.
Many credit cards offer points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. This can significantly lower the cost of your trip.
Check out our article for more helpful tips on saving money for your dream vacation!
21. Pick a Venue That’s Already Stunning and Beautifully Decorated
If the location is naturally picturesque or already comes with great decor, you won’t need to spend as much on flowers, lights, or other decorations!
This can reduce your need for extra props or elaborate setups, which can add up quickly to your budget.
Plus, guests are sure to be impressed by the natural beauty or elegant design without knowing you saved a bundle.
22. Hold the Ceremony and Reception at the Same Location
If possible, hold the ceremony and reception at the same place. This can save you a lot of money on venue fees and transportation costs.
It also simplifies logistics, which will make the day less stressful for everyone.
Your guests will appreciate not having to travel between locations, too!
23. Skip the Champagne Toast or Keep It Super Simple
Consider skipping the champagne toast to save money!
You can just let your guests toast with whatever drink they have. This way, you avoid the extra cost of champagne.
Pro Tip: For a simpler option, provide a modest sparkling wine instead of a pricey drink.
24. Opt for a Simpler Wedding Cake
Traditional wedding cakes are very expensive. So, think about being creative with your dessert options!
For one thing, baking your own cake can save you a lot of cash. Another idea is to buy a simple cake, like a cheesecake or a small bakery cake.
The goal is to keep costs down while still providing delicious options for your guests.
25. Avoid Hiring Two Videographers and Exclude the Drone
Hiring one videographer is enough to capture your special day!
You don’t need two videographers or fancy drone shots, which can quickly add up in costs.
Pro Tip: Skip the raw footage option as well. It usually costs extra and isn’t necessary for most couples.
We hired just one videographer for our wedding and it was perfect! The video captured all the important moments without breaking the bank.
What Is a Reasonable Budget for a Wedding?
On average, weddings cost about $30,000. However, this varies a lot based on where you live and how many people you invite.
For instance, a wedding in Hawaii might run you $50,000, but in Tennessee, it could be closer to $20,000.
Here’s a sample computation for a wedding based on an average total budget of $30,000:
| Type of Expense | Percentage of Total Budget | Amount |
| Venue and Catering | 50% | $15,000 |
| Photography and Videography | 7% | $2,100 |
| Attire and Beauty | 10% | $3,000 |
| Entertainment (DJ/Band) | 5% | $1,500 |
| Flowers and Decorations | 8% | $2,400 |
| Wedding Planner | 3% | $900 |
| Invitations and Stationery | 2% | $600 |
| Wedding Cake | 2% | $600 |
| Transportation | 1% | $300 |
| Miscellaneous (licenses, etc.) | 12% | $3,600 |
| Total Wedding Budget | 100% | $30,000 |
Note, though, that every wedding is different! Your costs will depend on what’s important to you and where you can save money.
What Costs the Most in a Wedding?
When planning a wedding, the venue and catering often eat up the largest chunk of your budget. For many couples, this combined cost can reach around $15,000.
Based on my own experience with a wedding in the DC area during the off-season, choosing January saved us a lot.
We paid about $14,000 for 120 guests. Our venue, which is part of the national park system, was affordable at $1,500 and didn’t hike up prices.
Although stuck with their catering service, costing $13,000, we still managed to keep overall expenses lower than usual.
Other costs included attire at $650, a photographer for $2,700, and decorations at just $100.
8 Strategies to Save for Your Dream Wedding
Want to make your dream wedding a reality? Check out these 8 simple but effective money-saving strategies to help you afford the wedding of your dreams.
1. Eat Out Less and Opt for Date Nights at Home
Switching to date nights at home instead of dining out is a fantastic way to save for your wedding.
Restaurants can be expensive and those bills add up quickly over time.
By cooking together at home, you can save a significant amount of money.
In our own journey to save for our wedding, my husband and I started having weekly movie nights with homemade pizza.
We saved almost $200 a month, which we then put straight into our wedding fund.
Pro Tip: Try themed dinners to keep things interesting!
Whether it be a Mexican night or a sushi evening, you can create fun and memorable meals without the high cost of eating out.
2. Hold Off on Non-essential Shopping
Cutting back on non-essential shopping is a key strategy to save money for your wedding.
This means limiting purchases that aren’t absolutely necessary. Think about what you really need versus what is nice to have.
To start, make a list before you go shopping and stick to it. This helps prevent impulse buys and overspending.
Also, unsubscribe from marketing emails that tempt you with sales and promotions. As the saying goes: out of sight, out of mind!
Personally, when my husband and I were saving for our wedding, we implemented a “needs only” policy for a year.
We focused only on essential expenses like groceries and bills, and we skipped new clothes, gadgets, and home decor.
This alone helped us save a considerable amount toward our wedding fund.
Pro Tip: Use cash for everyday purchases! It’s easier to see how much you’re spending when you physically hand over money compared to swiping a card.
3. Automate Transfers to Your Wedding Fund Each Payday
Automating transfers to your wedding fund each payday is a foolproof method to save without even thinking about it.
Set up a direct deposit from your paycheck to a separate savings account dedicated just to your wedding expenses.
This way, the money is saved before you have a chance to spend it on something else.
To get started, talk to your bank about setting up an automatic transfer.
Decide how much of each paycheck should go to your wedding fund, and then set it to transfer on the day you get paid.
I personally used this method when saving for my own wedding.
By automatically transferring $200 from each salary, I was able to save $4,800 in just a year without stressing about it.
4. Take on Freelance Gigs or Part-Time Jobs
Adding a side hustle or part-time job can boost your wedding savings.
For example, exploring online platforms that offer freelance gigs can be a great start.
Also, consider turning hobbies into profit; crafting, photography, or even baking can open doors to extra income.
I, for one, tapped into this method before by attending sample sales and reselling items on Poshmark.
I managed to make a decent profit, which went straight into our wedding fund.
5. Use Cashback Apps and Coupons for Purchases
If you can’t cut down on shopping, make sure to take advantage of cashback apps and coupons.
These tools are like having a money-saving expert right in your pocket!
One of my favorite tools is Honey, which is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies the best coupons available to your online shopping cart.
It’s like shopping with a friend who always knows where to find the best deals.
From my experience, I’ve saved over $5,000 on various purchases with the help of Honey.
Additionally, I’ve earned $175 back in cash just from the items I needed to buy anyway, which has gone straight into our wedding fund.
6. Reduce Your Monthly Expenses
Another excellent way to save money for your dream wedding is by negotiating your bills and cutting expenses!
Many companies, like phone and internet providers, often have flexibility in their pricing and can offer discounts if you just ask.
I remember when I decided to reassess my cell phone plan.
After researching and comparing options, I switched to Visible. It’s a service under Verizon’s network.
It offers unlimited data and hotspot access for just $25 a month. Basically, it’s perfect for anyone looking to trim their budget without losing the essentials.
In addition, you can cut costs by shopping for groceries at discount stores or buying in bulk.
7. Avoid Taking Out Loans Whenever You Can
Avoiding loans is crucial to starting your marriage on solid financial ground.
Taking on debt for things like gadgets or other non-essentials can really set you back.
Before you even begin saving for the wedding, make sure to also clear any existing debts.
This approach will free up more of your income to save for your big day.
Pro Tip: Resist the temptation to use your credit card for wedding expenses as well.
Instead, focus on saving gradually or adjusting your wedding plans to fit your current financial situation.
8. Cancel Unused Gym Memberships
One easy way to cut costs while saving for your dream wedding is to cancel any unused gym memberships.
Why pay for something you don’t use? Plus, gym fees can be expensive, and that money could go directly into your wedding budget.
So, instead of working out at the gym, consider exercising at home! There are countless fitness videos online that require little to no equipment.
You can discover a range of workouts tailored to your style and schedule, all within the comfort of your living room!
Hopefully, you found these money-saving tips helpful for planning your dream wedding!
Did any ideas particularly catch your eye, or do you have other cost-cutting tricks up your sleeve? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
