Everyone knows that weddings are expensive. It’s a huge industry with thousands of people living from it. So, you have to make clever steps and plan your wedding nicely. In this case, you’ll be able to save a lot of money on the wedding and still have the perfect ceremony. There are so many things that help you reduce your wedding budget. We’re happy to share 10 most useful and unexpected tips that will save your money. Some of them might surprise you but they all work.
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The most important thing you should remember about the perfect wedding – planning is the most important thing about organizing a wedding. It helps to reduce the budget significantly. It might not be romantic but you definitely should do it.
And first of all, you must decide how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. In the end, the sum might be bigger but you will have sort of landmarks to help you stop throwing money to the wind. Remember that there is no correlation between your wedding budget and the success of your marriage. It doesn’t matter if you spend $100 or $100 000 on your wedding, the amount of money won’t guarantee you a happy and long-lasting marriage.
But OK, let’s talk about the tips that can help you save money without ruining your perfect wedding. There are many ways to reduce costs rationally. Here are some of them.
Tip #1
If your friends or family members are skilled in the areas connected to the wedding industry or have a wedding business, don’t be shy to ask for help. For instance, florists, make-up artists, photographers, cooks, owners of car rentals, etc. Maybe they won’t do it for free but will offer you a discount or share some useful connections or give you a piece of advice on how to save money. Any help will do. Even if it’s just a small thing, it adds up.
But, of course, don’t be offended if they don’t want to help – it is business, after all, they need to make money for themselves.
Sometimes, barter works – you do something for them and they help you with the wedding).
Tip #2
If you or your family members are good with DIY, use it. There are lots of things you can do yourself and save money instead of buying or renting the staff. It can be décor for the wedding venue, bridal accessories, car decorations, and many other things. Sometimes, the material costs only a few dollars, while you spend hundreds on the ready-made items.
Tip #3
Have your wedding on a weekday instead of the weekend. It’s possible to get a nice discount just because it is not Saturday. Only at the venue, you can save $500-800 or even more. Vendors also may offer about 10% off for a non-Saturday wedding. But make sure you ask them if they will give you a discount, don’t wait for them to suggest it first.
Many couples have weddings on Thursday or Friday to save some money. Does it really matter that much that it’s not the weekend?
Tip #4
When you have to buy something for the wedding, take into consideration that you might actually be able to use it after the big day. Choose the items you can use later. Like, buy wedding shoes that can be worn afterwards, in daily life. If you’re bound to buy the dishes and cutlery, think about using them in your household – you definitely will have guests and parties in the next years, so you should like the design of these items. Try to buy as few one-time things as possible because you’ll just throw the money away.
Tip #5
Ask the vendors for a cash discount. A lot of businesses will give you several percent off (about 10-15%) just for paying them in cash.
Tip #6
It is also a good idea to save in paper goods, like printed wedding invitations, wedding program, maps of the city for out-of-town guests, etc. You can send invitations by e-mail, Facebook, or other social media. It will save you a lot and is good for nature because you don’t waste paper.
Tip #7
Pay attention to what you’re agreeing for with the vendors and wedding venue. Everyone in the wedding industry tries to sell you as many goods and services as they can – it is simply their task to earn more. They probably will offer you different extra services (like valet, extra drink stations, extra décor items, etc.). Think before ordering all that if you really need it. Because it can increase the costs a lot.
Tip #8
Save money on wedding favors. Lots of people these days don’t have them because it is hard to please all the guests with a similar item. Still, if you absolutely want to have the wedding favors for your guests, choose something good, not just any little item for show. Give them really interesting and useful presents. You can even make them yourself if you’re into DIY.
Tip #9
After the wedding, you can sell everything to the other brides who are compelled to reduce the costs – décor elements, wedding favors (that are left), dishes and cutlery (if you had to buy them for the wedding dinner), even wedding dress and tux. You’ll be surprised how much money you can get back after the wedding. And these are things that you would never use again, so you lose nothing.
Tip #10
Most of the newlywed couples spend their wedding night at a hotel. But it’s extra expenses that add up to your already long list of costs. So, if you want to reduce your wedding budget a bit, spend the night together for free. For example, in the house or apartment you will be living as a family. Or at the groom’s or bride’s place. It doesn’t really matter where you spend your wedding night as long as you’re together and in love. Plus, you probably will be so tired and exhausted after the wedding ceremony and party that you won’t pay much attention to the place to stay.
Though, it’s a bad idea to spend your wedding night at your parents’ house – duh! So, pay for a hotel room only if you absolutely have to, if there’s no other choice.
Related posts:
How to save money on your wedding and still have a spectacular ceremony. Budget saving tips
How to save even more money on your wedding? Borrow or rent stuff
How to save money on wedding hairdo and makeup?
