Early decisions make a big difference on your wedding budget in the long run. Take a peek at these tips to save on your wedding and start planning today. With our advice you can stay budget-savvy and still create the amazing wedding of your dreams!
Keep track of your budget and download our free budget planning printable!
Pick an Off-Season Date for Your Chosen Locale
- Venues and vendors are more inclined to reduce fees if you select an off-season date within your area of the country. Winter weddings are generally less expensive than summer, when rates are at their highest. (Holidays excluded)
Skip Holiday Weekends
- Research popular events in your area and plan accordingly. Anytime you are competing with other events or brides on peak wedding weekends, costs increase. Also, take others into consideration when choosing a date. Does your Dad want to be spending Father’s Day weekend at wedding events? Of course, you’re his little girl! But, do you want your husband to split his time between your anniversary weekend and Father’s Day when you become parents someday? Likewise with Mother’s Day, Super Bowl Sunday, etc. Picking a perfectly timed, affordable date is tricky but possible with good planning.
Avoid Saturday
- Aka… the most expensive day of the week to get hitched. Together with your family, we cordially invite you to consider a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon wedding. They are lovely and the price difference will send you over the moon!
Trim Your Guest List
- Paring down the invitees is not a task for the faint-of-heart but can be done if you set a few rules for both families to follow. At first you want to invite everyone you’ve ever known! When the reality hits that your best friend from 6th grade and your future father-in-law’s golf buddies are all going to cost you $100 per head, it gets a little easier. Plus, if you eliminate by group (Zumba class members, for example), you won’t run the risk of hurt feelings and explain it was a budget decision, not personal. Visit this article that gives tips on how to create your wedding guest list. This free printable seating organization chart will not only help you trim your list, but also help organize where people sit.
Choose Fewer Attendants
- This too can be tricky but saves money in multiple ways. You will save by buying fewer flowers and gifts. To keep your gift giving budget under control, we have a plethora of DIY wedding favors and gifts! You may also need fewer cars transporting the wedding party from the church to the wedding reception. And, time with your wedding photographer can be used more efficiently with fewer people. There are several other special roles your loved ones can play while you save money on your special day.
With twelve months to go, you’re on the way to having some major wedding decisions checked off your list. Find tips on paying for the wedding, hiring wedding planners, and choosing your wedding dress. Also be sure to download this wedding budget planning sheet to help keep track of expenses. You'll also throw an engagement party and set up a successful registry.
Follow our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide for more tips for every phase of your planning process. Feeling crafty? We’ve handpicked our favorite DIY wedding projects too!
Article written by: Melissa Collier
