Genius Ideas To Save Money On Your Wedding

There are plenty of big moments that grace most of our lives, and walking down the aisle is something many dream about for years. So what happens when you want the ceremony of your dreams but don't necessarily have the budget to bring it to life? You get creative.

Thankfully, pinching the pennies doesn't mean you have to miss out when you have some genius ideas to save money on your wedding under your belt. The best bit? There's a good chance no one will know that not everything is the most expensive option on the market.

Quickly bulk up floral arrangements by sticking to a few flower choices

It can be easy to think that things like the venue or wedding dress will eat up most of a wedding budget. However, it’s often the smaller things that sneak up and start to cost a fortune. Flowers and bouquets are one on the list, especially once you start trying to make each arrangement as big as can be.

Thankfully, one of the easiest ways to save money on your wedding is to stick to just a few flower choices. Florists tend to get discounts when they bulk order three to five types of flowers, meaning you can get more for your money. Pick flowers from the same color palette, and you should have plenty to fill the space.

Ditch individual place cards for a general seating chart - or let your guests choose

Let’s face it; plenty of us love nothing more than creating beautiful pieces of stationery. Plus, place cards can be a great way to complete a table and add a dash more of your theme to the big day. However, they can also be a waste of money when there’s a better - and cheaper - way to get the point across.

If you want to have a seating plan, why not create one large one to display at the reception entrance instead? That way, everyone knows where they should be. On the other hand, you can even ditch the seating chart altogether and let your guests mingle where they like to save money and create a more laid-back atmosphere.

Give emerging photographers a chance as they might offer discounted rates

There are a few things that most couples want on their big day. There’s a good chance many want photographs to remember their wedding. However, investing in a wedding photographer can sometimes be one of the biggest costs when planning a wedding. Thankfully, there are ways to keep costs low while still getting pictures of special moments.

Several couples suggest looking at up-and-coming photographers who are building their portfolios. In fact, one bride says her photographer was willing to charge a third of their usual price and throw in some engagement photos for free, all so they could have their first wedding in their portfolio. It’s a great plan that can often work well for everyone involved.

A Polaroid station is a great alternative to expensive photo booths

Certain wedding trends have come and gone throughout the years. However, one that seems to be here to stay for the time being is none other than the wedding photo booth. You know, the ones where everyone gets some props as they pose for snaps with other guests? Even Hailey and Justin Bieber had one at their reception.

Still, trends are there to be broken, so why not invest in a Polaroid station instead? Sure, you might need to buy a Polaroid camera and enough film for the night, but it will still save thousands of dollars by not renting a booth. You can even hang up string and add pegs for your guests to display their pictures.

Forget table linens and opt for runners on tables to save money on your wedding

Ah, table linens. They’re often the thing that keep couples up at night as they wonder about how they will match with the rest of their theme and if they’ve chosen the right color. Table linens can also be one of the more unexpected costs that tip our budget over the edge, especially if we have several tables to dress.

It could be time to ditch them altogether. Instead, why not opt for table runners to save money on table decorations? Either plain tables or simple cotton sheets can be perfect stand-ins, while a decorative runner can take the whole thing up a few rungs on the class ladder. Plus, they’re usually nowhere near as expensive.

Plywood or pallets can be used to make welcome signs for guests

Who knew that welcome signs could end up costing so much money? Of course, playing for someone’s talents comes at a cost, but that doesn’t mean we have to spend so much money on something so simple. Instead, why not invest in a wooden pallet or some plywood from the hardware store? That instantly saves a lot of money.

From there, wood stain or paint can be used to make the sign match your decor. Then, all you need is to print out stencils you can use or purchase some online or from a local hobby store. Now, all you need to do is paint it yourself, and you should see your welcome sign cost hundreds of dollars less.

Keep the drink list to a minimum if you want to save money on your wedding reception

If there is one genius idea for saving money on your wedding that plenty of couples want the world to know, it’s not to serve an endless number of drinks. It’s no secret that plenty of guests wish to enjoy a party at the end of a wedding. Several couples also feel they need to offer a free tab.

While it’s a great idea so that everyone has a good time, it can quickly get expensive with every type of drink on offer. Instead, many couples suggest talking to a local brewery about buying a barrel or two and creating one signature drink for the night. That way, you don’t have to spend money on several different bottles.

Try renting a house for a wedding venue instead of opting for pricey locations

Did you know that renting a house for your wedding party might not be as unusual as it sounds on the surface? That’s right; plenty of couples have started a new money-saving trend that could be the way forward. Several couples say they booked a house for a few nights as somewhere to stay with their wedding party.

All you need to do is hire some caterers if you want to take away that stress, and you have somewhere to have the wedding, reception, and honeymoon if you really want. Just be sure the place you’re renting allows parties before making your booking, so you don’t incur any large unexpected fees or issues.

Keep the wedding at one location to save on transportation costs

Finding the perfect wedding venue can sometimes be easier said than done. That is unless you have been dreaming about getting married at a certain place for years and know nothing can change your mind. What if a tip for saving money on your wedding could save as much as $4,000? That might be enough to sway some people.

All you need to do is look for a wedding venue where you can have the ceremony and reception. This means you won’t have to worry about paying for transportation for your wedding party, potentially saving thousands. Plus, you won’t lose any time traveling from one place to the other and can instead focus on enjoying your big day.

Look at renting your wedding dress to keep things eco and cut your costs

There are so many tips on how to save money on your wedding dress. One of the best ways to do so is to consider renting a dress instead of buying one. There are plenty of reasons this can be a great option for brides. For one, you could have access to designer gowns that are usually out of budget.

Plus, it’s a great option for people looking to avoid wasting outfits and instead stick to a more eco-themed wedding. Then there’s the fact you could end up spending a few hundred dollars on something that won’t sit in the closet once the day is through compared to the average $1,800 that brides spent in 2021.

Try to keep the guest list small to minimize wedding costs

It can be tempting to invite everyone you’ve ever met to your big day. After all, most people only plan on having one wedding, so why wouldn’t you want to spend it with everyone? While that can be great if you have the budget, that might not be the best plan if you plan to save money on your wedding.

After all, each extra person means a bigger venue, more food, and more drinks. While it’s probably not the most fun way to plan a wedding, think about who you really want there. Then, figure out how much you can spend on catering for people and compare the two. It might be time to cut the numbers a little.

Don’t be afraid to DIY your wedding invites to save money on your wedding

Stationers are there for a reason. After all, they often make beautiful invitations and stationery that can really pull a look together. However, they can also charge up to $7 for a wedding invitation, envelope, and assembly. Why spend so much money per invite when you could get crafty and DIY your wedding invites instead?

All you need are a set of cards from a local hobby store and some time to write them out. This is even better if you know someone who has particularly great handwriting. Just be sure to ask for some help from friends or spread the invites out over several days to ensure you don’t overload yourself.

Use a wedding website instead of sending multiple cards to guests

The internet has done a lot to change most people’s lives, and now, utilizing it could be a great way to save money on your wedding. After all, sending multiple cards out could cost an extra $800 for couples who need to tell everyone about rehearsal dinners, save-the-dates, and details about getting to the venue or local hotels.

Thankfully, something as simple as adding a wedding website to your invitation could be all you need. Now, you can update the site with all the information a guest could need, such as locations or information, without having to spend extra on more cards. The best bit? You get to save paper and become more eco, too.

Skip an envelope liner to save money per wedding invite

The wedding costs start racking up almost as soon as a couple gets engaged. That doesn’t mean everything has to cost as much as it seems on the surface. The wedding invitations are just a small part of the day but are something many feel they need to go all out on to make the best impression.

An envelope liner might sound like a nice idea, but is it really necessary? Probably not. Instead of spending up to $1 more per invitation, why not skip the liner and go for a colorful envelope instead? As well as saving money, it can also be a colorful surprise when it turns up in your guests’ mailboxes.

Email wedding invitations for free instead of buying expensive stationery

This might be a controversial one for people with grand ideas of a traditional wedding or older family members, but why not ditch the invitations altogether and email your invites instead? If your wedding budget is already tight, then this is a great way to save a ton of money. Plus, there are plenty of free design tools to use.

Of course, you can also pay for a premade design if you have your eye on something you like, as it will still likely come in cheaper than sending physical invites. As well as saving money, emailing invites is also a great way to ensure you plan an eco wedding as there won’t be any unnecessary paper.

Shrink your wedding cake or use foam layers to avoid hefty bakery costs

Did you know several couples say they didn’t get to eat their wedding cake on their big day? Sometimes, not even the guests get a taste if everyone else gets caught up with the party. Still, plenty want a cake on their big day. It’s a good thing there’s a great tip for saving money on your wedding cake, right?

Instead of forking out on a giant wedding cake that could cost a fortune, it could be time to scale things back. One or two tiers should be all you need to feed your guests. On the other hand, using fake styrofoam layers and only having a real cake for the top - and smallest - tier will save hundreds of dollars.

Non-frosted cakes could save a fortune when it comes to decorating fees

Rustic weddings have been on trend for years, and it doesn’t look as though they will go anywhere any time soon. One of the many things that have come from the theme are non-frosted cakes. These are ones with a simple swiping of frosting or no frosting at all, and there are plenty of reasons to think about having one.

As well as being less sweet, no frosting is a great way to save money on your wedding. After all, you don’t need to pay for the baker’s time to create something intricate and delicate. If you want some decoration but don’t want to spend money, why not repurpose a bridesmaid’s bouquet or sprinkle over some extra petals?

Pick a statement glass over completely unique glassware for your tables

There are so many things to think about when designing tables for your wedding. In fact, it can be easy to get caught up in planning centerpieces, china dishes, and what color napkins to use. Did you know that sets of unique glassware are a thing for weddings? Of course, they usually come with quite a high price tag.

Thankfully, you don’t have to splash out on personalized sets if you want to save money on your wedding. Instead, why not pick a statement glass? This could be something like a gold goblet or crystal toasting glass. Even better, forget about the little things people probably won’t notice to cut even more off your wedding budget.

Make your own wedding playlist instead of hiring a DJ for the reception

Are you meant to choose a wedding DJ or a live band? Do you get them to play your favorite songs or tunes that are more typically associated with weddings? There are so many ways couples end up stressing themselves out when it comes to planning a wedding reception. It could be time to ditch all those ideas.

Instead, you can save a ton of money on your wedding by forgetting DJs and bands and creating your own playlist instead. Several streaming sites have deals and subscriptions to avoid being interrupted by commercials. Then, simply create a playlist, invest in some Bluetooth speakers, and ask a guest to keep watch on your music for the night.

Consider wedding venues that don’t require too many decorations

It can often surprise many couples how quickly things add up when planning a wedding. One of the genius ideas to save money on your wedding is to book a venue that’s already stunning. Sure, you might end up paying a little more for some locations, but it could save a ton on decorations in the long run.

Some couples have spoken about venues with intricate gardens or Japanese gardens, which are already great for pictures without any extra decorations. Another great tip is to get married in December, when plenty of places will already be fully decorated for the holidays, meaning twinkling lights will bring all your photos to life without splashing the cash.

Think about doing your own makeup to save money on your wedding but practice first

Things have come a long way in recent years. Now, plenty of us know how to do our makeup just as well as many professionals - just with some cheaper products and more work on our end. While it might not be the way many brides imagine their days going, doing your own makeup could save hundreds of dollars.

Just be sure to apply your makeup a little heavier, so it shows up in photos. Plus, you’ll want to give things a test run to see how it holds up throughout the day. If you don’t want to do your own makeup, why not ask a friend if they could step in to save money on your wedding?

Consider skipping unnecessary additions, such as matching bridesmaid pajamas

It’s not just genius ideas to save money on your wedding that have filled the internet throughout the years. Other couples have shared the things they wish they didn’t buy that could have saved a ton of money. Apparently, matching pajamas for the bride and bridesmaids is one on the list for a host of reasons.

For one, plenty of brides feel they do nothing with the photos. Then there’s the fact it’s almost impossible to find a style that flatters everyone. Plus, what are you supposed to do with the pajama sets once the photo shoot is done? Instead, brides suggest asking bridesmaids to simply wear pajamas of a certain color that they already have.

Try asking for money instead of gifts from your guests

Okay, this might be one that causes a few debates, but asking for money instead of gifts is becoming more popular than you might believe. After all, plenty of couples already live together before their big day and likely have everything they need. Thankfully, there are ways to do it that don’t come across as rude.

Merely adding something like asking for “your presence instead of presents” is a great start before adding how much a donation would be appreciated. This can be used to pay for the big day, like one couple who got $8,000 back on their $11,000 wedding, or to put toward something like a honeymoon.

Use fake flowers instead of real ones, especially if you want an out-of-season bouquet

Real flowers can often look great, but they can also cost a fortune. This usually isn’t great for people looking to save money on their wedding. That’s where fake flowers could be all you need, especially as plenty on the market look just like the real thing. This is especially genius if you have a certain flower in mind.

After all, ordering out-of-season flowers is an easy way to see the price skyrocket. Plenty of couples say they even went one step further and learned how to arrange their own bouquets and displays to save even more money. The best bit? You can keep your special bouquet forever and repurpose any others once the wedding is done.

Don’t feel you have to DIY every aspect of your wedding

It can be easy to think that DIY-ing as much as you can for your wedding is a genius way to save money on your big day. However, that might not always be the case. In fact, there are often times that purchasing everything you need could work out more expensive than paying someone to do something.

It’s best to also be realistic about how much time it can often take to make things at home compared to having someone else make things for you. Weigh up the cost with the time needed to see if you’re really saving money or if you’re adding more stress and additional costs to your wedding without realizing it.

Repurpose decorative boxes to use as a cheaper card box

It’s often the little things that creep up when planning a wedding and can end up costing more than expected. There’s a good chance people will bring cards and gifts to your wedding and need somewhere to put them. However, they can cost a considerable amount of money if you want something personalized for the day.

What about that wicker basket you have at home? Perhaps you were given a gift in a pretty box, and you haven’t got around to doing anything with it yet? Whatever the case, there’s a good chance many people already have something they can use. You can even add something like wooden letters if you want to make it personal.

Take advantage of trunk shows to save money on your wedding dress

Trunk shows are special events held by designers where they showcase their items at a reduced rate for potential customers. This includes wedding dress designers, who often host various events throughout the end of the year - especially at the end of a season. It could be time to check one out if you have a gown in mind.

In fact, you could end up saving anywhere from $150 to $500 on your gown and end up with some free alterations. Many trunk show offers usually come with a free veil, size alteration, or neckline alteration if you buy on the day. This quickly adds up to several hundred more dollars saved on one of the biggest wedding expenses.

Keep an eye on social media for any deals at local bridal salons

We live in a world where just about everyone has a social media page, with businesses often hosting social media special events for their followers. This includes bridal boutiques, which might take advantage of free advertising and only post about their sales on their page. That’s why it’s always worth giving local stores a follow.

As well as learning about any trunk shows they have coming up, you could also find out about offers such as a discount on wedding dresses or free jewelry thrown in on certain days. Whatever the case, something as simple as following bridal boutiques could be all you need to save a ton of money on your gown.

Order your wedding dress in plenty of time to avoid last-minute alteration fees

Some brides love to have everything planned and get things sorted as soon as possible to enjoy the countdown to the big day. Others? They prefer to leave things to the last minute. Of course, there are benefits to buying your wedding dress later, as you could avoid having multiple alterations or having a change of heart about the gown.

However, buying your wedding dress eight to nine months before the wedding could save hundreds of dollars. For one, you should avoid the rush fee many boutiques tack on. Plus, last-minute alterations often fall in the region of $100 to $300, meaning more expense and stress before the ceremony. Sometimes, being prepared really does pay off.

Consider hiring your jewelry to keep costs low for your wedding

There is a reason that part of the old saying has "something borrowed." The best bit? It's a genius way to save money on your wedding. This could mean asking loved ones if they have jewelry that could work for your big day. Even if they don't, there are other ways to cut back costs for your wedding outfit.

Several companies now hire out expensive jewels for a fraction of the cost. In fact, some brides have reported getting their hands on $30,000 necklaces for just $300, under the condition they have to send them back, of course. While you don't keep the jewels, it can be great for people wanting something extravagant for their wedding.

Ask your caterer if kids’ meals can be reduced to keep wedding costs down

Not everyone wants children at their wedding. Others love to have the entire family there and all their loved ones around them for the big day. If you fall into the latter category, then you might want to think about asking your caterer for different options. After all, there’s a good chance that children won’t eat the adult menu.

Even if they do, they probably won’t have such a large portion, so why should you pay the same cost? It’s a conversation that might be worth having if you want to keep wedding costs down. Hopefully, caterers will have an offer that means children’s meals are reduced or have cheaper options for little ones.

A buffet is a great way to save money on your wedding food

Food is something most wedding guests expect, but it can be one of the larger costs of a big day. This is especially true if you have several guests, but there are ways to save money on your wedding reception. Rather than a sit-down meal, why not opt for a buffet for your guests instead?

Some caterers could charge as much as $1,500 to $3,000 less for 100 guests just for swapping from a formal meal to a buffet. Plus, you often get more for your money from a buffet instead of a fixed menu, meaning there should be food for your guests throughout the rest of the day without paying for extras.

Ask your married friends if they have anything leftover from their wedding

Growing up with people from the same generation often means we reach the same milestones around the same time. Perhaps you already have some friends who have walked down the aisle? They can be a great way to learn how to save money on your own wedding - and could potentially have some things you could use.

There’s a chance they might have some decorations or accessories they no longer need to use. Maybe they have a tiara they used for their wedding? Perhaps they bought an arch for photographs and haven’t gotten around to repurposing it yet? Asking to borrow these items could save you money and give things a new lease of life.

Consider ditching wedding favors altogether to cut a huge cost

People often want to ensure they have everything covered before their big day. That can mean spending hours making DIY wedding favors or spending hundreds of dollars on the additions. Why? It can often feel like a way to say thank you to your guests and give them something to remember from the big day.

However, wedding favors are often something guests forget to take and might not always remember when the wedding is said and done. While they can be a nice touch, there’s a good chance many won’t even notice if you skip them altogether. It can be a quick way to save a good amount of money on your wedding with ease.

View wedding decor as an investment to use again or sell on

Before buying anything for your wedding, you might want to take a step back and consider what you will do with it once the day is done. Sure, things like the dress or centerpieces might be things you want to hold onto for sentimental reasons. What about large investments, like chairs, decorations, or table runners?

Viewing everything you buy for the big day is a great way to save money on your wedding in the long run. Some things might find a new lease of life around your home. Others could be things you can sell once the day is through. If you can’t do either, could you rent what you need instead?

Invest or create some wedding signs to cut down on the number of staff needed

If you’ve ever tried to control a crowd of people, there’s a good chance you know that’s easier said than done. Trying to get people to their seats or telling them where to find certain aspects of your ceremony can lead to many couples hiring staff to ensure their wedding day goes as smoothly as possible.

However, some signs could be all you need. These can be made from things such as sign boards or small pieces of painted wood to tell your guests to “Enjoy the photo booth” or “Pour yourself a drink.” This way, your guests should know where everything is without the need for extra pairs of hands to keep things flowing.

Keep bridesmaids' bouquets smaller to cut back on costs for your wedding

Several couples have learned that flowers can be a quick way to rack up huge wedding bills. So what are you supposed to do when you want the bridesmaids to have bouquets but don't want to spend a fortune? If fake flowers or bouquet alternatives are off the menu, then what about sticking to smaller arrangements?

That's right; choosing one or two types of flowers from the main bouquet should be all you need. Don't be afraid to add some greenery, which can quickly bulk up bouquets at a fraction of the cost. In fact, cutting some of the flowers from each bridesmaid bouquet could save up to $50 a piece, depending on the arrangement.

Think about pocket squares over boutonnieres for the groomsmen

Bouquets for the brides and bridesmaids? Check. Flowers for the table centerpieces? Check. What else is missing? For many, it could be boutonnieres - you know, the little flowers that go in the groom’s and groomsmen’s top pockets for the big day. They are usually a single flower to match the bride’s bouquet, but did you know how much they cost?

Even multiple single flowers could end up costing around $300 by the time you have everyone covered. If you want a genius idea to save money on your wedding, you might want to skip the boutonnieres. Those top pockets don’t have to remain empty. Instead, a pocket square can give the same results without the extra price tag.

Use the bridesmaid bouquets as centerpieces for tables to keep flower costs low

There are so many ways to make the most of things you buy for your big day without having to buy double. If you have enough bridesmaids for the tables at the reception, then you could be in luck. Even if you don’t, you might not have to buy a centerpiece for every single table.

That’s because using the bridesmaid bouquets as the centerpieces is a great way to save money and make your investments go further. You can even use any flowers used to decorate the aisle as additions to the buffet table or at the bar, so long as you can enlist people’s help to move them from one place to another.

Pick three important things to spend your budget on, then compromise on the rest

It can be easy to get overwhelmed by the number of things needed to bring a wedding to life. This can be even worse when you need to figure out how to split your budget. Several couples have a simple piece of advice: pick the three things that matter the most to the pair of you before you begin planning.

This could be the entertainment, food, venue, flowers, cake, or anything else people often have at their wedding. Once you have this down, you should know what’s a priority in your budget. From there, you can also learn what compromises you can make, such as opting for cheaper options for things less important to you and your partner.

A wedding dress doesn’t have to have the word “wedding” in the description

Just because something isn’t sold as one thing doesn’t mean it can’t be used for an alternative purpose. This goes for wedding dresses. Planning a wedding can lead many to realize that as soon as you say something is for your big day, the price instantly starts to creep up. Want to save money on your wedding dress?

Try looking at white gowns that don’t necessarily come from a bridal boutique. Several brides say they saved hundreds of dollars by opting for white bridesmaid dresses. This is especially great if you plan on something out of the box for your big day, such as a colored dress or a tea dress instead of a full gown.

Think about investing in wedding insurance in case something happens

Learning how to save money on your wedding can lead many to think they need to cut corners. The idea of not getting wedding insurance might be tempting if you want to cut a significant cost. However, it’s there for a reason. Of course, wedding insurance is better suited to people hosting a big wedding over ceremonies with few guests.

That’s because wedding insurance covers everything from the cake to deposits, illnesses, accidents, or if you need to change the date. It should even have you covered if something to do with your wedding goes into administration. Whatever the case, the protection could save couples thousands of dollars if something happens that’s out of their control.

Avoid using the word "wedding" when planning to save money on the big day

If you want one of the best ways to save money on your wedding, it's to avoid saying the word whenever you book anything. Of course, sometimes it's hard to avoid, such as booking a venue or an appointment at a bridal boutique. However, there are plenty of times it could save you a lot of money.

Things such as hairstylists, bakers, and makeup artists often cost more as soon as something is for a big day. Instead, tell them it's for a party and see if the price falls. Some admitted they saved more than $1,000 on their wedding cake by telling the baker it was for an engagement party instead of a wedding.

Ask a talented friend to film important parts of the day to save on a videographer

There's a chance many couples want a photographer at their wedding. How about a videographer? This is a great addition if you have the funds, as you now have a wedding video to go with your memories. However, it might be an unnecessary cost if you're on a budget, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out.

Instead, ask a talented friend if you can use a camera to record the important parts of your ceremony, such as the speeches or first dance. Now, you have footage of those moments to remember for the rest of your lives without having to pay for another person to be at the ceremony. It's a win-win situation.

Try a cookie table over a wedding cake if you’re not that into desserts

Wedding cakes are something plenty of couples feel they have to include instead of something they want to spend money on for their big day. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cut the costs of desserts. Why not think of something outside the box, such as having a cupcake display or donuts for your cake replacement?

Another idea is a cookie table, something common in the Pittsburgh area. One bride explains they started around the Great Depression as people asked family members to bring a plate of homemade cookies that everyone could enjoy at the end of the night. It’s a personal touch that could end up saving thousands of dollars.

Consider a low-key destination wedding if a honeymoon is a must-have

When you hear the words “destination wedding,” there’s a good chance you think “expensive,” right? While that can often be the case, it might not always be true - especially if you learn how to budget your wedding. It turns out weddings abroad can often cost a lot less than in our hometowns and come with incredible views and weather.

To keep things on the more affordable side, think about who you really want to be at the ceremony to keep the numbers small. Plus, you can tie your wedding in with your honeymoon to save on paying for extra plane tickets or accommodation if you get married somewhere you already want to visit. Does it get better?

Have a wedding later in the day to cut down on food, drink, and entertainment needed

Timing can be everything when it comes to saving money on your wedding. However, it’s not just the day of the week or time of year that you walk down the aisle that can affect the final price. The time of day you get married could also end up costing you more - or save a ton of money.

Think about it, the later in the day you get married, the fewer hours you have to keep everyone entertained. This means you need less food and drink, less entertainment, and you don’t have to rent somewhere for as long. If your photographer charges by the hour, you could also save on a large bill by hosting a shorter wedding.

Consider creating a giant floral arrangement instead of lots of little ones if it’s within budget

There are such things as wow moments that don’t have to be out of reach if you learn how to balance your wedding budget from the get-go. That’s right; you can dream about your flower wall and have it too by planning ahead. This can be great if you don’t have the funds to decorate every inch of your venue.

Instead of having several smaller arrangements, why not opt for a flower wall in one section of the venue? Not only can it bring a room to life, but it will also be a great place to get some beautiful and more unique photos from the night. The rest of your decorations can be used in high-traffic areas.

Find a venue with no corkage to save money on your wedding drinks

Just because many couples put a large section of their budget toward food and drink for guests doesn’t mean you’re out of ways to save money on your wedding. One of the best ways to do this is to find a venue with no corkage. This means that you’re allowed to buy and serve your own drinks without a fee.

Instead of letting your guests run up an expensive bar tab, this means you can shop around for bulk deals on drinks that could have cost a fortune otherwise. Just be sure to have a backup or talk to professionals before buying your drinks to ensure you have enough - and that you don’t overspend on drinks you likely won’t need.

Swap out china for bamboo plates if you want to save money at your wedding reception

Serving food is a big part of a wedding as people get ready to party. From appetizers to your main meal and perhaps even a late-night snack for dedicated partiers, there are plenty of times you might find you need something to serve it all. Sadly, investing in china plates for all of these meals can quickly add up.

Instead, why not think about using bamboo plates? These are great, as they should come in at a fraction of the cost. Plus, there’s a good chance no one will bat an eyelid as they enjoy the reception. The best bit? It’s yet another way to ensure you have the most eco wedding you can manage without breaking the bank.

Make the most of a wedding photographer’s time and book them for fewer hours

There’s a good chance your wedding day could last anywhere from 12 to 14 hours. After all, by the time your wedding party arrives, you have your outfit, hair, and makeup sorted, and you’ve been through the ceremony and reception, it can all add up. A long day could also lead to another bulky cost if you’re not careful.

Wedding photographers often charge by the hour or have a set amount they charge for weddings depending on how many hours they’re needed. Why not book your photographer for eight to ten hours instead of the full day? That way, they can capture the important moments, such as the ceremony and first dance, without breaking the bank.

Think about having your wedding on a less-popular day of the week

If you want one of the best ideas to save money on your wedding day, then think about holding it on any day of the week other than Saturday. Why? These are the most popular days to get married, meaning they usually come with a much higher price tag than getting married in the week.

Sure, it might mean your guests have to book a day off work, but if they really want to be there, they will, right? In fact, some venues charge up to $4,000 less for the day just because it’s not a Saturday. This can be a huge saving and one that can free up a lot of budget.

Weigh up whether or not you need a wedding planner

Plenty of couples have different opinions when it comes to hiring a wedding planner. Some are on the side that they have connections in the business that could have a ton of money in the long run and will take away a huge amount of stress for the day. Others think they can handle things without someone else to help.

One bride says she wishes she didn’t pay for a wedding planner because she’s already an organized person, and they didn’t help as much as she believed. Instead, she suggests getting a month-of planner. They step in at the last minute to ensure everything turns up and is organized without having the full cost of a wedding planner.

Take your time when planning a wedding if you can

Okay, there are times when getting something done and out of the way can be the biggest way to save stress. However, it might not be the best plan to save money, especially when it comes to your wedding. While there are sometimes deals if there are last-minute cancellations, these can often feel few and far between.

One couple says they waited for two years before they walked down the aisle. This meant they had several birthdays and Christmases in between to save money for their wedding. Plus, waiting means couples have time to wait for deals they might have missed if they rushed things and can shop around for the best deals.

Track your spending to ensure you don’t accidentally go over budget

Some of us love spreadsheets more than others, but it might be time to fall in love with them if you want to stick to your wedding budget. After all, one of the best ways to see where your money is going is to have it all written down. That means tracking how much your venue, food, and outfits cost.

You can also plan for the future by allocating a section of your budget to certain future purchases. This should mean that you don’t accidentally go over budget, and you can see if you have any money left to spare from other areas without having to work things out as you go. Just be sure to keep your spreadsheet updated!