One of the biggest days of your life is right around the corner! Weddings can also easily be one of the most expensive days of your life. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money on your wedding.
1. Choose in-season options. When it comes to your menu, choosing fruits and vegetables that are in season will not only save money – it will save possible headaches. Off-season produce has to travel farther and has more opportunities to get bumped and bruised on the way. Flowers are similar: the farther they are from their main growing season, the more they will cost, not to mention sub-optimal freshness and appearance.
2. Opt for off-season options. Unlike food and flowers which are cheaper when they are in season, there are plenty of off-season choices that can actually save you a lot of money. The biggest way to save is to choose a wedding date before or after the main wedding season of June – September. If an out-of-season wedding isn’t an option, look into a weekday or evening wedding to save on venues and catering.
3. DIY. Let’s face it, most brides aren’t going to be able to pull out their sewing machine and make a designer gown and bridesmaid dresses to match, or bake a cake no one could distinguish from a professional bakery version. However, there are plenty of DIY options that are totally feasible with a little bit of practice and motivation. One of the best choices is to DIY the centerpieces at your wedding. Get inspiration from bridal magazines and websites, and then head to the wedding supply stores in your area to recreate the look. Try to balance the less-expensive options with fancy elements to avoid the homemade look: pick up your own candles and vases but have the florist put together the centerpiece arrangements, for instance.
4. Skip the venue. We admit, this isn’t feasible for everyone. However, the venue is often the most expensive part of a wedding, and choosing an alternate location can save thousands. If a friend or family member has a beautiful yard, garden, summer home, cabin, or barn, start there! Even if you end up renting a tent, chairs and tables, and pay extra for getting a remote location catered, you can still come out ahead with costs. Of course, not every free location you have access to will be a good fit, so try to simultaneously keep an open mind and a list of non-negotiable features you want for your venue.
5. Go Vintage. Although some vintage items might cost a lot more than modern versions, there are many ways to save money by re-using from past generations. If your grandmother saved her wedding dress, look into having it altered or updated to fit you and your style. Ask your mother and aunts if they saved décor from their weddings that you can borrow. Or, grab your bridesmaids and head to the antique or thrift stores in your area to pick up decorations that will be unique and budget friendly.
