Wedding Planning on a Budget
I’m getting MARRIED next week so this seems like the perfect time to share with you how we’ve saved money while planning this once-in-a-lifetime (tehe) party.
Celebrate in an Off-Peak Season and Day
Consider a winter wedding or tying the knot on a weekday. Vendors are often less busy and may offer discounted rates during off-peak times. Plus, travel and accommodation may be cheaper for your guests. It’s a win-win that doesn’t skimp on romance. We are getting married in arguably the coldest month in the midwest (a fact our guests are not too pleased about…oops) on a Saturday. The month got us a pretty good discount, so we decided to make the day a little more convenient to our guests since getting married on a Friday or Sunday wasn’t much cheaper.
Try a Lab-Grown Diamond or Other Jewel
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but they don’t have to be your wallet’s worst enemy. Lab-grown diamonds or other gemstones like moissanite offer almost identical sparkle at a fraction of the cost. We used a combination of Brilliant Earth, Modern Gents, and Etsy for our rings. Trust me… no one cares.
Cater Food from a Chain Restaurant
Who says you need a five-star catering service? Some chain restaurants offer catering services at incredibly affordable prices. Imagine treating your guests to a pasta bar from your favorite Italian chain or a taco bar that brings the fiesta to your special day. INo one leaves hungry, and your bank account stays happy. It’s Olive Garden for us, and I am so pumped to eat my weight in breadsticks 😋.
Skip the Save the Dates and DIY Your Invites
First of all, who decided we had to spend TWICE the money by sending out Save the Dates AND invites? Skip the Save the Dates! And okay I’m so excited about this one. You can buy super cheap templates on Etsy (ours was $7), add your info, and then print them on your own. Check with your local library about their printing services. As library card holders (which is free btw), we got a certain amount of free prints per month. We bought our own cardstock, stretched out the prints over a couple months, and got our invites essentially for free. They're memorable, personal, and way more budget-friendly.
Choose a Venue That’s Already Gorgeous
Some venues are so naturally beautiful they hardly need additional décor. Think botanical gardens, beach settings, or even a relative’s well-manicured backyard. We chose an old bank that was transitioned into a wedding venue. The gorgeous faded red brick inside made it a no-brainer to skip the extra decor. Not only does this cut down on decoration costs, but it also lets the natural beauty shine through, making your photos stunning with minimal effort.
Prioritize a Few Things, Not Everything
You don't need to go all out on every single aspect of your wedding. Prioritize what really matters to both of you. Whether that's a live band, an open bar, a killer wedding gown, or gorgeous photos, put your money where your heart is and scale back on the rest.
Final Wedding Costs
I’m telling you how to save money on your wedding.. so I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you the cost of mine. In a day where weddings typically cost a MINIMUM of $30,000, we’re able to have the wedding of our dreams for less than $20,000… honeymoon and all. It IS possible.
Your magical day doesn't have to come with a nightmare invoice. With a bit of planning and creativity, we can all have dreamy weddings that are kind to our bank accounts.
