Planning A Wedding On A Budget: Saving Money, Saving Stress

Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, with the average cost of a wedding in the United States ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 for a guest list of 150 people. To save money, one of the most effective strategies is to cut down the guest list, as a smaller gathering results in lower costs for catering, favours, and venue space. Another way to reduce expenses is by choosing a non-traditional venue, such as an outdoor location or a space outside of a major city, which often offers more affordable rates. Opting for a weekday wedding or a date during the off-season or shoulder seasons (late fall, winter, or early spring) can also lead to significant savings, as venues and vendors typically offer lower rates during these periods. Additionally, consider enlisting the help of a wedding planner, who can provide valuable industry connections and expertise to find cost-saving alternatives without compromising your vision.

Cut costs on the wedding cake

The average cost of a wedding cake was $540 in 2023, according to The Knot Real Weddings Study. However, there are several ways to cut costs on this sweet element of your wedding day.

Firstly, consider the size of the cake. Ask your baker about reducing the size of the slices, and opt for a smaller cake overall. You could also ask for a two-tier cake for you and your partner to cut, with sheet cakes in the back to serve to your guests. This eliminates the design labour and reduces the cost.

Another way to save money is to be mindful of decorations. Sugar flowers are expensive, so consider using real flowers or fruit instead. You could also opt for cupcakes, pies, or doughnuts, which require less decoration time and therefore less labour. If you have a friend who is a keen baker, you could ask them to make your cake or alternative treats, offering to compensate them for their time and ingredients.

There are other costs to consider too, such as delivery and setup charges, and venue or caterer fees for requests like refrigeration or cutting and plating. Discuss these potential costs with your baker and venue during your first consultation, so you can factor them into your budget. You could also negotiate the cake-cutting fee, as many venues will charge this if you use an unaffiliated baker.

Save on the venue

The venue is one of the most significant expenses when it comes to weddings. Here are some ways to save money in this area:

Shop around for venues

The most convenient venue may not be the most affordable. Consider a range of options, including houses of worship, public event spaces, recreation centres, campgrounds, public parks, restaurants with private dining rooms, and museums. Getting married at a friend or family member's home can also be a great way to save on venue costs.

Choose an off-peak date

Opting for an off-season or shoulder season date (typically late fall and early spring) can result in significant savings. January, February, and March are generally considered the wedding off-season, and venues may offer lower rates during this time. Additionally, consider choosing a weekday wedding, as venues often have lower rates on days like Friday and Sunday.

Combine the ceremony and reception venue

Having the ceremony and reception in the same venue or within walking distance of each other can help you save on transportation costs for guests and the wedding party.

Keep the guest list selective

The number of guests can significantly impact the cost of the venue and other expenses. A smaller guest list can lead to considerable savings, as it will cost less to feed and provide favours for a limited number of people.

Negotiate on prices

Remember that most things in life are negotiable, and wedding expenses are no exception. Don't be afraid to challenge prices and make lower offers for the venue and other vendors. However, always have a backup plan in case your desired venue doesn't accept your offer.

Opt for all-inclusive venues

Some venues provide essential items like tables and chairs at no extra cost. Choosing such a venue can help you save money on rentals and other expenses.

Reduce guest list

The guest list is one of the most important parts of wedding planning. It establishes the size of the wedding and influences other aspects of the day, including the venue, catering, floral and seating arrangements, and more. Wedding industry experts agree that one of the best ways to cut costs is by reducing the guest list.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the task of cutting down your guest list, there are a few techniques you can use. Lizzie Post, president of the Emily Post Institute, suggests starting by setting a total guest count, then dividing it among the couple, their parents, and the future in-laws. One way to do this is to give equal thirds to the couple, the bride's parents, and the groom's parents. Another option is to keep 50% for the couple and assign 25% to each set of parents. If you're paying for the wedding yourself, you may want to increase your stake.

When deciding who to cut from the list, consider the following:

• People you haven't spoken to in years: If you haven't spoken to some of your relatives or friends in years, you don't need to feel obligated to invite them to your wedding.
• Plus ones: Eliminating plus ones is a way to reduce the guest list. If you don't want to cut them out completely, you can be selective about who you give them to. Those in casual relationships are more likely to understand if only one half of the couple is invited.
• Parents' friends: When spaces are limited, it is advisable to prioritise immediate family and very close friends.
• Coworkers: Just because you work with someone or occasionally eat lunch with them doesn't mean they have to make your guest list.
• People you've grown apart from: If you're hoping to rekindle a friendship with someone you no longer speak to frequently, your wedding is not the best place to attempt this.
• People who invited you to their wedding: If you're only inviting someone because they invited you to their wedding years ago, cross them off your list. Unless they're still good friends of yours, there's no obligation to invite them.

If you find yourself in the position of having to uninvite guests, Cherelle Joseph of Perfectly Planned 4 You and Assumpta Vitcu of AVE Creations suggest being honest and letting them know that they are important to you, but due to external factors, you have to reduce your guest numbers. You can also arrange a virtual celebration post-wedding that includes those who couldn't attend in person.

Choose a weekday

Choosing a weekday for your wedding can lead to substantial savings, as venues and vendors often offer lower rates on days other than Saturday. A Friday wedding with a weekday rehearsal, for instance, can save you thousands of dollars when it comes to venue rates. Similarly, a Sunday wedding can also be a great option as venue fees can be $4,000 less, and food and beverage minimums are lower, making it a perfect choice for smaller parties.

If you are open to the idea of a weekday wedding, consider opting for a Monday or a Thursday. Wedding planner and owner of California-based Emily Coy, Emily Coyne, says that "choosing an off-peak date or a weekday for your wedding can lead to substantial savings, as venues and vendors often offer lower rates during these times." She also suggests that couples be strategic and resourceful to "have the wedding of their dreams without unnecessary stress over the budget."

In addition to choosing a weekday, there are other ways to save money on your wedding. For example, you can opt for a creative yet simplified catering menu, or choose a semi-custom, digitally-printed option for your wedding invitations instead of more expensive printing techniques like letterpress, engraving, and foil stamping. You can also save money by repurposing your wedding flowers and reusing your ceremony chairs for the reception.

Another way to save money is by hiring a wedding planner. While it may seem counterintuitive, a good wedding planner can help you find savings and flexibility in your budget. They can also suggest alternatives that align with your style but come at a lower cost. Using a budget tool can also help you understand what a practical budget is for your area and help you nail down your spending priorities.

Reuse flowers and decorations

Flowers and decorations are a significant part of creating your dream wedding setting. However, they can quickly exceed your budget if you don't set a spending limit. With clever repurposing, you can ensure that your flowers and decorations are used to their full potential on the day and save money in the process.

When planning your wedding decor, consider how you can transition flowers and decorations from the ceremony to the reception. This works best when the ceremony and reception are in the same venue, as they can be easily moved with little hassle. For example, decorative flowers from the ceremony site can be reused to adorn the escort card table or bar, and bridesmaids' bouquets can be used for reception tables. Floral pillars or arches can be used as a backdrop for photos with guests or to frame your wedding cake display. If you have flowers along the ceremony aisle, these can be reused as centrepieces on round reception tables.

If you have leftover flowers after the wedding, you can dry and frame your bouquet or use dried flowers in crafts, decor, and household items. You can also donate your flowers to organisations like Random Acts of Flowers or Repeat Roses, who will ensure they find a second home.

Frequently asked questions