10 Clever Ways to Cut Wedding Costs Without Compromising Your Vision

Many brides dream of a magical wedding but worry about the price tag. Don't sweat it!

Here are 10 clever ways to cut costs without compromising your vision.

 

1. Prioritize Your Must-Haves

Start by determining what is most important to you. Is it the venue, food, guest experience or amazing photos? Make a checklist with your top wedding priorities at the top, and allocate your budget where it matters most. This ensures you retain elements that make the day special for you and your partner.

 

2. Avoid Saturdays

Most wedding venues offer lower rates outside of peak days — typically Saturdays. Consider a weekday ceremony to pay less. Another ideal time to have a budget wedding is during winter. Business tends to be slower during the colder months, which means lower venue rates and easier accessibility to vendors.

 

3. Downsize Strategically

Who says an intimate wedding can't be as charming and elegant as a big blowout? A smaller guest list lets you splurge on providing a more personalized experience for those you hold dear. Plus, it saves on food, drinks, seating and logistics.

If possible, reduce the number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, too. This will eliminate costs associated with paying for accessories, bouquets and boutonnieres, hair and makeup, and even hiring extra transport. Keeping the bridal party small helps manage expenses and simplifies planning.

4. Dress Elegant for Less

Wedding attire can be expensive. Consider renting your dress or buying it secondhand. There are countless beautiful options available at a fraction of the cost. You can also shop during sales to get discounted prices on collections.

Instead of following the trend of buying two wedding dresses — one for the ceremony and the other for the reception — opt for a convertible design. They offer you two styles in one package. You can get a classic fit-and-flare silhouette with a detachable skirt or even a gown that transforms into a jumpsuit if that's your style.

 

5. Host a BYOB Wedding

Opting to make your wedding BYOB is a fantastic way to significantly reduce your beverage budget and expenditure. It also eliminates the stress of determining your guests' drink preferences.

However, you’ll want to research your local and state alcohol laws as they vary according to your state. Also, check with the venue coordinator about any policies and pay all associated fees — unless you're holding a backyard wedding.

Most importantly, inform attendees early that you're having a BYOB wedding so they can arrive prepared. Although the guests bring the drinks, consider hiring a bartender to facilitate serving and ensure a smooth flow throughout the evening. Just imagine having a bunch of people at the drink station trying to fix themselves a cocktail at the same time!

 

6. Save on Invitations and Stationery

Consider making your own invitations if you or your partner are crafty and have time. D.I.Y. invites are a nice way to inject personality into your wedding, as you can customize them to suit your theme and style and even tell your love story. You can find beautiful online templates to create virtual invitations and save on printing and postage. Going digital is also good for the planet, as it reduces the amount of waste in landfills.

 

7. Maximize Your Photography Budget

Explore photography options in depth and find service providers offering packages that match your budget and needs. If working with a professional, consider shorter coverage and have them focus on key moments to capture, such as the bridal walk, ring exchange and first dance.

Student photographers and videographers are a viable alternative if you want full-day coverage. They can still deliver great quality work, albeit at a lower price. Plus, many are talented and eager to build their portfolios. Ask family and friends for recommendations or search social media to find students who've displayed their work online.

8. Find Creative Ways to Entertain

Entertainment is vital to wedding ceremonies but doesn't have to break the bank. If you have a friend who is a DJ, request that they play on your special day. You’ll probably get a pretty good discount, and slipping in a personalized playlist will be easier.

Hire a local band or solo artist if you love live music. Many are willing to perform at a fraction of the cost, especially if they are just starting out.

You can also organize wedding yard games if your venue has outdoor space. Pastimes like giant versions of tic-tac-toe and Jenga are ideal ways to keep guests entertained and encourage them to mingle and socialize.

 

9. DIY Decor and Floral Arrangements

D.I.Y. your wedding decor to save money and add a personal touch. Strategically placed candles, fairy lights and simple floral arrangements made with in-season flowers help cut costs. Consider ranunculus for a February ceremony, lilacs in May or dahlias in October. Borrow special items from family, use vintage finds or decorate with natural elements.

 

10. Negotiate Down

Don't be shy. Politely inquire about potential discounts or off-season packages and promotions from service providers. Many vendors have some wiggle room in pricing, especially during slower months. You'll only know about these potential savings if you ask.

 

Happily Ever After Minus the High Cost

Planning an exquisite wedding on a budget is possible. Use these 10 tips to cut costs without compromising your vision. Just think outside the box, and don't be afraid to set boundaries with your decisions. You can plan the celebration of your dreams without a grand budget.

 

 

Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about a broad spectrum of topics. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates on his work.

 

 

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