Wedding Bands > Wedding Planning Ideas > 20 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding!
20 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding!
Your wedding should be a joyous occasion, not one where you're stressing out about the huge bill you're about to face. Check out these great ways to save money on your wedding so you won't break the bank, and have a little more to spend on that honeymoon!
- Less Is More. One of the fastest ways to slash costs is to trim the guest list. The average per-person cost is $100, so imagine how much you'll save by just decreasing your list by ten people.
- Catering Deals. Can't bear the thought of cutting down that guest list? Then negotiate a deal with your caterer. Ask for discounts if you decide to use the same caterer for the meal as well as the cake.
- Serve Yourself. These days, especially for many outdoor weddings, buffets are the way to go. They're also often much more reasonable than served meals because there's no wait staff to pay.
- Keep Hors d'eouvres Simple. There's no need to have fancy appetizers before a full meal is served. Why not have an assortment of cheese and breads instead? This will not only significantly cut costs, but it keeps the guests moving and mingling.
- Just Say No. Instead of serving a full open bar with cocktails, limit the alcohol to beer and wine. As long as the drinks are free, no one will complain.
- Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too. Individual cakes and desserts can get pricey, oftentimes starting at $5 per person. That's why savvy couples are choosing to have one small wedding cake for the cutting, and a separate sheet cake made for serving to guest.
- Dress Down. In costs, that is. Shop wedding sample sales, rent a dress or even enter contests at bridal boutiques. One woman bought a slightly damaged gown at 80% off, then had it repaired for just a few dollars.
- Formal Chic. Who says you have to get a wedding dress at a bridal store? Many women are discovering formal wear boutiques and department stores to find gorgeous gowns and dresses that aren't necessarily wedding wear, but are perfect for the occasion.
- Cutting Down on Coifs. Hair is important on the big day, and unless you're an amazing stylist yourself, you probably don't want to handle this one on your own. But you don't always have to pay top dollar for a styling job. Seek out hair stylist schools where competitive students will provide professional styling at little or no cost.
- Small Town, Big Affair. There are many beautiful venues just off the beaten path. Try securing a venue at a golf resort or restaurant away from the big city, and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much less expensive the rental fees can be.
- Time and Day. Does your wedding have to be on a Saturday? Even changing the day to Sunday or during the week will save you a huge chunk of cash. One couple stayed with the venue, but changed their day from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon and the fee was slashed in half.
- Call It a Day. These days, there's really no true rule for wedding invitations. Why spend thousands of dollars on fussy paper invitations when you can call your guests. Email invitations are even acceptable, and with no paper or postage involved, you'll save money and help the environment.
- Center of Attention. What you put on the table as a centerpiece is up to you. Instead of expensive floral arrangements, why not candles, flat vases with floating flowers or even something…alive? One couple who had their wedding on the beach had goldfish in a bowl as their centerpiece, and this was a great conversation piece for the guests.
- Flower Power. Flowers are often a big part of wedding expenses, and sadly, they're one of the things that guests won't even remember. If you've got the time and the extra hands to help, buy vases or baskets, then get your own fresh bouquets from a local farmer's market. Your bridesmaids are there to help you with the arranging.
- Candid Moments. Hiring a photographer can get really expensive. Why not take your private wedding photos before the wedding, and on the day of, have guests use disposable cameras to capture those unique, candid moments?
- Party Favorless. How many times have you been to a wedding and kept the party favors? If there's anything you can really skimp on, this is it. More and more couples are opting to not have favors because they'll save an average of $2-$3 per person, not to mention avoiding the hassles of making favors.
- Find it on eBay. Looking for a veil? Surplus designer wedding gowns? Centerpiece decorations or even wedding invitation paper? There's no better place to find these things on the cheap than at an online auction.
- Music to Your Wallet. Need wedding music? Why hire a DJ when you've got your iPod with your customizable playlists. If you must have a DJ, hire the equipment yourself and have a relative or one of the groomsmen man the music.
- DIY. If you must have all the extras but you're on a tight budget, there's always a way to get what you want—do it yourself. To make party favors, buy items in bulk and get your friends and family in on the assembling process. Print your own invitations on pre-set wedding paper that you can buy in bulk at any stationery store.
- Get Sponsored. Some wedding vendors will actually provide free services in exchange for advertising. All you have to do is ask when you're shopping around. For instance, one photographer did a wedding for free as long as he was allowed to have his business card displayed by the exit door. That saved the couple more than $3000!
