Anyone who has ever planned a wedding knows the price tag of this joyous occasion can be steep. While it’s challenging to plan a wedding without putting some kind of dent in your wallet, you can take steps to minimize the damage.
Read more: How to use Ally Bank’s buckets and boosters to save for your big day
Budget-friendly wedding planning tips that save you money
You don’t have to go into debt to plan a memorable and beautiful wedding. Enjoy your special day and keep your finances on track with these tips.
1. Make your budget first
Before you book your venue or major vendors, figure out how much you want to spend in total. From there, build a comprehensive budget with your spouse-to-be. With a clear framework, it will be easier to save for your wedding goals.
2. Consider off-season days and times of year
Generally, the cheapest months to get married are November, December and January, and ceremonies held on weekdays are typically less expensive than Friday and Saturday weddings. Lower demand often translates into lower prices and potentially more flexibility in booking your preferred venue and vendors.
3. Match the flowers to the season
Just like with produce, choosing in-season florals will land you with blooms that are both at their peak beauty and best price. If your favorite isn’t available, work with a florist to find a similar alternative.
4. Consider low-cost printing options for invitations
Engraving makes for an elegant-looking invitation, but it comes with a price point to match. Digital printing or even fully electronic invitations can cut your costs.
Economical options like digital printing or even fully electronic invitations can cut your costs.
5. Serve a signature cocktail
If you want to keep your guests in fine spirits without an open bar, a signature cocktail is a fun and festive way to keep costs down. Round it out with beer and wine for a varied, yet more affordable, drink menu.
6. Halve your cake order
A wedding cake is dramatically different from a typical sheet cake, and its price tag can leave you reeling. But a tiered cake isn’t your only option. Instead, consider a small cake paired with a more economical collection of dessert options for guests.
Read more: Learn how one couple paid for a dream wedding without debt
7. Cut your photographer hours
To reduce costs, consider hiring a photographer for just a few hours and have them focus on key moments like the ceremony and a bit of the reception. You can potentially save by choosing a photographer with an hourly rate instead of a flat rate.
4 common wedding budget mistakes to avoid
While planning a wedding is exciting, it can also be stressful, making it all too easy to overlook details that lead to costly mistakes. To help stay on track, avoid these common pitfalls.
1. Underpay on invitation postage
The last thing you want is your wedding invitations being returned to sender. Not only is it a hassle, but you’ll end up paying double. Make sure you use enough postage upfront for your invitations to reach your guests in a timely fashion. If you’re unsure, stop by your local post office to confirm how much is needed.
2. Allow every guest a plus one
Only offer plus ones to those in committed relationships, and you’ll cut costs while reducing the odds that you’ll have strangers in your wedding photos years down the road.
3. Overdo the dinner courses
If it’s not one of your top must-haves, resist the urge to serve a large, fancy feast. A simple menu is best to feed a crowd with varying palates. Seasonal classics will make both your guests and your wallet happy.
4. Assume a home wedding is cheaper
A wedding in your own backyard may sound idyllic, but costs can add up quickly. Since you have to bring everything in — catering, chairs, tents and more — your bill can end up much larger than it would be at a venue.
Be a savvy wedding saver
Planning a wedding can be an exciting time for you and your future spouse. With a smart savings strategy in place, your big day will be both a dream come true and under budget.
