Zak & I are getting married!
We’re super excited, but I’d really prefer to NOT spend a million dollars.
I asked on Stories recently about tips for saving $$ on a wedding – here they are! I’m also including some tips I’ve already figured out. Thank you all so much for your recommendations – leave me a comment below if I missed anything!
General
Prioritize what’s important to you and ditch the extras
Look up questions to ask your potential vendors ahead of time so you know exactly what you’re getting e.g. this article from TheKnot – Questions to Ask the Band
Get married on a weekday, Friday, or Sunday
Enter all the contests e.g. at bridal showcases – you can win for example free makeup for the bridal party
Collect your change throughout your engagement in a big jar & use it on the honeymoon
Try to not use the words “wedding” and “bridal” for purchases
Facebook groups sell many once used items e.g. tablecloths, centerpieces, wedding dresses even!
Be smart with this one please! Try to pay for things with credit cards where you get good points – then use the points for your honeymoon
Planners, Coordinators
Make sure to get a day-of coordinator, but so much is free online that a wedding planner may not be needed
However! Hiring a wedding planner can also help you save money throughout the process because they’ll be able to look at contracts and help you spend money wisely
Wedding planners sometimes have a “preferred vendors” list available (for free) on their websites – you can search for these lists to see which vendors many planners recommend
Venue, Guest List, Table Settings
Invite only your closest friends & family – guest list increases the price quickly
DIY as much as you can – place cards, table #s, centerpieces, vases etc. – you can get many things on Amazon and the dollar store that look very nice
Flowers
Check out CostCo, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, florist wholesalers, or other large grocers for flowers and greenery
Rent wedding bouquets and boutonnieres (woah did not know you could do this!) e.g. Something Borrowed Blooms
Artificial flowers save lots of $
Try Bloomerent for using flowers from another wedding the day/night before – which also reduces flower waste!!
Photographers & Photos
Don’t skimp on a photographer – photos are what you’re really left with at the end of the day
Get your photos as high res images and then print your own album later
Many photographers do “mini” sessions for the holidays (Christmas time) – use this for your engagement photos
Invites & Save the Dates
Email save the dates instead of snail mail
Try Minted – they have big sales all the time
Food & Alcohol
If possible, bring in your own alcohol – buy wholesale & you can often return bottles you don’t open
Limit alcohol to beer, wine, and signature cocktails instead of having an open bar
Use a restaurant caterer instead of a catering company
Buffet style is often cheaper than sit-down
Cake
Get donuts or cupcakes – cheaper than a cake
Get your cake at a grocery store – much cheaper than a bakery and can look very nice (specific recommendation for Whole Foods)
Have a small cake for display, and then use a sheet cake to serve your guests
The Dress & Accessories
Ask to see wedding dresses from last season or “off the rail” at the boutiques – they’re often much cheaper
Look on StillWhite for gently used wedding dresses
Get a veil and accessories on e.g. Amazon as bridal stories increase the price a lot
Wedding Party (Bridesmaids et
c)
Have your bridesmaids rent their dresses
Have a smaller wedding party or no wedding party
To help with alteration costs, try something like Union Station (flat fee for dress – $150 – based on person’s specific measurements)
Gifts for Your Guests
Instead of serving your wedding cake at dessert time, have a piece ready to go as your “favor”
No wedding favors! No one cares or remembers
