Planning A Wedding On A Budget: Tips To Save

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs and still have a memorable day. Here are some tips to make your wedding cheaper:

- Choose an off-peak date and time: Fridays, Sundays, weekdays and off-season dates are usually cheaper.

- Opt for a non-traditional venue: Pubs, campsites, village halls, sports clubs, warehouses, back gardens, and function rooms can be more affordable than dedicated wedding venues.

- Buy your own alcohol: Source alcohol from wholesalers or supermarkets, or choose a corkage-free venue.

- Cut hair and makeup costs: Local beauty schools often offer discounted services, or you can do your own hair and makeup.

- Save on the wedding dress: Check high street retailers, evening dress sections of department stores, bridesmaid dress sections, online platforms like Preloved, charity shops like Oxfam, or rental sites like MyWardrobe HQ.

- Simplify the cake: Opt for a simple supermarket cake, decorate it yourself, or choose an alternative dessert like pie or ice cream.

- Reduce the guest list: A smaller guest list can significantly reduce costs across catering, drinks, and rentals.

- DIY decorations and favours: Get creative with DIY decorations and favours, or skip them altogether.

- Utilise your talents and those of your friends: If you or your friends have skills like photography, baking, DJing, or hairdressing, use them to save money.

- Prioritise what's important: Focus your budget on the aspects that matter most to you, whether it's photography, food, or entertainment.

Choose an off-peak date and time

Choosing an off-peak date and time for your wedding can save you a lot of money. The peak wedding season is typically between May and October, with May, June, September, and October being the most popular months for weddings. This is when prices are at their highest due to high demand, so if you want to save money, it's best to avoid these months.

Winter is considered the off-season for weddings, with only 11% of weddings taking place between December and February. This is when you're most likely to find lower prices, although you should avoid major holidays such as Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve, as these can drive up the cost of flowers and reduce hotel room availability.

If you're looking for a balance between peak and off-peak, March, April, and November are good months to consider. These "shoulder" months offer more flexibility and budget-friendly options.

You can also save money by choosing a weekday wedding. Saturday nights are the most expensive, but with more people working remotely, your guests may have more flexibility to attend a weekday wedding. You'll also have more venue and vendor options and may be able to negotiate lower prices.

When choosing an off-peak date, it's important to consider the climate and weather of your wedding location. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, you'll want to choose a season with mild weather.

By choosing an off-peak date and time for your wedding, you'll not only save money, but you'll also have more options available to you and may even be able to negotiate better deals.

Opt for a non-traditional venue

Opting for a non-traditional venue is a great way to save money on your wedding. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Parks

A gazebo in a local park can be a very affordable option, sometimes costing as little as $15. However, this option does rely on good weather, and you may not have much privacy. If you're looking for something more scenic, consider a national park. For example, you could get married at Niagara Falls for as little as $450, or at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona, for just $50.

Backyards

Having your wedding in your parents' or in-laws' backyard is a completely free option that also offers plenty of privacy. If they have a well-manicured lawn, it can be a beautiful setting for your special day.

Airbnb or Vacation Rentals

Airbnbs and vacation rental homes can be perfect for both the wedding and reception. You can often find large properties or those specifically listed as "suitable for events" for between $350 and $900, and often the location and scenery are gorgeous. Plus, the bridal party has plenty of room to get ready and you can bring in a caterer to use the on-site kitchen.

Fire Halls and VFWs

Fire halls and VFWs usually offer a large space, along with tables and chairs, and sometimes a bartender. They typically run between $350 and $800, making them an excellent bargain.

Pubs, Campsites, Village Halls, and Sports Clubs

Pubs, campsites, village halls, and sports clubs can all make lovely, inexpensive wedding venues. They tend to be much cheaper than hotels or country piles, and you may not need to spend as much on decorations.

Local Restaurants

Having your wedding at a local restaurant can be a great way to save money, especially if you opt for a twilight wedding, where you only need to offer one meal instead of a wedding breakfast, evening buffet, and canapes.

Negotiate costs

Negotiating costs is a key part of keeping your wedding budget under control. While some venues and vendors may be more flexible than others, it's always worth asking if there is any room for manoeuvre. Here are some tips for negotiating costs for your wedding:

• Be friendly and considerate: While it's important to be direct about what you want, it's also key to be friendly and considerate in your approach. Wedding vendors are more likely to want to help you if you're kind and excited about their services.
• Focus on what matters: Only negotiate on the things that will truly make or break your wedding day. That way, you can stay flexible and avoid getting a reputation for being demanding.
• Understand your options: Do your research to understand which terms are negotiable and which aren't. For example, a venue's end times for music may be non-negotiable due to local noise ordinances, while certain special effects might be prohibited in historical sites.
• Be prepared to compromise: If a vendor can't budge on a particular term, consider proposing a compromise or asking for a concession elsewhere. For example, if they can't secure a larger room block for your guests, ask if they'd be willing to upgrade your newlywed suite.
• Work with a wedding planner: Wedding planners have relationships with venues and vendors and may be able to get you a better deal. They also know the industry well and can help you navigate the negotiation process.
• Be mindful of demand: Wedding venues are currently in high demand, so you may not be able to negotiate on all of your terms. If you're getting married during peak season, be prepared for venues to be less flexible on pricing.
• Ask about off-peak dates: Many venues offer discounts for off-peak days and times of the year. If you're willing to get married on a weekday or during the off-season, you can often get a significant discount.
• Get creative: If you can't negotiate on price, try negotiating on other perks or add-ons. For example, you might ask for an extra app or a decorative upgrade.
• Be aware of hidden costs: When negotiating with venues, make sure you understand all the costs involved, including taxes, service charges, and any other fees. That way, you can make sure you're getting a truly good deal.
• Negotiate with multiple vendors: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Talk to multiple vendors and negotiate with them to see who can offer you the best deal. That way, you can be sure you're getting the best value for your money.
• Be persistent but not pushy: It's important to be persistent in asking for what you want, but don't be pushy or demanding. If a vendor says no, thank them for their time and move on. There are plenty of other fish in the sea.

DIY decorations

• Vintage bicycle display: Nestle a bucket of seasonal blooms and lush eucalyptus bunches in the basket of a vintage bicycle at the entrance of your venue.
• Floating centrepiece: Place three blooms off the stems in a plastic terrarium bowl filled with water. This simple yet elegant arrangement will only cost you around $2.
• State-shaped cake toppers: Cut thin crafting wood into silhouettes of your home states, then add your new titles as a married couple for a custom, meaningful touch.
• Reclaimed wood table runner: Use a piece of aged wood as a table runner to add texture and dimension to your tablescape. Pair it with understated floral arrangements and dainty votive candle holders for a romantic, rustic look.
• DIY photo booth: Set up a tablet computer on a tripod in a corner to capture hilarious pictures without the need for a pricey photo booth.
• DIY wedding favours: Use your wedding cake as favours by providing small cake boxes or bags for guests to take home a slice. This minimises waste and cuts costs.
• DIY wedding invitations: Design and print your own invitations using online services such as Wedding Chicks and Etsy, or send emails or texts to save on postage costs.
• DIY wedding flowers: Opt for foliage over flowers, and choose in-season blooms to save money. You can also decorate with dried flowers or create your own floral arrangements with wholesale flowers.
• DIY wedding signage: Use a cutting machine like the Silhouette Cameo to create custom signs, or frame vintage frames with calligraphy-written glass for a unique display.
• DIY table décor: Fill empty glass bottles of varying heights with candles to add ambience to your tables. You can also decorate with botanicals, greenery, and tea lights in jam jars.

Limit the guest list

Limiting the guest list is one of the most effective ways to cut down on wedding costs. Here are some tips to help you reduce the number of invitees without hurting anyone's feelings:

Set your goals and priorities

Before you start trimming your guest list, decide on your goals and priorities for the wedding. What is most important to you and your partner? Is it great photographs, a lovely meal, or a princess gown? Make a list of key elements to help distinguish what's essential and what can be cut back on.

Create an "A list" and a "B list"

Break down your guest list into smaller lists to narrow down your "A list" (must-haves) and "B list" (nice-to-haves) guests. From there, you can choose your top attendees from each list.

Look into the future

Ask yourself: will this person still be in my life in five years? If the answer is no, you can leave them off the list. This may include neighbours, coworkers, and even some friends and family members.

Limit guests to adults only

If you have a large family with many children, consider leaving kids off the guest list. Their parents might even welcome a night away from their kids. If there are families who can't leave their children at home, they may respectfully decline the invitation.

Eliminate extra guests

If you need to save space, ask your guests not to bring a plus one. Make this clear on the RSVP cards. If you use a seating chart, try to seat single guests near people they know so they don't feel too alone.

Don't return the favour

Just because you attended someone's wedding doesn't mean you have to invite them to yours. People move in and out of each other's lives, and unless that person is still important to you, there's no need to send an invitation.

Skip the coworkers

Consider whether your coworkers are important to your personal life. If you got a new job and never saw them again, would you miss any of them? If not, you can skip sending them invitations. This also eliminates any awkwardness if only some coworkers are invited.

Be careful when asking for financial help

If you're thinking of asking your parents for financial help, keep in mind that they may want to add guests to the list. Be cautious about showing them your list, as they may insist that you invite relatives you haven't seen in years.

Allocate a number to each person

Once you have an idea of how many people you want to invite, narrow down the list by allowing each person (you, your partner, and your parents) to invite a certain number of guests. This way, each person has to make their own cuts, so you don't have to do all the work.

Be honest and polite

When people ask if they're invited to your wedding, be honest and polite in your response. You can simply say that you're keeping it small or intimate.

Make it clear who is invited

On your invitation and RSVP card, clearly state who is invited to avoid plus ones. When printing guests' names and addresses on the envelope, include the names of only the individuals who are invited. For example, print "Mr Jason & Mrs Stacey Miller" if you're inviting a couple, and add "and family" if their children are also invited.

Use the RSVP card to limit guests

On the RSVP card, include a line such as, "We have reserved ____ seats in your honour" instead of an open line for the number of guests. Fill in the blank with the number of people you are inviting from that household.

Be consistent

State your guest limit in multiple places, not only on the outer envelope or invitation. Include it on the RSVP card and even the wedding website if you have one. This will help to avoid any confusion or assumptions about plus ones.

Be mindful of single guests

If you have single guests, try to seat them near people they know so they don't feel alone. You can also seat them together so they can mingle and get to know each other.

Remember, it's ultimately the decision of the couple getting married, and to some extent, the hosts of the wedding, on who to invite. While it may be challenging to limit the guest list, these tips can help you reduce the number of invitees without hurting anyone's feelings.

Frequently asked questions