21 Hacks Every Budget-Conscious Couple Should Know
Weddings can be expensive. The average cost last year was over $30,000, and engaged couples are using smart ways to save without compromising their big day dreams. For the pair who wants to save a little cash with clever shortcuts, here are 21 money saving hacks that every couple should know.
By: Alexia Conley for Loverly
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Choose a Friday or Sunday date. -159395
Saturday night weddings are prime time! To save money on venues and vendors, consider having your "I dos" on an off evening. Your big day will still be oh-so-fun, and with a Friday or Sunday wedding, you can host other celebratory activities that weekend.
Photo Credit: Ueda Photography
Opt for a standing ceremony
Electing to use no chairs (save for a few chairs for elderly or disabled guests) can save money on the rental furniture costs. Just make sure your ceremony is short and sweet if attendees will be standing.
Photo Credit: Maxwell Monty Photography
Buy a pre-owned wedding dress
To stay on budget, consider buying a used dress or a floor sample gown. These gently-used versions retail at a fraction of the price.
Photo Credit: Vanessa Joy Photography
Stock up on coupons for crafting
Craft stores like Michaels and AC Moore offer discounts each week. If you're planning to do a little shopping in their wedding sections or if you want to get your DIY on, stock up on coupons or download the app to get the best deals. Insider tips: Both stores honor each other's coupons, and on the Michaels app, you can use the same coupon every day until it expires.
Photo courtesy of 100 Layer Cake
Be your own DJ
Create a playlist on Spotify or iTunes and play music through the venue's sound system.
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Serve up a spread of delightful sweets
Creating a dessert bar can be a cheaper alternative to the wedding cake. You can purchase the treats from local establishments, set up a candy or cookie bar, or even ask friends and relatives to bake some tasty confections for an on-budget dessert display.
Photo Credit: Abby Rose Photo
Have your baker create a faux cake
Ask your baker to make the top tier of your cake real (for cutting). Then, create other tiers out of styrofoam and decorate it accordingly. Your presentation cake will still be gorgeous while saving a few dollars — and you can have sheet cakes in the back for serving.
Photo Credit: Elegantly Iced
Use bouquet flowers as centerpieces
After the ceremony, have your florist or coordinator place the bouquets in vases for your tables.
Photo Credit: Sarah K. Chen Photography
Keep stemware simple
Instead of going overboard with your glassware, go for minimal and classic. You'll keep more money in your pocket.
Photo Credit: Rashon Carraway
Sometimes, buying is cheaper than renting
When it comes to décor items, table settings, and linens, sometimes it's better to purchase outright. Once you get a quote from the rental company, determine whether it's more cost effective for you to purchase them. You may even be able to sell the items after to make a little money back.
Photo Credit: Kevin Kelley Photography
Consider a buffet
With guests serving themselves, it can considerably cut some of the waitstaff fees.
Photo Credit: Dominique Bader Photography
Create wedding signage instead of printing hundreds of paper items
Display the menu or program on a canvas or in a frame as opposed to printing one for each guest. Trust us, it'll be totally cost effective.
Photo Credit: Candice Benjamin Photography
Serve a signature cocktail instead of having an open bar
Get crafty with your mixed drinks to ensure that you don't over-spend on liquor. Serve guests beer and wine with one specialty drink, like a mint julep or a martini to wet their whistles.
Photo Credit: AkaPertyfultings/Etsy
Provide your own alcohol
If the caterer allows you to purchase alcohol for the reception, you could potentially save some big bucks. By eliminating the vendor's markup, your finances will stay in tact. However, you'll be putting in extra time to purchase and deliver the alcohol to your big day venue.
Photo Credit: D. Park Photography
Purchase flowers wholesale online
If you're planning to DIY your flowers, look into purchasing them online. A retailer like FiftyFlowers helps cut costs and increases the variety of blooms available to you.
Photo Credit: The Natural Wedding Company
Get creative with the bouquet
Ask your florist to use a few impactful flowers, and then fill-in with less expensive blooms, like Queen Anne's lace and baby's breath. This will help make each arrangement cost less.
Photo Credit: Carley Rehberg Photography
Have your ceremony and reception at the same place
If you opt for one wedding site, you'll cut the costs associated with renting two venues and the transportation between spaces.
Photo Credit: Aaron Delesie
Follow vendors on social media for discounts
Sometimes, businesses will give special promotions or discounts to their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram fans! Follow along to see if they offer any deals.
Photo courtesy of Written Word Calligraphy/Instagram
Find a venue that's flexible with vendors
Look for a space that allows you to use caterers, florists, and bakers outside of their preferred list. If you choose a location that requires you to use their partners, you'll be locked into using vendors that might be out of your range.
Photo Credit: Rhee Bevere
