Planning Your Own Wedding: Saving Thousands, Doing It Yourself

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you're trying to do it on a budget. With the average wedding costing upwards of $30,000, it's no surprise that many couples face financial challenges during the planning process. However, it is possible to plan your own wedding and save thousands of dollars in the process. From choosing a venue that doesn't typically cater to weddings to cutting the guest list, there are numerous ways to reduce costs without sacrificing your dream wedding. With the right tools, tips, and tricks, you can create a memorable day that won't break the bank.

Budgeting and saving tips

The average cost of weddings is $35,000, so it's important to plan and budget carefully to save money where you can. Firstly, set an overall budget and allocate individual expense budgets for items. This will help you to keep on track and not feel overwhelmed.

One of the most effective ways to cut costs is to reduce the guest list. The budget may be better suited to a smaller number of guests, and you will also save on food and drink costs. You could also save money by choosing a venue that doesn't usually cater to weddings, such as a restaurant. Restaurants typically don't charge a venue fee, and you may be able to save on decor costs if you choose one with attractive decor already in place. If you're set on a more traditional venue, consider getting married out of season, as you're likely to get a discount.

Another large expense is the wedding dress. You could save money by buying a white dress from the prom or party section of a department store, or by buying a second-hand wedding dress from a bridal shop or website. You can also make savings on the wedding cake, with some venues offering to provide the cake as part of the package. If not, you can shop around for the best deal.

Entertainment is another area where you can cut costs. Hiring a DJ is usually cheaper than a band, and you could save even more by negotiating with local college students or bands trying to build their reputation.

Choosing a venue

Be flexible with your wedding date: Venue prices can vary depending on the season and day of the week. Consider choosing a less popular month, such as January or February, or opt for a Friday night wedding instead of a Saturday. This can help you score a discount and save money on your venue.

Select a non-traditional space: Picking a spot that doesn't usually cater to weddings can be more affordable and give your wedding a unique feel. Restaurants, for example, typically don't charge a venue fee; you only pay for the food and drinks. Just make sure the venue can accommodate a large event, and don't forget to factor in rental fees for items like tents, lighting, or portable restrooms if needed.

Combine the ceremony and reception location: If you can find a venue that can accommodate both your ceremony and reception, or choose locations within walking distance of each other, you can eliminate the need for guest transportation and save a significant amount of money.

Compare what's included in the rental fee: When considering venues, ask about what's included in the rental fee. Some venues may include items like tables, chairs, or linens, which can save you money on rental costs.

By being mindful of these factors and comparing different options, you can choose a wedding venue that fits within your budget and creates a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Wedding attire

One of the most expensive parts of a wedding is the wedding attire, with the bridal gown often costing upwards of $500. Brides can save money by buying a pre-owned wedding dress, or a sample gown from a bridal shop. Websites like Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed have thousands of once-worn and never-worn wedding dresses, and you can also find second-hand dresses on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and local buy/sell groups. Buying a simpler dress that you could wear again is another way to save money. You can also save on accessories by borrowing vintage items from family members, such as a veil, earrings, or cufflinks.

For the wedding party, consider offering affordable attire options to purchase or rent, and let them know they don't need to bring a gift. You can also offer to cover some of the expenses, such as hair and makeup. Shopping for wedding-party ensembles should start about seven to eight months before the wedding, whereas groom and groomsmen attire can be scheduled around the five-month mark. Don't forget that you will also need outfits for any pre-wedding events such as brunches and showers.

The reception is usually the most expensive part of a wedding, and attire for the wedding party can add to this cost. To save money, consider having a casual wedding instead of a formal one, which will allow you to cut back on attire expenses. You can also save money by choosing a non-traditional, less expensive venue, such as a friend's barn, a public park, or a restaurant. Picking a spot that doesn't usually cater to weddings can help you save money and give your wedding a unique feel.

Food and drink

Firstly, consider the style of your meal service. Plated dinners are one of the most expensive options as they require additional staff to portion, distribute, and clean up. A buffet-style meal is a more affordable option, as guests serve themselves. A cocktail-style reception with hors d'oeuvres or a punch and dessert reception can also reduce costs. If your wedding is not at a mealtime, you can skip a full meal and offer delicious snacks or desserts instead. A picnic with finger foods or a brunch with a mimosa bar can be a fun, affordable option. For a mimosa bar, buy sparkling wine, vodka, and mixers in bulk at a wholesale retailer. This can save you thousands compared to an open bar. If you want to have an open bar, you can limit the options to beer and wine only or add a few house liquors and a signature cocktail. You can also do a half-DIY bar by buying your own alcohol and hiring caterers to set up the bar and provide servers.

If you want to serve a full meal, consider a food truck. Food trucks are a fun alternative to a sit-down meal, and because guests get their food from the truck, you won't need to pay for additional servers. However, this option works best for smaller weddings. Another way to save on food costs is to choose a local restaurant to prepare the food instead of a traditional wedding caterer. Their prices may be cheaper, and you can avoid the pressure of serving a high-cost entree option like steak.

If you want to cater the wedding yourself, it can be a great way to save money, but it is a lot of work. Make sure to plan and budget accordingly to avoid high food costs. Buy ingredients and supplies in bulk to save money, and don't buy from high-end specialty shops. Create a detailed timeline for shopping, cooking, and storing food, and make sure to have adequate fridge space. Keep the menu simple and easy to tackle, with items you've prepared before. Plan a manageable menu with a salad, a protein, a side dish, a starch, and a few hors d'oeuvres. Consider what equipment each dish will require, and how you will transport and store the food. Only have a small group of people in charge of cooking, and hire extra servers if needed to avoid a crowd at the bar.

Finally, consider donating leftovers to a local homeless shelter. With careful planning and execution, you can save thousands of dollars on food and drink while still providing a meaningful and enjoyable meal for your guests.

Entertainment

Firstly, consider the duration of your event. If you can reduce the overall length, you will need less entertainment to fill the time. A four-hour celebration will require less extensive entertainment than an eight-hour one.

If you are hiring a DJ or band, shop around and compare prices. A DJ is typically cheaper than a band, with prices usually coming in at under $1,000. If you have their heart set on a live band, consider hiring a local group or a college band, which may be more affordable. You could also try negotiating lower costs with up-and-coming artists or students. Using an online competitive vendor service, where vendors bid for your business, could also help you find a great act for a lower price.

If you want to save on entertainment costs, you could also skip the professional musicians altogether and create a playlist with your friends instead.

Remember, the number of guests you invite will also impact your entertainment costs. The more guests you have, the more extensive (and expensive) the entertainment will need to be. Cutting down your guest list is a simple way to reduce entertainment expenses.

Frequently asked questions