5 Ways to Save Money While Planning Your Dream Wedding
Now that the engagement excitement has settled down, it’s time to start planning your big day! While this can be an exciting time, many couples find themselves overwhelmed by the long list of things to do and the costs involved. But don’t worry—you don’t have to sacrifice your dream of a fairytale wedding just because you have a smaller budget. With the right strategies, you can achieve the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.
One smart approach is to consider an all-inclusive wedding package. This can simplify the planning process and often save you money. These packages typically cover everything from the venue and catering to decorations and coordination, reducing the need for multiple vendors and helping you stick to your budget. By focusing on an all-inclusive wedding, you can streamline your planning and ensure that every detail is taken care of while still enjoying the celebration you’ve always envisioned.
5 Ways to Save Money Planning Your Wedding
1. Budget and prioritize
Sit down and create a realistic budget. How much do you want to spend on your wedding and where will you spend that money? Prioritize your list of wedding day must-haves into categories where you don't mind spending extra on and where you don't mind spending a little less. This will give you a starting point to begin planning.
2. Flowers
There are many ways you can save when it comes to the flowers on your wedding day and these can be an expensive part of your wedding day. Consider what flowers will be in season around your wedding date. Choosing seasonal flowers can help you cut cost. Consider opting for a single stem flower instead of a full bouquet for the bridesmaids. Going with less can often have a bigger “wow” factor on your big day and in your wedding images. If you are a creative person think about doing the centerpieces and décor yourself and buying the flowers in bulk. Don't underestimate the power of negotiating. Many florists are willing to work with the bride to be to help her create her fairytale wedding.
3. Dress
The dress may be one area you don't want to skimp on. Although very important and sentimental, you might want to reconsider spending thousands of dollars on it. While you try on the perfect dress from a wedding boutique, don't overlook discount dress shops. Many of these shops carry the same dresses for half the price. Also, if you have already tried on and found the dress, look for it online before you buy it. You can often find the same dress for thousands less.
4. Go online
Invitations, save the dates, engagement announcements all can add up quickly. The printing costs and the cost to send out all these wedding papers can get expensive. You can save thousands simply by setting up your own wedding website. You can still use your beautiful professional engagement photos, but you won't have to spend the extra money on printing.
5. Décor
Does your venue have a lot to offer when it comes to décor? There are two ways to save here; your venue is either outdoors or semi outdoors and/or they have a décor room for you to utilize.
If the season is right, planning for an outdoor ceremony or reception can be a great way to make your fairytale come to life. Outdoor weddings capture the natural décor. Natural décor means less additional décor is needed. Also, outdoor weddings will provide the ideal lighting for your photographer to capture those breathtaking images in natural lighting.
Check to see if your venue offers a décor room AND if it is included in the price of the venue rental. This can save you $$$$. Here at Green Gables Farm we have a décor room and a something borrowed room - where brides donate their wedding items for future brides - free of charge.
Where you shouldn't cut cost:
Photography
You might think getting a friend or family member to shoot your wedding photos will help you save. While it may save you in dollars, it could cost you in quality. You want your wedding day images to be beautiful and ones that will bring back the joyful emotions and memories from that day. A professional photographer will be able to capture all these moments that your friend or relative will be not be able to with a point and shoot or even a fancy DSLR camera. You'll regret and be disappointed that you don't have clear stunning images from your wedding in the future if you decided to try and skimp in this area of your wedding budget.
Catering
Even though Aunt Jo is a great cook and she has hosted Thanksgiving Dinner for 20 for the past 25 years does not mean she is equipped to cook for 150. You want your food to taste great; all 150 plates. You want it served on time AND you don’t want anyone to get sick. This is why choosing a licensed and insured caterer is key.
You might want to check 53 Genius Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding & Wedding Budget Tips for an epic list of money-saving wedding budget tips to help you reduce your costs!
Blessings,
Christi
