Top 10 Wedding Money Saving Tips

Having helped the kids plan 2 weddings in a year, I am sharing our Top 10 Wedding Money Saving tips. These 10 tips for planning a wedding on a budget can potentially save you thousands of dollars. It is possible to plan a beautiful and memorable celebration while working within a tight budget.

1. Choose an all inclusive venue... this is easiest, less stressful way to make your reception affordable. You will not need a wedding planner. All inclusive packages include your food, beverages, cocktail hour, linens and china, wedding cake and can include your centerpieces. Most places will give you a base package and you can add or subtract according to your needs. For example, you may save substantial costs by limiting your menu to one meal and a vegetarian option. Do not be afraid to negociate.

2. Choose a date other than a Saturday from May through Labor Day. Summer weddings tend to be the most expensive. Friday evening weddings are becoming more popular as most places offer special prices for a Friday wedding. Also look at unusual dates like Memorial Day Sunday, the day before or after Fourth of July. April and September weddings are also becoming more popular. I have seen a rise in Thanksgiving weekend weddings.

3. Limit your guest list. I read an article written by a wedding planner, that you should aim for a list that allows at least one minute per guest. So if you have a 4 hour reception, and you invite 200 guests, that leaves little time for you to enjoy the other aspects of your wedding. No one appreciates attending a wedding where they don’t even get to spend a minute with the newlyweds. With a smaller guest list, you will be able to save money, visit with your guests and still have time for dancing and other traditions and may be able to more thoroughly enjoy your special day.

4. Music is an important part of the reception but bands are very expensive. If you choose a band, then get a good one. Nothing is worse than having a bad band that can’t play a variety of music. Consider a good DJ and make a playlist that will insure you create the musicality you want. Always check references of prior customers so that you know their equipment and the sound quality is good.

5. Check wholesale florists for your flowers. They usually have a wedding department and while they may not have the ambiance of a pretty florist shop, they are the ones who supply the shops and are usually much less expensive. The one we used for our daughter’s wedding was in an industrial section of the city and looked like a warehouse, but the flowers were beautiful and the cost savings were substantial. I have also been to weddings where the flowers came from Costco and FTD.com flowers. Both were gorgeous. Instead of a big bouquet, consider having each bridesmaid carry a single long stem flower adorned with some baby breath and ribbon. Also, think about using candles and single flowers in a vase (see the photo at the top of the page) or use your bridesmaids bouquets as the floral centerpieces
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6. Check local wedding forums like The Knot or Yelp .. you can get honest assessments on vendors there. I would not rely on just one posting, but read through them to get a variety of opinions.

7. Make your own menus, placecards, church programs and favors. There is no reason to pay someone to do this. You can design on simple programs like Microsoft Word or Publisher, print on card stock and add an embellishment like ribbon and they will look beautiful. Once done, invite the bridal party over to help cut and decorate. We did this for helping our bride get her Save the Date announcements mailed out. Here’s an idea for a thoughtful and inexpensive wedding favor
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8. Shop around for wedding invitations. Here’s a place where you can really save some money as there are so options out there. Here are some specific ideas for saving money on your wedding invitations.

9. Think carefully about the photography. Do you really need a professional video or could you ask a friend or two to shoot some candid video footage during the reception. How long do you need the photographer for? Consider the costs for having them leave after 3 hours, once the cake has been cut and traditions done. Ask a special friend or relative to shoot candids too. My sister in law had some of the best photos of all from our son’s wedding and she posted them on line for all to share. It was a wonderful gift everyone.

10. Once you have your preliminary budget done, take a second look and see where you can simplify, modify or eliminate unnecessary expenses. For example do you really need the extra expense of a champagne toast? Let your guests raise their water and wine glasses to toast the couple. Sometimes simple is the best.

These wedding money saving tips allow you to have a wonderful celebration without sacrificing anything major. You are just being resourceful!

For more wedding money saving tips, go back to our Wedding Fun Section

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