9 Tips to Save Money on Your Wedding Day

If you’re planning on a wedding, you’re probably aware they don’t come cheap. There are ways to have one with a limited budget, but no matter whether you elope or spring for a full ceremony and reception, you’re probably going to do a bit of saving.

Here are nine ways to save money for your dream wedding.

1. Start With the Engagement Ring

The first substantial expense for your wedding is likely to be the engagement ring. Such aspects as carat size, cut, and quality can all affect the cost of your ring.

It might be worth looking into the purchase of a lab-grown diamond instead of one that’s been mined. This could save you thousands of dollars.

Some people won’t consider buying a lab-grown diamond because they don’t regard it as the real thing, but that is simply not true. These diamonds are made from crystallized carbon, just like diamonds that are pulled from the depths of the earth.

2. Plan the Wedding For an Off Day or Season

Most weddings get scheduled during the warmest seasons of the year and usually on a weekend. Since these dates are few and in high demand, they’re expensive.

If you want to save a lot on your wedding, think about holding it in the off-season and in the middle of the week. Venues and other vendors would love to fill their calendar, and understand that if they charge less, they’re more apt to attract couples who hope to save money, just like you.

3. Don’t Book Your Photographer For the Entire Day

Wedding photographers can cost several thousands of dollars, but their package pricing may vary dramatically. They may try to sell you on booking them for the entire day, in order to capture every moment of your wedding.

But you may not desire a photographer for a full 24 hours. Instead, only book him or her for a six-to-eight-hour slot. That way you’ll pay only for what you truly need rather than get overcharged for time you won’t be using the service.

4. Print Your Own Photos

While we’re on the topic of your wedding photos, here’s a post-wedding tip to help save you some money: Always print the photos yourself.

Photographers will try to provide printing packages at an additional price. But it’s much more affordable to get the shots printed at your local pharmacy.

5. Opt for Paperless Invitations

Since nearly everything’s gone digital, there’s no reason you can’t make your wedding invitations digital. Dozens of free online wedding platforms now empower you to build a personalized wedding website with event or lodging information.

Plus, your guests can RSVP straight through the website, so you don’t have the extra expense of paying for invitations and postage. Plus, you’ll benefit the environment by cutting the excessive use of paper.

6. Shop Secondhand For Your Wedding Dress

You’ll likely only wear your wedding dress for a single day out of the rest of your life. Rather than pay thousands of dollars for that, you could take advantage of more affordable alternatives to buying a designer dress.

Shopping secondhand doesn’t mean you necessarily have to go to a donation center. You can find pre-owned designer dresses through online platforms.

If you’re absolutely set on wearing a brand-new dress, check wholesale websites or investigate individual designers on Etsy. You may find a great deal on a gorgeous dress you’ll love.

7. Get Alterations Done Early

Speaking of wedding dresses, you might want to get an early start on your dress shopping. You don’t want to wait until the last minute if you have to order any alterations.

Rush fees for alteration services can easily cost an extra several hundred dollars. It pays to know and plan in advance.

8. Get Creative with Your Venue

Venues are one of the most expensive items in a wedding. They usually offer services that take care of everything from the ceremony to the clean-up after your reception.

If you’re willing to think outside the box, though, you can opt for several alternatives for your reception. A brief Internet search for free venues in your area will often generate outdoor spaces that offer a beautiful setting at no cost to you.

Other places such as national or state parks may charge a small fee, but will still be much less than a typical commercial venue.

You at least need to place a few portable toilets for your guests, good thing many businesses like Viking Rental offer these toilets for rent.

9. Cut Your Transportation Costs

Driving off into the sunset after the ceremony in a limo or vintage automobile isn’t essential. There are likely places you prefer to allocate your funds over a vehicle that serves a purpose for only a tiny portion of your day.

Reduce your transportation costs by sharing rides with family members or using your own vehicle. 

Conclusion

Saving money on the cost of your wedding depends on your negotiating skills. Make a list of your must-haves and then the other things on which you’re willing to be flexible.

If you’re able to make sacrifices on certain details of your wedding such as the date and time, you might be able to afford your dream venue after all.