10 Tips for Saving Money on your Wedding
Your wedding day is without a doubt one of the most expensive occassions you'll ever host, but there are ways to save a little money without sacrificing quality and enjoyment! Here is our list of 10 doable methods to save money on your wedding:
1.) Give yourself time to plan
Having more time to plan a wedding makes everything easier in general, but waiting even a few extra months to say "I do" will allow time for better research and price comparisons.
2.) Pick any day but Saturday
It's true! Weddings that are held on Saturdays cost on average 15% more than weddings that are held any other day of the week. Venue's are in higher demand on Saturdays, so even holding off until Sunday will help you save.
3.) Limit the bar at your reception
An open bar is extremely pricey at an event. Opt instead for a signature coktail or limited cocktail menu. You could even nix the cocktails all together and offer beer and wine instead. This will save you hundreds of dollars.
4.) Make your own bouquets
You don't have to be a master florist to have beautiful looking bouquets! Order in season flowers online, or even pick them up at your supermarket. Add in some online research and a few hours worth of your time and you'll save yourself easily a few hundred dollars. (Plus, what a great activity for you and your bridesmaids!)
5.) Take advantage of something borrowed
Your friends and family want nothing more than to be included and help you out on your wedding day. Ask around for items that you want to use for your wedding, but don't have any use for afterwards.
6.) Sell unwanted wedding items afterwards
Let's be realistic, you'll probably have no need for 50+ mason jars and burlap table runners once your wedding is over. These items are in high demand, and other brides will gladly buy them from you for a slight discount rather than paying full price! There are many websites including tradesy.com that will let you list your items for a commission fee.
7.) Have your ceremony and reception at the same venue
Most venues will have multiple beautiful spaces at the same location. This option will save you on transportation costs, travel time for hourly-paid vendors, and overall venue cost.
8.) Have a faux cake
This option is actually very practical! Most bakers will be willing to decorate a faux cake (usually made of cardboard) and use a real cake for the top tier so you can still have the traditional cutting of the cake. Purchase less expensive sheet cakes that the venue will cut in the back and serve to your guests. They'll never know the difference!
9.) Rent a house instead of paying for hotel rooms
If your venue is too far to drive to from home, consider renting a house for the weekend. You, your wedding party and family can stay at the house the night before the wedding. Not to mention, this space can also double as a location for your rehearsal dinner! Plus, enjoy a home cooked meal with your friends and family instead of dining out.
10.) Consider a venue that doesn't require the use of "preferred vendors"
It's tempting to be lured in by a venue's offer of preferred vendors. These are vendors such as photographers, caterers, and DJs that the venue has a contract with and requires you to use as part of their "package."
Instead, find a venue that will allow you to pick and choose your own vendors so you can compare prices and packages to find what best suits your needs.