7 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding, According to an Untraditional Wedding Planner
“What are the ways to save money on a wedding?” —this is one of the most common questions engaged couples ask. I’m here to share my very unconventional thoughts on the subject. Hear me out. It’s kind of my thing to take an untraditional approach to weddings, and the traditional wedding will cost you a lot of money. So, while you’re contemplating these very traditional and expensive lines in your wedding budget, ask yourself, “why do I need this?”
1. Rental upgrades
I’m talking about the expensive satin napkins, the whitewashed farm tables, the fancy chairs…if this is part of your wedding vision, go nuts. However, if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding, just get a napkin and have chairs. Let me explain – caterers and venues often carry their own in-house napkins, china, silverware, glassware and chairs, USE THEM. I live for a gorg table-scape, but if your wallet is already hurting, this is an easy compromise.
2. Chairs
OK, speaking of chairs, don’t assume you should double the number of rental chairs on your order to cover both the ceremony and reception. If these events are taking place in close proximity, move the ceremony chairs to dinner. The same butts will be in them again for the reception. OR have guests ‘gather’ for a quick and simple ceremony. If it’s on the beach, have them sit on poufs and blankets (well, except grandma…she can have a chair). If you go a step further and ditch the traditional sit-down dinner, you won’t even need chairs and banquet tables for everyone.
3. Floral
You may have seen or attended weddings that basically exploded with floral. So gorgeous right? If that’s your dream wedding vision, then do it! However, if you need to cut your decor budget, I personally feel a bouquet and a few flowers in your hair are the perfect touch. You may not need a massive floral arch if you’re getting married in front of a gorgeous view. You may not need greens puddling on the sides of your banquet tables. You may not even need banquet tables! Are you sensing a trend here? If you cut some of your floral budget you could save that money, or repurpose it for an experience. For example, treat your bridal party to a wedding weekend activity like a sunset sail! Those memories last forever.
4. Cake
Have a friend make it, or don’t have one. Why do you need one? Because that’s the way it’s always done? Have whatever dessert you want from your favorite local spot or lean into your favorite candy obsession. Do you like Twinkies? Girl Scout Cookies? Fruit Roll-Ups? I suggest a grocery store guilty pleasures bender and make a buffet. It will, more times than not, turn out cheaper than paying for a custom wedding cake and delivery.
5. Personalized favors
I love that you want everyone to have a koozi with your name on it, but would they? If you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding, save your money and pass out something fun that isn’t overtly personalized, like your favorite snack! It could easily save you a couple hundred bucks.
6. Stationery
Paperless Post guys! Save the trees! In all seriousness, electronic invitations are no longer the faux-pas they once were. Especially in today’s world of constant changes and uncertainty, utilizing digital communication channels with your guests is key. Certain day-of stationery needs outside of your invitations are essential, such as escort cards (which tell your guests where to sit). If you’re on a shoestring budget, find some leaves and a friend with good handwriting. You catch my drift? Then again you won’t need escort cards at all if you ditch the tables and have a casual cocktail style reception…
7. A Fancy Brunch
Think back to the last wedding you partied hard at. The next day you probably had to pull the car over on the way to brunch to boot on the side of the road next to a morning 5k. Just me? Sometimes your guests see an open bar and think of it as a challenge, and that’s okay. But, before you pour another five grand into a fancy post-wedding brunch, take a hard look at your guest list and consider if your partiers might go for something more casual instead. Or, they might just sleep in and you’ll have to box up 5 pounds of gourmet avocado toast.
Wow, I feel a million pounds lighter. Thanks for letting me unpack that. The key when looking for ways to save money on your wedding is to identify what’s most important to you on your wedding day. Although these cuts may seem unconventional, they may be exactly what you needed to hear. If you really take a step back from tradition, you can ask yourself “why do I need this?” I guarantee you will be happy with your bill AND have zero regrets when you look back on your wedding day.
Are you engaged and feeling like you have way more questions than answers when it comes to planning your wedding?
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