17 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Without Sacrificing Style or Joy
Everyone who has gone through the wedding process before knows it’s an expensive endeavor, but truthfully, there are many ways you can save money as you go through the process. Today, I’d like to share with you in detail 17 ways you and your future spouse can save real money on your wedding day in 2024 and 2025.
1. Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It
Setting a budget is the foundation of wedding planning. Begin by determining how much you can afford to spend, considering both your savings and any contributions from your family. Break down your budget into categories like catering, attire, photography, and decor. Once you have these numbers, prioritize the aspects most important to you. If photography is a top priority, allocate more funds there and cut back on areas less important to you, like extravagant floral arrangements. Tools like spreadsheets or wedding budget apps can help you track every expense, ensuring you stay within your limits. Regularly review your budget and make adjustments as needed.
Over the years, I’ve seen couples save roughly 25% on their wedding by thinking smart and doing several of these strategies.
Average Wedding Savings
2. Choose an Off-Peak Wedding Date
Most weddings occur on Saturdays during the spring and summer months, making these times the most expensive. Choosing an off-peak date can lead to significant savings. Consider a Friday or Sunday, or even a weekday, which can be less expensive for venues and vendors. Off-season weddings—typically in the winter or late fall—are also cheaper as there is less demand. Additionally, consider getting married in the morning or afternoon.
Daytime weddings often incur lower costs for venues and catering, as there’s less need for elaborate lighting and decor. I will give you a secret about Silver Hearth Lodge and how booking on a Friday can save you upwards of roughly $1,500. More on that later.
3. Limit the Guest List
Every guest adds to your costs, from invitations and catering to seating and favors. In 2024, the average number of wedding guests has increased to 145. Trimming your guest list can yield substantial savings. Start by categorizing your guests into essential (family and closest friends) and non-essential (distant relatives, coworkers). Consider whether you need to invite plus-ones or children, which can also add to your headcount. A smaller guest list allows for a more intimate atmosphere and can make your wedding feel more personal and meaningful.
Smaller guest lists save money on the venue but it also saves costs on the catering and cake costs.
Avg wedding guest numbers
4. DIY Invitations and Save-the-Dates
Wedding invitations set the tone for your big day, but they don’t have to be costly. Many online platforms like Canva, Minted, and Vistaprint offer customizable templates that allow you to create beautiful, professional-looking invitations and save-the-dates at a fraction of the cost. Once designed, you can print them yourself or use a budget-friendly printing service. For an extra personal touch, consider handwriting the names or adding a small, unique embellishment like a wax seal or ribbon. If you’re tech-savvy, you can also go entirely digital, which saves on both printing and postage costs.
Staples for example has wedding invitations you can create and purchase online for roughly $99 for 100 invites.
5. Consider a Non-Traditional Venue
Traditional wedding venues like hotels, banquet halls, wineries, and country clubs often come with high costs. We call those ‘big box’ venues because they often do weddings on the side and offer very limited ways you can have your wedding. The focus of those types of venues is not weddings and you will have little support during your day plus they will continue to operate their businesses, so many times, people you don’t know may be walking around during your big day.
If you can’t have your wedding on our 40-acre wedding campus, consider non-traditional venues such as public parks, botanical gardens, art galleries, libraries, or even a family member’s backyard. These locations can offer unique charm and character, often at a lower cost.
When selecting a venue, think about the overall aesthetic and how much decoration will be needed. A beautiful outdoor setting might require minimal decor, saving you money on flowers and other embellishments, much like our venue. Be sure to check for any required permits or additional fees, especially for public spaces.
6. Borrow or Rent Decor Items
Buying all new decor for your wedding can quickly add up. Instead, consider borrowing items from friends or family who have recently married, or look into rental companies that specialize in wedding decor. Many companies offer packages that include everything from table linens and chairs to centerpieces and lighting. Renting not only reduces costs but also saves you the hassle of storing or reselling items after the wedding. If you’re feeling creative, consider upcycling items like mason jars, wine bottles, or wooden crates, which can be turned into beautiful decor with a bit of DIY effort.
7. Simplify the Catering
Catering can be one of the most significant expenses for your wedding. To save money, consider alternative serving styles. Buffets or family-style meals are often more cost-effective than a plated, multi-course dinner. You can also limit the menu to fewer courses or opt for a more casual dining experience, like a BBQ or picnic-style meal. Another option is to have a “food truck” wedding, where guests can choose from a variety of options—this can be both fun and budget-friendly. If you’re hosting a smaller wedding, consider self-catering with the help of friends and family, or hire a local restaurant instead of a traditional catering service.
8. Opt for a Smaller Cake or Cupcakes
Wedding cakes can be a surprisingly large expense, especially if you opt for a multi-tiered, elaborately decorated cake. Instead, consider a smaller, single-tier cake for the cake-cutting ceremony, and supplement it with a simple sheet cake or cupcakes for your guests.
Many bakeries offer “display cakes” where only one tier is real cake and the rest are faux layers decorated to match. You can also save by choosing simpler designs or opting for buttercream instead of fondant. Another trend is to have a “naked cake,” where minimal frosting is used, giving it a rustic and charming look.
9. Skip the Full Bar
Alcohol can be a significant part of your wedding budget. To cut costs, consider offering a limited bar with just beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full open bar. Signature cocktails can add a personal touch to your event while keeping alcohol costs down. You can also limit the bar service to specific times, such as during the cocktail hour and dinner, or close the bar earlier in the evening. If your venue allows it, consider buying your own alcohol in bulk from a warehouse club or liquor store, which can be more cost-effective than going through your caterer.
10. Buy a Pre-Owned Wedding Dress
The wedding dress is often one of the most significant purchases, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider buying a pre-owned dress from online marketplaces like Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, or Poshmark, where brides sell their gently used gowns at a fraction of the original cost.
You can also look for sample sales or trunk shows, where bridal shops sell off-the-rack dresses at discounted prices. Another option is to wear a family heirloom dress and have it tailored to fit your style, which can add sentimental value and save money.
11. Consider Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Attire
Outfitting your bridal party can be expensive, especially if you expect them to purchase matching dresses or suits. To save money, consider renting attire from companies like Rent the Runway or Generation Tux, which offer stylish options at a lower cost. Alternatively, choose a color palette and allow your bridesmaids and groomsmen to select their own outfits within that range. This not only saves money but also allows your bridal party to express their style. For a cohesive look, you can provide matching accessories, such as ties, belts, or shoes.
12. Use Local and In-Season Flowers
Flowers are a classic wedding decoration, but they can be costly, especially if you opt for exotic or out-of-season blooms. Save money by choosing flowers that are local and in season. These flowers are not only more affordable but also fresher and more environmentally friendly.
Work with your florist to create arrangements that use more greenery, which is typically less expensive than flowers. You can also incorporate non-floral elements into your decor, such as candles, lanterns, or potted plants, which can be repurposed after the wedding.
13. Create a Wedding Website
Wedding websites are a modern and efficient way to share information with your guests, and they can help you save on stationery and postage costs.
Many platforms, like The Knot, Zola, and Wix, offer free or low-cost wedding website templates that are easy to customize. Your website can include details about the ceremony and reception, travel and accommodation information, and an online RSVP form. This reduces the need for printed inserts and allows you to easily update your guests with any changes.
14. Limit the Number of Vendors
Each vendor you hire adds to your overall costs, so consider limiting the number of vendors by choosing those who can provide multiple services. For example, some DJs can also serve as the master of ceremonies, and some photographers offer videography packages. Hiring fewer vendors simplifies your planning process and can lead to package deals or discounts. Additionally, having fewer people involved in the day’s logistics can lead to a more seamless experience.
15. Negotiate with Vendors
When booking vendors, don’t be afraid to negotiate prices or ask for discounts. Many vendors are willing to work with your budget, especially if you’re getting married on an off-peak date or booking multiple services. Before negotiating, research typical prices for each service in your area so you have a clear idea of what’s reasonable.
Be polite but firm in your negotiations, and always get everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings later on. If a vendor’s price is out of your budget, ask if they can customize their package to better suit your needs. One thing I will tell you about SHL is that they have already done the negotiating with various vendors and the savings is simply passed on to you should you want to use them. Bob, the owner provides a list of the vendors with the discounts when you book at the wedding campus.
16. DIY Your Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a thoughtful gesture, but they can add up quickly, especially if you have a large guest list. Consider making your own favors to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding.
Simple ideas include homemade cookies, jam, seeds or candles, which can be beautifully packaged with ribbons and personalized tags. If you’re crafty, consider creating small gifts like custom keychains, bookmarks, or mini potted plants. DIY favors not only save money but also allow you to give your guests something meaningful and unique.
17. Get a 15% Discount on Your Venue
As a longtime advocate of everything weddings, I found a discount at my favorite wedding venue, Silver Hearth Lodge, located on top of the beautiful mountains of the Blue Ridge in Virginia. If you book your wedding on a Friday, the owners will give you a 15% discount on the normal rates. That means you’ll get use of the facility on Thursday evening for your wedding rehearsal and of course the ceremony and reception on Friday.
This discount can save you upwards of roughly $1,500 depending on how many guests you have. Click the link below to contact SHL and learn more about the world-class facility.
