Ideas On How To Cut Wedding Day Costs
Plain and simple, weddings can get rather costly pretty quick. Whether your big day is being held at a venue or another location, there are many ways to save money on a wedding. Check out a few budget-friendly wedding ideas on how to cut some of the costs:
Electronic Save-The-Dates
If save-the-date mailers are not a top priority on your wedding to-do list, save money on paper reminders and a photographer. Consider emailing save-the-dates to guests instead. As many people are already on their phones or computer anyway, they can easily save and flag your special day to remind themselves.
Skip Saturday Weddings
When planning a weekend wedding, Friday or Sunday is less expensive than Saturday. Simply by switching the day, thousands of dollars can be saved at many venues. In addition, while it is less common, having a wedding during the week (after work) can be convenient if guests can then take the next day off.
Flowers
Save on flowers by using more greenery during the big day. Placing lights on shrubbery and other plants can jazz up an aisle. If flowers are a must, consider doing research on flower prices and comparisons. For example, peonies are actually on average about five times more expensive than roses.
Skip Sit-Down Dinners
If you can go without a catered meal, and don’t want to choose between which two or three entrée selections you may be offered by a venue, opt for your own selection instead. Consider displaying appetizers or small bites for guests to help themselves. This way, there will most likely be more of a variety and more of a chance for everyone to socialize with one another.
Bigger Tables
If hosting a reception at the same location as the wedding, take into consideration how much savings can be attained with skillful seating arrangements. For example, incorporating larger tables that sit more people can save on the amount spent on tablecloths, centerpieces and more items that are usually incorporated on a reception table.
Cake
Many creative routes can be taken to save money on the wedding cake. For example, ordering a smaller, one or two-tiered cake and then supplementing that with a bigger sheet cake for guests is one affordable alternative. Also, consider doubling the cake’s uses as wedding favors for a sweet treat to go for guests.
Music
Depending on the event location, look at the ways you can save on music. For example, use a band or DJ for both the ceremony and the reception instead of paying two fees for entertainment on the big day. Or simply hook your phone to a speaker and play a favorite playlist on your special day.
Save on Favors
Not all wedding favors need to be elaborate. Instead of monogrammed items and costly thank you baskets, consider alternatives that are not only cheaper, but ones that your guests will also love.
Reception Location
While having a wedding venue that covers multiple aspects of the ceremony and reception planning can be very convenient, it is important to explore other options as well that may end up saving more money. Vendors can charge a large amount to host a wedding reception, whereas a restaurant may offer an individual room for deals on larger group pricing.
Send Off
An elaborate send off with decorations and a getaway car can also demand a chunk of change. If this isn’t at the top of your wedding priority list, look at alternatives. Instead of an elaborate limousine or classic automobile, consider having a friend drive you away from the celebration at the end of the night. In addition, save on sendoff celebrators such as confetti cannons or wedding sparklers by ordering them in bulk to ensure that you have enough for the sendoff.
There are many feasible ways to cut wedding costs when it comes to planning on a budget. By simply trimming out a few items, or finding creative alternatives or organizational improvements, your bank account can breathe a little easier when making your wedding budget.