Weddings are beautiful celebrations of love, but they can also be quite expensive. If you’re looking to plan a memorable day without breaking the bank, here are nine actionable tips to help you save on your wedding costs.
1. Skip the Champagne Toast
One effective way to reduce your wedding expenses is to skip the traditional champagne toast. Instead, have your guests toast with whatever they’re already drinking, be it wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage.
This small change can eliminate the cost of buying and serving additional champagne, which often comes with an extra service charge from the venue or caterer.
Potential Savings: Skipping the champagne toast can save you approximately $5 to $10 per guest, potentially totaling $500 to $1,000 for a wedding with 100 guests.
2. Opt for Signature Cocktails
Rather than offering a full bar, which can be quite costly, consider serving a limited selection of signature cocktails along with beer and wine. This not only cuts down on the variety of alcohol you need to purchase but also adds a personalized touch to your event. Guests will appreciate the curated options and it simplifies the decision-making process at the bar.
Potential Savings: Limiting your bar to signature cocktails, beer, and wine can save around $10 to $20 per guest, potentially totaling $1,000 to $2,000 for a wedding with 100 guests.
3. Repurpose Ceremony Flowers
Flowers can be a significant expense, but you can make the most of your floral budget by repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception. For instance, use the ceremony arch as a backdrop for the sweetheart table or a photo booth. Transfer floral arrangements from the aisle to the reception tables. This approach reduces waste and ensures your flowers are enjoyed throughout the entire event.
Potential Savings: Repurposing ceremony flowers can save you $500 to $1,500, depending on the size and complexity of your floral arrangements.
4. Use Online RSVPs
Save on printing and postage costs by using a wedding website for RSVPs instead of traditional mailed cards. Online RSVPs are not only cost-effective but also convenient for guests, allowing them to respond quickly and easily. Additionally, it’s environmentally friendly as it reduces paper usage.
Potential Savings: Using online RSVPs can save you $200 to $500, depending on the number of guests and the cost of printing and postage.
5. Consider a Brunch Wedding
Hosting a brunch or breakfast wedding can lead to substantial savings. Daytime weddings typically have lower venue rental fees, and the cost of brunch food is generally less than dinner. Plus, guests are likely to consume less alcohol in the morning, further reducing your expenses. If you and your partner are morning people, this could be a unique and budget-friendly option.
Potential Savings: A brunch wedding can save you $1,000 to $3,000 on venue and catering costs, depending on your location and guest count.
6. Skip Corsages and Boutonnieres for Parents and Grandparents
While flowers are a beautiful part of any wedding, some floral items might be unnecessary. Consider skipping corsages for mothers and grandmothers and boutonnieres for fathers and grandfathers. These items are often not prominently featured in photos and may not be missed by guests, saving you a significant amount of money.
Potential Savings: Skipping corsages and boutonnieres can save you $100 to $300, depending on the florist and number of items.
7. Choose In-Season Flowers
When selecting flowers, opt for those that are in season. In-season flowers are more readily available and therefore less expensive. Work with your florist to choose seasonal blooms, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck while still achieving a beautiful floral design.
Potential Savings: Choosing in-season flowers can save you $300 to $1,000, depending on the types of flowers and the size of your arrangements.
8. Select a Non-Saturday Wedding
Consider hosting your wedding on a Friday or Sunday instead of the traditional Saturday. Venues often offer lower rates for these days, and you might also benefit from reduced food and beverage minimums. This can be a great way to afford your dream venue without the hefty Saturday price tag.
Potential Savings: Opting for a non-Saturday wedding can save you $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the venue and the difference in rates.
9. Get Designer Wedding Gowns at a Good Price
Finding the perfect wedding dress is a significant part of the planning process, and designer wedding dresses can be quite expensive. However, you can still wear a designer gown without overspending. Look for sample sales, trunk shows, or consider buying a pre-owned designer dress. Many bridal boutiques offer significant discounts during these events, allowing you to get a stunning dress at a fraction of the original cost.
Potential Savings: Purchasing a designer wedding dress at a sample sale or as a pre-owned item can save you $500 to $2,000, depending on the designer and original price.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or enjoyment. By making thoughtful choices and prioritizing what’s most important to you, you can have a beautiful, memorable wedding day that stays within your financial means. These nine tips provide practical ways to cut costs while still creating the wedding of your dreams.
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