How To Save Money On Your Wedding
Your wedding day is one of the most important and special days of your life. But let's face it, planning a wedding can also be one of the most expensive. From the venue to the dress, the flowers to the photography, the costs can add up quickly. But don't despair! There are plenty of ways to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. In this post, we'll share 17 easy ways to cut costs on your big day.
Set A Realistic Budget (With Wiggle Room) And Prioritize Your Expenses
Before you start planning, sit down with your partner and figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend on your wedding. Make sure to add in more than you think so you have wiggle room for the unexpected moments that will definitely come up. Decide which aspects of your wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. For example, if the food is important to you, allocate more money towards it, and cut back on other areas that are less important to you. This will help you make informed decisions and keep your spending in check.
Hire a Wedding Planner
While it may feel counter-intuitive, a good wedding planner should be able to help you save on your bottom line. Not only do they get discounts from vendors, but they're also more familiar with vendor contracts. This means they can identify any hidden fees you may have missed and negotiate on your behalf. Also, at the end of the day, time is money. So if you are spending time on your wedding instead of your primary source of income, you could be investing more than you intended.
Have A Friend Or Family Member Officiate
Hiring an officiant can cost $500-$1,500, so it's worth considering have a friend or family lead your ceremony. In addition to saving costs, more than half of couples are choosing this route to make their ceremony feel more personal and intimate. Lucky for first-time officiants (and those more seasoned), Provenance has easy-to-use tools (that are free for a limited time) to help them (and you, if you want to be involved!) write a wedding ceremony script and knock it out of the park.
Choose An Off-Peak Wedding Date
The most popular wedding dates (such as Saturdays in June and July) are also the most expensive. Choosing a date that's less popular (such as a Friday or Sunday) can save you a significant amount of money on your venue and vendor costs.
Go For A Non-Traditional Venue
Instead of having your wedding at a traditional venue like a hotel or country club, consider having it at a unique location such as a park, beach, or even your own backyard. Not only will it be more affordable, but it will also make your wedding stand out.
DIY Decorations
Instead of hiring a professional to decorate your venue, get creative and DIY your own decorations. You can save money by using items you already have or by finding affordable items at thrift stores or garage sales.
Trim The Guest List
The more guests you invite, the more you'll have to spend on food, drinks, and favors. Know this is easier said than done, but by keeping your guest list small, you'll be able to save money and still have a beautiful and intimate wedding.
By following these seven ways to cut costs on your big day, you'll be able to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. And, don't forget to check out Provenance for free tools to craft your perfect ceremony.
