Money Saving Wedding Tips: Affordable Ideas for Your Special Day

Did you know the average cost of a wedding is now over $30,000? Ouch! My list of Affordable Wedding Tips to Save Big on Your Wedding Day is here to help. Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, but let’s be real – those costs can add up quicker than you can say “I do”!

As someone who’s been there and done the budget-friendly wedding thing when both of my children got married a few years ago, I’m here to share my top affordable wedding tips.

From simple swaps that’ll save you major bucks to genius DIY ideas, this guide has creative and best ways to cut costs without sacrificing your dream wedding. Trust me, your future married selves will thank you for putting a priority on savings!

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Affordable Wedding Tips to Save Big on Your Wedding Day

As the big day draws near, wedding costs can start to feel like an out-of-control runaway train headed straight for budget-busting territory. I know the stressful struggle all too well – my daughter and son got married just 3 months apart a few years ago! I am also friends with several moms and brides who are in the midst of wedding planning.

I hope these battle-tested and mom-approved tips help you to truly maximize your wedding funds.

Budgeting is Key

Get ready with your wedding fund! A great way to start planning is to establish a wedding budget and make a pact to stick to it. Set a good time to rank your priorities, list big-ticket items, and talk about what can be compromised, downsized, or skipped. Make sure to plan well to make sure that you won’t go over budget or produce extra costs along the way.

Pick a Good Wedding Date

Consider having the wedding on a day other than Saturday. Most venues are considerably cheaper on Friday or Sunday. A Friday evening wedding can be just as spectacular as a Saturday evening wedding. A different weekday wedding could also be a good option.

Choose an Affordable Wedding Dress and Suit

Look for wedding dresses at sample sales and non-bridal stores. You may still have to pay for alterations, but you will save a lot on the initial cost of the dress. You can also wear a pre-owned wedding gown or rent one if you have a tight budget.

Pick The Right Vendors

Consider using a wedding planner or coordinator who is comfortable with your budget. Not only can they take care of many of the details so you can enjoy your special day, but they can also often make suggestions about vendors and ways to cut costs.

Have Your Wedding Off-Season

In addition to holding your wedding on a day other than Saturday, look to the off-season. A wedding in the fall, winter, or spring can be just as lovely as a summer wedding and you can expect to save about 15% during the off-season.

Book Your Venue First

Book your wedding venue first before you send out your “save the date” wedding invitations. Popular wedding venues can book up a year or more in advance. You don’t want to “save the date” and then pay top dollar to secure a venue out of desperation.

Check for Used Wedding Decor

Look for wedding supplies being resold. Check local Facebook groups for those who have already married. You can also search for Used Wedding Decor to find resale sites. Don’t be afraid to borrow from friends and family. I have a large supply of candles, candlesticks, and glass votives that I have loaned to friends numerous times. It makes me happy that they are helping someone stretch their dollars.

Recruit Friends and Family

Ask friends and family for recommendations and enlist their talents if they offer. Do you know someone who can make table decorations, print your invitations, or do hair or makeup? Get them in your team if they have the availability!

Be Ruthless with the Head Count

Whittle down that attendance list. Don’t invite a wedding guest just because someone in your family said so. The fewer people you have, the less you have to pay per person at the reception. Decide if you are going to allow children and guests for single attendees. Also, keep a smaller guest list for your bridal party.

Skip Having An Open Bar

Consider only serving beer and wine and perhaps a signature cocktail at the reception. Having an open bar can make your wedding costs soar.

More Affordable Wedding Tips to Save Big on Your Wedding Day

Invest in a Pro Planner to Save More

You’re probably thinking – spend money to save money? But hear us out! Hiring an expert wedding planner can actually save you major money in the long run. While you’re paying for their services upfront, a seasoned pro can ultimately reduce your overall wedding expenditures exponentially. Don’t underestimate the value of having a budget-savvy expert on your team!

Have a Loved One Officiate Your Wedding

Hiring a professional officiant for your ceremony can really eat into your wedding budget. Save big by having a close friend or relative get ordained online instead! Getting “ordained” online through ministries like Universal Life Church or Esoteric Interfaith Church is an easy process that allows loved ones to legally officiate your marriage.

Just double-check your local marriage laws first. But if regulations allow, having someone near and dear get temporarily ordained online is a personal and budget-savvy way to go.

Give Newbies a Break

One of the biggest budget busters for weddings is professional photography and videography services from established vendors. You can cut costs by booking talented up-and-comers instead! There are so many amazing photographers and videographers just starting with incredible skills and affordable rates. Since they haven’t hit mainstream popularity yet, their services are a total steal.

Ask your dream photographer if they can recommend any promising associates building their portfolio. Established pros love giving exposure to new talent they believe in. By doing this, you’ll get gorgeous wedding memories captured without draining your funds!

Give Meaningful DIY Wedding Favors

Looking for a fun and affordable way to thank your guests? Skip the generic store-bought favors and wow your guests with homemade gifts straight from the heart! Make it your mission to do this DIY project to save a lot of money. You can create baked goods, personalized mugs (handwritten letters), or even crocheted items. Not only are DIY favors budget-friendly, but they are also incredibly thoughtful. Your guests will be touched by the personal, handmade effort.

Build Your Own Stunning DIY Wedding Cake

Hiring a professional baker for an elaborate tiered cake can easily cost over $500. But with patience, creativity, and some simple DIY skills, you can create a jaw-dropping tiered wedding cake at home for a fraction of the cost!

The trick? Order basic sheet cakes from your local grocery store bakery in your desired shapes and sizes. Stack and assemble them yourself using inexpensive cake dowels from any baking supply store to support the layers. Then comes the fun part – decorating! Embellish your homemade masterpiece with affordable yet gorgeous toppings like shaved chocolate, fresh florals, fruit, or even trendy macarons.

Not a baker? Recruit some helpful bridesmaids or family members for a fun cake-assembling get-together!

You can also have a small cake for photos and have a sheet cake in the back to serve to guests. I’ve been to weddings where donuts were the featured dessert instead of cake.

Plan a Memorable Honeymoon Adventure

While weddings are incredibly meaningful, the memories you’ll treasure most come from your once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experience. Instead of going overboard on the big day itself, why not prioritize budgeting for an unforgettable post-nuptial getaway?

Rather than dropping a fortune on a single event, splurge on an epic trip packed with new destinations, cultures, and cuisines to discover together. Explore bucket list destinations you’ve never visited before as a couple. An incredible honeymoon allows you to kick off your married life with a shared sense of awe and wonder.

Of course, document everything and make sure to still check for the best deals to save up on travel costs. Decades later, you’ll be able to treasure those priceless memories. Now that’s a newlywed investment that keeps giving!

Check my posts: Unleash the Magic of Prague in 48 Hours, Travel Tuesday Steals and Deals

And there you have it – a list of helpful tips and tricks to help you pull off the wedding of your dreams without the nightmare of a hefty price tag. If you follow these money-saving wedding tips, you can have a wedding that is both beautiful and affordable. Remember, a little creativity goes a long way, and with these affordable wedding tips, you’re all set to embark on your happily ever after without affecting both of your financial goals. So, grab your partner, a pen, and this list of tips from me, your budget-savvy friend, and get ready to plan a sentimental event while keeping those dollars saved up in your bank account!

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If you have already planned a wedding, how did you save money? Do you have some things you would do differently to cut costs?

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