15 Easy Ways to Cut Down on Wedding Costs

Planning a wedding on a limited budget doesn't have to be a challenge. Jessica Bishop of The Budget Savvy Bride shares her top tips to help pull off the luxe look you want for less.

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November 27, 2016

By: Jessica Bishop

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Save Big With a Small Guest List

Keeping your guest list small is one of the easiest ways to cut costs on your wedding. Each guest you invite will add exponentially to your cost, so do your best to trim down your list where you can. Opting for a destination wedding is a great way to cut down your list without too much awkwardness. Of course, you could also elope and plan a small celebration for just your immediate family. Photo: Cassi Claire

Floral Prices Vary by Season

Choosing flowers that are in season during your wedding month is a great way to save on your floral budget. Because in-season blooms are more readily available, the cost is more economical. Flying flowers in from other parts of the world in order to accommodate your tastes could be very expensive, so be sure to do the research on what types of flowers are available during your wedding season. You can also opt to go with inexpensive flowers like baby’s breath or carnations to save a bundle on floral costs. Photo: Brittney Melton

Shopping Second Hand Can Save You Up to Half Off

If you're on the hunt for a designer wedding dress, consider shopping consignment sales or resale websites. You can find once-worn designer wedding gowns for up to half off on sites like OnceWed or Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses. Photo: Cassi Claire

Transform Trash Into Treasure

You’d be surprised how many items you toss into your recycling bin each week can actually be used as wedding decor. Use spray paint, glitter, fabric, lace and more to transform glass jars and bottles into stunning wedding decorations that won’t break the bank. Photo: Valerie Painter of Love Greyson Events

Certain Months are Cheaper for Weddings

Spring and fall months tend to be the most popular for weddings. Therefore, vendors and venues charge their peak prices during those months of the year. Choosing a wedding date in the winter can save you a bundle because there are fewer weddings scheduled during those months, leading many vendors to offer discounts on their services. The same is often true for choosing a weekday or a Sunday rather than a Saturday. Photo: James Stokes

DIY Isn't Always Cheaper

It’s a common misconception that DIY is the best way to save money, but it isn’t always the case. You'll want to evaluate whether or not you have the skills, time, budget or supplies to complete certain DIY projects for your big day. For example, don’t take on woodworking projects that require expensive equipment and experience if you’ve never done any wood cutting before. Instead, leave the difficult projects to the professionals or purchase from an artisan on Etsy! Photo: Evin Photography

Nix the Fully-Stocked Bar

When it comes to the bar for your wedding reception, beer and wine is perfectly fine. If you’d like to offer something additional for your guests, consider choosing a signature cocktail or two. Signature cocktails are a great way to infuse your personal tastes into your reception, without incurring the huge expense of a full open bar. 16 Signature Cocktail Ideas We Love >>

Inexpensive, Edible Favors Top the Charts

While it’s a sweet gesture to give your guests a token of your appreciation, it’s by no means a requirement for a couple to give their guests a favor. However, if you have your heart set on giving a little something, consider a simple edible favor. They are mostly inexpensive and easy to put together. Photo: Mikkel Paige

Cake Frosting Choice Could Bust Your Budget

Fondant frosting is typically used in ornately decorated wedding cake designs, and therefore is often a pricier choice than buttercream. While a big beautiful fondant cake will be sure to make a statement, opting for a simple design in buttercream will cut your cost significantly. See 3 Trendy & Easy Ways to Decorate Your Own Wedding Cake >>

Unique Menus Can Be More Affordable

Rather than serving a traditional, old school wedding meal like chicken and steak, consider unique and interactive food options that express your personal tastes. Hire a food truck that serves tacos or host a more casual pig roast or shrimp boil rather than opting for a fancy plated dinner. It can save you money and your guests will remember it forever! Photo: Evin Photography

Consider Making Your Own Gifts

Making some pieces of your bridal party gifts not only saves you money, but adds an extra personal touch to a meaningful gift. Whether adding monograms, putting together a collection of items or creating something from scratch, your bridal party is sure to appreciate the effort and sentiment behind a thoughtfully made gift. Learn How to Make These DIY Swarovski Earrings >>

From: Jessica Bishop

Centerpieces Don't Require Flowers

Fresh flowers can be a real budget buster, so if you're looking for ideas to cut back in a big way, consider putting together non-floral centerpieces. Depending on your wedding theme or style you could consider anything from vintage books and candles, spray-painted branches, greenery, potted plants, fruit or picture frames.

Printing Styles Can Affect the Cost of Wedding Invitations

The method in which your wedding stationery is printed can drastically change the price of your order. Fine printing techniques like engraving and letterpress can increase your cost exponentially. If you’re on a super tight budget opt for flat, digital printing to get the best bang for your buck.

Simple is Chic

Keeping your wedding decor simple can actually make your wedding seem even more chic and elevated. If you choose a naturally beautiful setting you can opt for minimal decorations for a sleek and modern look. Photo: Cassi Claire

If You Can't Make It, Fake It!

You don’t have to be a craft guru to pull off luxe looks on a budget. It’s easy to replicate the look of fancy calligraphy by tracing your favorite fonts onto your wedding signage and more. Learn How to Make This Faux Hand-Lettered Sign >>

Shop This Look

Photo By: Cassi Claire Photography

Photo By: Brittney Melton

Photo By: Cassi Claire Photography

Photo By: Love Greyson Events

Photo By: James G. Stokes

Photo By: Evin Photography

Photo By: Cassi Claire Photography

Photo By: Mikkel Paige

Photo By: Mekina Saylor Photography

Photo By: Evin Photography

Photo By: Jessica Bishop

Photo By: Evin Photography

Photo By: Jackie Mangiolino

Photo By: Cassi Claire Photography

Photo By: Something Turquoise

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Related To:

Save Big With a Small Guest List

Floral Prices Vary by Season

Shopping Second Hand Can Save You Up to Half Off

Transform Trash Into Treasure

Certain Months are Cheaper for Weddings

DIY Isn't Always Cheaper

Nix the Fully-Stocked Bar

Inexpensive, Edible Favors Top the Charts

Cake Frosting Choice Could Bust Your Budget

Unique Menus Can Be More Affordable

Consider Making Your Own Gifts

Centerpieces Don't Require Flowers

Printing Styles Can Affect the Cost of Wedding Invitations

Simple is Chic

If You Can't Make It, Fake It!

Shop This Look

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