Strategies To Plan A Wedding On A Budget

Planning a wedding on a budget? You're not alone. Many couples face money challenges during the planning process, and it's easy to get carried away and spend a small fortune. But there are plenty of ways to save money and keep costs down. Here are some tips to help you plan an affordable wedding without sacrificing style or elegance.

Firstly, create a budget and try to stick to it. This is essential to avoid overspending. Decide on your top three priorities and allocate more money to those areas, cutting back on less important things. For example, you might opt for a cheaper suit and splurge on a live band.

One of the biggest expenses is often the venue. To save money, consider a non-traditional location such as a restaurant, brewery, or even your own backyard. Getting married somewhere off the beaten path can also help keep costs down; a destination wedding in a popular area will be more expensive than a local venue. If you're set on a particular venue, try negotiating on the price or look for packages and promotions. Fridays and Sundays tend to be cheaper than Saturdays, and a weekday wedding will usually be the most affordable option.

Another major cost is food and drink. Catering for a large group of people is never going to be cheap, but there are ways to reduce the expense. A buffet is usually the most affordable option, followed by family-style or plated meals. Food trucks are another great, low-cost option that can add a unique touch to your wedding. When it comes to drinks, beer and wine are more affordable than spirits, and you could also skip the open bar or limit it to just the cocktail hour.

There are also numerous ways to save on the smaller details. For example, buy or rent a second-hand wedding dress, do your own hair and makeup, use artificial flowers, and make your own music playlist instead of hiring a band. Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. With a bit of imagination, you can plan a beautiful wedding that won't break the bank.

Choose an off-peak date and non-Saturday wedding day

Choosing an off-peak date and opting for a non-Saturday wedding day is a great way to make your wedding more affordable. Here are some tips to help you plan your special day while keeping costs down:

Pick an off-peak date

The time of year you tie the knot can significantly impact the cost of your wedding. Generally, the least popular months for weddings are the cheapest, as they fall during the off-season when there is less demand. In the Northern Hemisphere, this includes the winter months, such as January, February, and November. By choosing an off-peak month, you may benefit from discounted rates offered by venues and vendors trying to attract business during this quieter period.

Skip the Saturday wedding

Saturday is the most popular day for weddings, and therefore, it is usually the most expensive. You can save money by opting for a different day of the week. Fridays and Sundays are often more affordable, and you may find even better deals by choosing a weekday wedding. While it may be less conventional, a midweek wedding on a Tuesday or Wednesday could offer significant savings. Additionally, choosing a weekday that is not a Monday will give your guests the option to take a single day off work and still enjoy a long weekend.

Take advantage of off-peak discounts

When researching venues and vendors, be sure to inquire about any off-peak discounts they may offer. Many venues provide discounted rates during the off-season, so you may be able to secure a lower price by getting married in the winter. Some vendors, such as photographers, caterers, hair and makeup artists, DJs, and car hire services, may also offer cheaper rates during this period due to less demand.

Consider a non-traditional venue

Opting for a non-traditional venue, such as a restaurant, brewery, or vacation house, can also help reduce costs. These venues may not typically cater to weddings, giving your nuptials a unique feel while saving you money. Just be sure to factor in any additional rental costs for items like tents, lighting, or portable restrooms that may be needed.

Plan ahead for your honeymoon

If you're planning a honeymoon after your wedding, consider travelling during an off-peak month. Similar to wedding venues and vendors, travel costs tend to be lower during less popular months, so you can save money on flights and accommodations by choosing an off-peak time for your honeymoon.

By choosing an off-peak date and a non-Saturday wedding day, you can make your special day more affordable without sacrificing the things that matter to you. This approach will allow you to allocate more funds to the aspects of your wedding that are most important to you while still staying within your budget.

Opt for a nontraditional venue

Opting for a nontraditional venue is a great way to save money on your wedding. Here are some tips and ideas to help you find an affordable and unique location for your special day:

Think Outside the Box: Consider venues that are not typically associated with weddings. A restaurant, a brewery, or even a vacation rental home can be perfect for a budget-friendly wedding. These options often have lower rental fees and can give your wedding a unique and intimate feel.

Utilize Non-Wedding Spaces: Spaces that are not typically in the wedding business may offer more affordable rates. Look into local restaurants, breweries, or even public spaces like parks or town halls. By choosing a venue that doesn't usually cater to weddings, you can save a significant amount of money.

Backyard Weddings: If you have access to a suitable backyard, consider holding both the ceremony and reception there. This option can be extremely cost-effective, as you only need to rent tables, chairs, and a tent. It also adds a personal and intimate touch to your special day.

Vacation Rentals: If you live near a popular vacation spot, renting a vacation home for your wedding can be a great option. These homes often come with beautiful outdoor spaces, indoor amenities, and comfort facilities for your guests. Just be sure to inform the owner of your plans to host a small wedding.

Off-Season Weddings: Timing your wedding during the off-season, usually from January to March, can help you find lower venue costs. Venues are more affordable during these months as they would rather have a low-cost wedding than no wedding at all.

Skip Saturdays: Fridays, Sundays, and weekdays are typically more affordable days to get married. Venues tend to be less expensive on these days since most weddings occur on Saturdays. Choosing an off-peak day can help you save a significant amount on venue rental fees.

By choosing a nontraditional venue and being creative with your choices, you can significantly reduce the cost of your wedding while still having a beautiful and memorable celebration.

Negotiate costs and use the venue's resources

Negotiating with your wedding venue is totally permissible, and even planner-approved. While wedding venues are currently in high demand, and some terms are simply out of your control, there is often room for negotiation.

Firstly, understand your options. If your venue has its own catering, you may be able to negotiate the minimum if you opt for a cocktail reception with passed appetizers instead of a sit-down dinner. You can also sometimes swap out liquors, wines, or beers for brands or types you prefer. Other areas for negotiation include the payment schedule, timeline, and when your vendors can drop off decorations.

When negotiating, focus only on those terms that will truly make or break your wedding day. Be kind and communicative, and connect with your contact. Don't tell them their venue is the only one you are considering, but do let them know it's your number one choice.

If you don't get everything you ask for, consider a Plan B. Ask if there's something else that can be compromised on, like an upgraded suite if they can't secure a larger room block. If the venue still isn't willing to budge, it might be time to walk away.

You can also save money by using the venue's resources. Ask what's included in the rental fee, as some venues will include items such as tables, chairs, or linens, which can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Send digital invitations

One of the easiest ways to save money on your wedding is to send digital invitations. Professionally designed wedding invitations can cost an average of $530, so opting for digital invites can save you a lot of money. With digital invitation websites such as Canva, Cards and Pockets, and Koala Ray, you can easily design and customize beautiful templates for free. You can send them via email, eliminating the need for postage fees. Additionally, you can track RSVPs online using free services like Joy, which also allows you to manage your guest list and track RSVPs.

If you're not ready to go completely paperless, you can consider emailing your save-the-date reminders. This will help you save on stationery and postage while still providing your guests with physical invitations. Another option is to create your own invitations by purchasing downloadable templates from sites like Etsy and printing them at home or at a local store. This will cost you a fraction of the price of professionally printed invitations.

By choosing digital invitations, you can significantly reduce the cost of your wedding while still inviting your loved ones to share in your special day.

Borrow a wedding dress

Borrowing a wedding dress is a great way to save money on your big day. It can be a sustainable choice, saving you money and counting as your "something borrowed".

• Consider rental services: There are many wedding dress rental services available online and in physical stores. These services allow you to borrow a dress for a fraction of the cost of buying it. Some popular options include The Bridal Gallery, By Rotation, John Lewis Fashion Rental, The Devout, Hurr, and Girl Meets Dress.
• Compare prices and styles: Prices for renting a wedding dress can vary depending on the designer, style, and alterations needed. Compare prices and styles from different rental services to find the best option for your budget and taste.
• Book in advance: While some dresses can be borrowed on the same day, it is recommended to book your rental dress at least three months in advance, especially if you have your heart set on a particular style.
• Try before you rent: Many rental services offer fittings or home try-on services, allowing you to ensure that the dress fits well before committing.
• Consider destination weddings: If you're having a destination wedding, most dress rental services will extend the borrowing time. Some companies even deliver and pick up the dress directly from your location.
• Accessories: In addition to wedding dresses, you can also rent bridal accessories, shoes, clutches, and veils. Some companies may even include these accessories for free with your dress rental.
• Be mindful of the return policy: Most rental services have a return policy that includes a cleaning and delivery fee. Familiarise yourself with the return process and any associated costs to avoid unexpected charges.

By borrowing a wedding dress, you can look and feel your best on your special day while staying within your budget.

Frequently asked questions