How to save money when planning a wedding

Your wedding day may be priceless to you, but it can carry a very real cost for your bank account. In many cultures, you are encouraged to have a large ceremony. Even with that pressure, you can spend less without sacrificing special memories. 

1. Create a wedding budget

It is not the most romantic part of the wedding planning, but it is important to set and stick to a budget at the start of the process. Make sure to include any family (or friends who have offered to provide services, such as photography, as their gift) who are contributing financially to figure out the most you can spend on your wedding—and where the money will come from.

From there, you can decide how much you want to spend on each major type of wedding expense. Each vendor will try to make you spend more, so having the guideline will help to avoid costly extras.  

And do not forget to budget for your honeymoon, too, though you can also put some of these costs, such as flights or hotel stays, on your wedding registry. A honeymoon fund lets guests financial gifts go straight to the costs of your trip. Do not be too quick to turn down offers of help!

2. Plan for the unexpected

As you are setting your budget, do not forget to stay prepared for any last-minute expenses, whether they are from extra wedding-dress alternations, an issue with catering, or other last-minute changes/emergencies. Include this in your budget above but do not let the third parties know (or else they will work to have it all spent on their area of specialty).

You can also consider wedding insurance, if available. Benefits vary by policy but can protect you financially if people are injured or if your venue is damaged during your ceremony or reception, as well as reimburse you if your wedding is unexpectedly cancelled or postponed.  

3. Pick the right date and time

Costs may vary depending on the date and time of year you choose for your wedding day. You may be able to cut down that number by picking a less popular date. Wedding venues often give discount rates during their “off season”, though this varies by location, season, and country.  

Similarly, getting married on a work day (or even a Sunday instead of a Saturday) may offer some added savings. In addition to providing cheaper venue rates, a weekday wedding may also help your guests save on travel costs, even if they have to sacrifice some vacation time. Keep in mind, though, that if you do choose to have your wedding on a working day, you should be prepared for more guests to decline your invitation. But if that does not bother you, you will save even more with a smaller guest list.

4. Look into nontraditional venues

Consider unconventional spaces with smaller fees—like outdoor spots (such as public parks and beaches), vacation rentals (if permitted by the property owner), museums, and small businesses.

5. Be thoughtful about the guest list

Outside of the venue, how many guests you have can make the biggest impact on the overall cost of your wedding. Once you and your partner have agreed on whom to invite, consider your guidelines about kids and inviting others. You might decide to make your wedding adults only and offer other invites only to those in long-term relationships. You may receive some input from family on this but do recall that this is your day, and you have the majority of the financial burden (in most cultures).

6. Go digital with your invitations

Between save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and day-of stationery (such as menus and place cards), couples spend a lot of money. To reduce paper costs, consider mailing just one invitation per guest with instructions to reply online. You will save even more if you use digital invitations and mail physical invitations only to friends and relatives you know will expect and cherish them.

Not only can this move drastically shrink what you spend on stationery and postage, but it will also reduce your paper waste and streamline your responses. Instead of keeping track of individual responses, for example, you can collect them in a spreadsheet.

7. Rethink your wedding attire

We do not have to tell you that wedding dresses and groom’s clothing are expensive. A quick online search can help you find dozens of companies that rent wedding dresses.

If you would prefer to own your dress, consider buying a second hand or vintage one. And remember that the dress you get married in does not have to be a "wedding" dress. Choose the one you love, whether it is marketed to brides or not. Dresses that are not wedding dresses will likely cost less too.

Tuxedos and suits for the men can also be pricey to buy. If you will not wear your wedding clothing after the big day, you may be able to save by renting these too. Run the numbers for buying versus renting to make sure.

8. Plan out your alterations

Tailoring and alterations cost more when you pay rush fees. Try on your wedding wear far in advance to avoid last-minute trips to the tailor or seamstress. It is a good idea to have a fitting two to four months before your wedding to make any big alterations, and another final fitting two weeks before for small and easy adjustments.

9. Go natural with your flowers

You can save money by picking more natural options for your flowers. Branches and ornamental grasses are cheaper.

You can also save by finding ways to repurpose your flowers throughout the day. Bridesmaids' bouquets can double as table centrepieces, and flowers from the ceremony can be brought to the reception for the welcome table. You could also choose other types of decoration.

10. Choose cost-effective meal options

Food can be a big part of your wedding budget. Skipping more expensive foods and drinks, can help keep those costs under control. You may also save by offering a buffet or family-style dining instead of individual plates.

If you do choose individual plates, you can cut costs by making guests choose their meals ahead of time, so your caterer will not have to prepare enough of each option for everyone. You can also plan to offer everyone the same dish, with a few options for those with food allergies or different tastes at the ready, of course.

11. Bring Your Own Alcohol

If your venue allows outside drinks, buy your own beer, wine, and spirits at warehouse clubs to rack up wholesale discounts. You might also be able to cut costs by restricting drink options to just beer and wine, limiting spirits to a signature cocktail, or opting for a cash bar.

12. Get creative with your wedding dessert selections

If you like big wedding cakes, be ready for a big bill. One option for saving is to buy a smaller cake to cut as newlyweds, then serve a sheet cake, cupcakes, or cake pops to guests. Explore what people do in other countries – you could find something you like at much less cost yet more impact.

13. Consider disposable place settings

Did you know that a large part of your dining costs may not even be going to food or drinks? Your place settings could be taking up a major chunk of your wedding budget. You can save by getting rid of fine dishes in favour of high-end disposable tableware, which can look high quality without the cost.

14. Get creative with your photography

A picture may be worth one thousand words, but a wedding photographer will cost you a lot. To save money while still preserving memories of your wedding and reception, look into student photographers in your area, ask guests to document the day with their phone cameras, or even choose disposable cameras. And if you plan to have a photo booth, do not outsource the fun to a company. Instead, bring your own props (or buy or download cutouts online) and set up a camera or photo-enabled device.