100 Money Saving Tips for Your Wedding

Gorgeous Wedding, Tiny Budget? Yes, You Can!

 

100 TIPS to SAVE MONEY

and

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING!

 

Your wedding budget should not be something you are paying off for the next 5 years! There is a lot of pressure from family and friends to spend lots of money and I am here to tell you that you don’t have to! Make your budget something you are comfortable with and not what your family and friends tell you. Choose what’s important to you – and cut back on the less important items.

 

CEREMONY & VENUE (1-15)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Choose a weekday wedding – Many venues offer big discounts.
                                • Get married in the off-season – Winter weddings are often cheaper (except near holidays).
                                • Book early or last-minute – Early birds or spontaneous planners can snag deals.
                                • Have your ceremony and reception at the same place – Fewer rentals, fewer transportation needs.
                                • Consider a morning or brunch wedding – Brunch food = cheaper than dinner.
                                • Look at non-traditional venues – Parks, gardens, Airbnb homes, or even libraries.
                                •  Use a family backyard – Cozy, meaningful, and free (or close to it).
                                • Ask venues about cancellation openings – You might get a deal on a canceled date.
                                •  Limit the guest list – Less is more. Truly.
                                • Choose a venue that needs little decorating – Pretty on its own = savings on décor.
                                • Skip ceremony chairs and use reception seating – Reuse instead of renting double.
                                •  Opt for public or community venues – Parks, community halls, etc. are often budget-friendly.
                                • Avoid peak Saturdays – Fridays and Sundays cost less.
                                • Find a venue that includes tables/chairs/linens – All-in-one packages save money and stress.
                                • Negotiate! – Always ask if there’s flexibility in the price, especially for unpopular dates.

DRESS, ATTIRE & BEAUTY (16-29)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •  Buy a sample sale dress – Bridal shops often sell floor models at steep discounts.
                                • Wear your mom’s or grandma’s dress – With a little tailoring, it’s sentimental and free.
                                • Shop trunk shows and outlet sales – Score deals on designer gowns.
                                • Buy your dress at a “non-bridal” retail or online store.
                                • Keep the alterations simple – The fewer changes, the cheaper.
                                • Skip the veil – Or buy a simple $20 one online instead of $200 from a boutique.
                                • Shop bridesmaid dresses on regular retail sites – ASOS, Lulus, and Amazon have gems.
                                • Let bridesmaids choose their own dresses – Matching color = cohesive, not costly.
                                • Buy shoes and accessories secondhand – No one can tell!
                                • Borrow accessories – Your “something borrowed” can be jewelry, veil, or hairpiece.
                                •  Do your own makeup – Or practice with YouTube tutorials.
                                •  Ask a friend who’s a stylist to do your hair – A wedding gift with glam!
                                •  Skip the getting-ready robes – Cute for photos, but not a must-have.
                                •  Keep the wedding party small – Fewer gifts, less coordination, and way less stress

INVITATIONS, STATIONERY & SIGNS (30–41)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Go digital for save-the-dates – Save on printing and postage.
                                • Send RSVP cards via email or website – Totally normal now.
                                • Use an affordable wedding website – Minted, Zola, and Joy have free options.
                                • Buy a printable invitation template on Etsy – Then print them at home or a local shop.
                                • Use postcards instead of envelopes – Postage is cheaper!
                                • Only send one invitation per household – Obvious, but often forgotten.
                                • Skip fancy calligraphy – Go for a clean printed font or DIY with stencils.
                                • Print your own ceremony programs – Or display one large sign instead.
                                • Use a sign instead of individual menus – One per table or buffet station is enough.
                                • Skip inner envelopes and RSVP envelopes – Cut the extras.
                                • Reuse or borrow sign holders and easels – Ask around before buying.
                                • Design signs and menus yourself on Canva – Looks custom, costs nothing.

FLOWERS & DECOR (42–61)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Use in-season flowers – Always cheaper and fresher.
                                • Buy flowers wholesale and DIY bouquets – Grab your bridal party and make it a fun night.
                                • Repurpose ceremony flowers at reception – Aisle décor = sweetheart table florals.
                                • Limit the number of floral arrangements – Focus on a few standout spots.
                                • Use greenery instead of blooms – Eucalyptus and ferns = chic and cheap.
                                • Mix real and faux florals – No one will notice.
                                • Borrow décor from friends who’ve married recently – They’ll love seeing it reused.
                                • Rent décor instead of buying – Especially candles, lanterns, and arches.
                                • Use candles and string lights – Romantic and budget-friendly.
                                • Make your own centerpieces – Think thrifted vases, floating candles, or bud vases.
                                • Shop décor during post-holiday sales – White lights and metallics are wedding staples.
                                • Keep tables simple – One or two small touches are all you need.
                                • Skip aisle petals or runners – Nature is pretty enough.
                                • Use the bridal party bouquets as table décor after the ceremony – Dual-purpose!
                                • Buy secondhand décor from local wedding Facebook groups or marketplace.
                                • Use potted plants or herbs as centerpieces – Bonus: guests can take them home!
                                • Limit or skip chair decorations – Nobody remembers the chair ribbons.
                                • Display your engagement photos as décor – Cute, meaningful, and free.
                                • DIY your welcome sign or seating chart – Easier than you think with a poster board.
                                • Use your venue’s existing décor or furniture creatively – Ask what’s available!

FOOD & DRINK (62–77)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Choose buffet or food stations over plated meals – Saves on food and servers.
                                • Limit entrée options – One meat, one veg = easier and cheaper.
                                • Hire a local restaurant to cater – Tasty and often way less expensive.
                                • Skip cocktail hour appetizers – Or serve just one budget-friendly option.
                                • Offer a limited bar – Wine, beer, and one signature drink is plenty.
                                • Bring your own alcohol if the venue allows – Huge savings!
                                • Skip champagne toasts – Guests can toast with whatever they’re already drinking.
                                • Serve dessert buffet-style – Guests take what they want, less waste.
                                • DIY a donut or cupcake display – Cheaper than a tiered cake.
                                • Have a small “cutting cake” + sheet cake in the back – Same look, less cost.
                                • Use grocery store or wholesale cakes – Dress them up with fresh flowers or toppers.
                                • Skip favors and offer a late-night snack instead – Everyone loves pizza!
                                • Hire a food truck – Flat rate + fun experience.
                                • Have a family potluck-style rehearsal dinner – Saves big before the big day.
                                • Use recyclable or compostable dinnerware – Cheaper than renting fine china.
                                • Negotiate the cake-cutting and corkage fees – Some venues may waive them.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT (78–84)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Hire a DJ instead of a live band – A good DJ brings all the energy.
                                • Use Spotify or Apple Music and rent sound equipment – A great DIY option.
                                • Skip ceremony musicians – Play a curated playlist instead.
                                • Have a musically inclined friend perform – Ceremony vocals or guitar = personal and free.
                                • Book student musicians or DJs – Great talent, lower rates.
                                • Limit the hours of your DJ – Use your own playlist for cocktail hour or dinner.
                                • Skip photo booths and use a DIY backdrop + props – Still fun, half the cost.

PHOTOS, VIDEO & MEMORIES (85–90)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Hire a photographer for fewer hours – Just ceremony + portraits = big savings.
                                • Book a newer photographer building their portfolio – Lower rates, great service.
                                • Skip a videographer or use a friend with a good phone camera.
                                • Ask guests to upload photos to a shared album – Use Dropbox or Google Photos.
                                • Print your own photo album later – Shutterfly or Mixbook has deals often.
                                • Skip expensive albums from photographers – You can DIY it online later for less.

FAVORS, GIFTS & EXTRAS (91–96)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Skip wedding favors entirely – Most get left behind.
                                • Donate to a charity instead of buying favors – A meaningful touch.
                                • Give edible favors – Homemade cookies or candy are affordable and popular.
                                • Buy gifts in bulk or during sales – Especially for wedding party thank-you gifts.
                                • Use one welcome bag per couple or room – No need to double up.
                                • Make your own welcome bags – Dollar store items go a long way!.

PLANNING & MONEY MINDSET (97–100)

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Use a free wedding budget tracker – Keep expenses in check.
                                • Prioritize your top 3 wedding must-haves – Splurge only where it matters most to you.
                                • Avoid the word “wedding” when shopping – “Party” items cost less!
                                • Stay off Pinterest after finalizing your plan – Avoid temptation and stick to the budget.

 

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