Budget Tips
A dozen smart ways to cut costs.
With medical costs looming, you may find yourselves with a more limited budget for the wedding. Here are 12 tips to help you save significantly on your big day.
1. Change the venue.
If you were planning to get married in a house of worship and then hold the reception somewhere else, consider moving your ceremony to the reception venue. You’ll save on the ceremony site fee and won’t have to pay for the transportation to both spots.
2. Inquire about freebies.
Some party sites will include a cake, flowers or a honeymoon suite—or all three—in their wedding packages, so it can pay to ask.
3. Be savvy about menu choices.
A fancy beef or seafood dish can drive up the price of your event. A fabulous chicken entrée or even an exotic vegetarian risotto can wow your guests for a lot less.
4. Select a well-dressed site.
If you haven’t already booked your venue, take into account how much decorating the party spots you’re considering will require. A grand historic estate for example, may need only minimal flowers for décor—so in the end, this venue might cost you less than a bare reception hall.
5. Pick your flowers wisely.
Choose less expensive blooms that are in season—perhaps dahlias or local hydrangeas—to use at the base of arrangements since they’ll ultimately be covered by pricier flowers. If you want exotic blooms, which tend to be costly, go for ones that can be cut into separate sections and spread throughout an entire arrangement.
6. Call upon friends.
To free up funds for other areas of your wedding, have talented friends create your welcome baskets, or ask a relative with neat handwriting to address all your invitations.
7. Trim the guest list.
It’s obvious, but it bears mentioning: Each additional attendee means an extra meal, a bigger bar tab and one more invitation you’ll have to pay for. With eight to 10 extra guests, you’ll also have to purchase another centerpiece.
8. Limit the liquor.
The bar tab can be the biggest budget breaker for many couples. You can save a lot by forgoing top-shelf liquor; many guests either won’t notice or wouldn’t have expected the biggest name brands. Many brides and grooms also make the bar more affordable at their wedding by offering guests beer and wine only (at least one red and one white), along with a sophisticated signature cocktail. Or, if your site allows, buy liquor at a warehouse-style store and pay your venue to provide a bartender.
9. Create a visual illusion.
An insider’s design trick is to use large or boldly colored design elements in the center of the room—such as high centerpieces on the inner tables—to draw the eyes of guests. This way, you won’t need to use much decor for the periphery of the room. The same works for your ceremony site; instead of spending on florals for the entire space, place two tall arrangements at the altar since all eyes will automatically be up front, on the two of you.
10. Be your own beauty pro.
You can save a lot by doing your own hair and makeup. Get ideas and tips beforehand from magazines and makeup counters, and ask a friend to help you on the big day.
11. Be a DIY Bride.
Swap floral centerpieces with silk flowers, candles and pretty fillers to give your reception a personal touch at a lower price.
12. Negotiate with vendors.
Don’t be afraid to ask your vendors for reduced rates or if there are any special extras that can be thrown in for the price you’re paying. Shop around before making any final decisions, and don’t sign any contracts before thinking them through first.
FOR A HELPFUL BUDGET ADVISOR, GO TO
Brides.com/budget
What budget tips have you discovered during your wedding planning?
Share your advice here.
