How to Save Money On Your Wedding in 2023

Introduction – How to Save Money on Your Wedding in 2023

Planning a wedding can be an exciting and overwhelming process, but it can also be a costly one.

According to The Knot’s annual Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $33,391.

While it’s natural to want to splurge on your special day, it’s important to remember that a lavish wedding doesn’t necessarily equate to a happy marriage. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to save money on your wedding without sacrificing on style or quality.

Top Tips To Save Money On Your Wedding

Set a budget and stick to it

Before you start planning anything, it’s important to decide on a budget and stick to it. This will help you make informed decisions about what you can and can’t afford. Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs such as taxes, gratuities, and fees. Setting a budget can also help you prioritize what’s most important to you and your partner.

💡 A survey by WeddingWire found that the majority of couples (65%) prioritize their venue and catering, while only 10% prioritize their wedding dress.

Choose an off-peak season and day of the week

Wedding venues and vendors tend to be more expensive on Saturdays during peak wedding season (May-October). Choosing a Friday or Sunday, or opting for a winter wedding can save you a significant amount of money.

💡 According to The Knot’s Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding on a Friday is $22,110, compared to $34,979 on a Saturday.

Have a smaller guest list

Inviting fewer people can significantly reduce your costs, as the cost per head tends to be the most expensive part of a wedding.

According to WeddingWire, the average cost per guest is $268. By inviting 50 fewer guests, you can save over $13,000.

Consider having a more intimate wedding with only close family and friends, or have a larger reception at a later date for extended family and friends.

Consider alternative venues

Traditional wedding venues such as hotels, country clubs, and banquet halls can be expensive. Instead, consider alternative venues such as a park, museum, or even your own backyard. These venues may have lower rental fees or none at all. Some couples have even had successful weddings at Airbnb rentals, which can be a cost-effective option if you’re having a destination wedding.

Don’t feel obligated to have a sit-down dinner

Sit-down dinners tend to be more expensive than alternative meal options such as buffets, food trucks, or hors d’oeuvres.

According to The Knot’s Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding reception with a sit-down dinner is $70 per person, compared to $40 per person for a buffet.

Consider what fits your style and budget best.

Consider DIY options

DIY projects can save you a significant amount of money, and they can also add a personal touch to your wedding. Consider making your own invitations, center pieces, and favours. This not only saves money, but it also allows you to put your own unique spin on your wedding. There are plenty of online tutorials and resources available to help you get started on your DIY projects.

Use online resources

There are many online resources available to help you plan your wedding on a budget. Sites such as Etsy and Pinterest are great for finding unique and affordable wedding decor, invitations, and favours.

You can also use online marketplaces such as Zola, WeddingWire, The Knot and Brides to find vendors and compare prices. Here are some general tips for finding top vendors in your area:

1. Research and compare different vendors: Look for vendors that have a good reputation and offer the services that you need. Read reviews from past clients and compare prices to find the best value.
2. Ask for recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, and wedding professionals for recommendations on vendors in your area. You can also ask your venue or wedding planner for recommendations.
3. Consider the style and atmosphere of your wedding: Choose vendors that align with the style and atmosphere that you want to create for your wedding. For example, if you’re having a formal wedding, you may want to consider a more traditional catering company, while a more laid-back wedding may be better suited to a food truck or BBQ catering company.

Negotiate with vendors

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors. Many of them are willing to work with you to create a package that fits your budget. This is especially true if you’re booking a vendor during an off-peak season or on a weekday. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or to see if they can include additional services at no extra cost.

Don’t feel obligated to have every traditional element

Traditional weddings can be expensive, as they often include a full bridal party, a sit-down dinner, and a DJ or band. Consider what elements are most important to you and your partner, and forego the rest. If having a DJ or band is important to you, consider having them play for only a few hours rather than the entire reception. You can also consider using a playlist or hiring a DJ for the reception only and having a live band for the ceremony.

Consider a wedding planner

While hiring a wedding planner may seem like an unnecessary expense, they can actually save you money in the long run by negotiating with vendors and helping you stay on budget. A wedding planner can also help you find cost-effective options that you may not have considered on your own. They can also help take the stress off of you and your partner by handling all the details on the day of the wedding.

Shop around for your wedding dress

Wedding dresses can be one of the most expensive items on your wedding budget. While it’s natural to want to splurge on the perfect dress, there are ways to save money on it. Consider shopping at sample sales or consignment stores, or renting a dress rather than buying one. You can also try looking for dresses at department stores or online retailers, which often have a wide selection of dresses at more affordable prices.

Choose in-season flowers

Flowers can be a significant part of your wedding budget, especially if you choose flowers that are out of season. By choosing in-season flowers, you can save money without sacrificing on quality or beauty. Consult with your florist to see what flowers are in season and consider incorporating them into your wedding decor.

Have a weekday wedding

Having a weekday wedding (Monday-Thursday) can save you a significant amount of money on your venue and vendors. Many venues and vendors offer discounts for weekday weddings, as they are typically less in demand. This can also be a great option if you’re having a smaller, intimate wedding.

Use your own music

Hiring a DJ or band can be expensive, especially if you have a long reception. Consider creating your own playlist or hiring a DJ for a shorter period of time. You can also ask a friend or family member who is musically inclined to provide live music during the ceremony or reception.

Consider a destination wedding

Destination weddings can be a cost-effective option, as they often include the venue, food, and entertainment in one package. This can be especially true if you choose a location that has a lower cost of living. Just be sure to factor in any additional costs such as travel and accommodations for you and your guests. Here are some ideas for affordable destination wedding:

• Beach weddings: Many beach destinations in the USA offer affordable options for weddings, including beach parks and public beaches.
• National parks: Many national parks in the USA offer stunning backdrops for weddings and have affordable rental fees for their facilities.
• Small towns: Small towns in the USA often have charming venues for weddings that can be rented at affordable prices.

Also read : How to Save Money: A Comprehensive Guide

Conclusion

There are many ways to save money on your wedding without sacrificing on style or quality. By setting a budget, choosing an off-peak season and day of the week, having a smaller guest list, considering alternative venues, opting for alternative meal options, using DIY and online resources, negotiating with vendors, and foregoing traditional elements, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. Other cost-saving options include shopping around for your wedding dress, choosing in-season flowers, having a weekday wedding, using your own music, and considering a destination wedding. With a little planning and creativity, you can have a beautiful and budget-friendly wedding.

Reference:

• The Knot’s Real Weddings Study
• WeddingWire’s Cost of a Wedding Survey
• Brides Magazine’s Guide to Budgeting for Your Wedding
• Martha Stewart Weddings’ Budget Wedding Ideas:
• The Knot’s Budget Wedding Planning Tips
• Pinterest’s Budget Wedding Ideas Board
• WeddingWire’s Budget Calculator
• Zola’s Wedding Budget Tool
• WeddingBee’s Budget Wedding Forum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)