10 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs

Create a Budget
Before meeting with any vendors or signing any contracts create a budget. Gather all parties that will be contributing to the wedding costs and decide what amount will be spent on the total wedding. Once that number is agreed upon, decide on how much you want to spend on each category. Do not stray from you amounts!

Trim Guest list
The people at your wedding should be people who have a vested interest in your marriage. If you have folks on your list that haven’t seen you since you were in grade school you may not want to invite them to you wedding. Cutting the number of guests can save you money on invitations, location, food, drinks, tables, centerpieces, and rentals. Do not feel pressured to let single guests bring a date.

Smaller Bridal Party
All bridal party members receive a gift of thanks from the bride and groom. Not having to purchase a large number of gifts helps your wallet. Remember not only are the bridal party members going to be at the wedding but so are their spouses/significant others.

Have the Ceremony and Reception in the same location
Unless there are religious reasons having the ceremony and reception can be a wonderful way to save dollars. Venues will sometimes give you a discount for using multiple spaces. And there is no transportation cost to include in your budget.

Flowers should be in season
Having you florist make your arrangements with flowers that are in season will help cut cost. Also, do not feel you can only decorate with flowers. Use ribbons, candles and vases to help cut floral budget.

No Alcohol
If you and your fiancé do not drink consider eliminating alcohol from the wedding. Other ways to cut the alcohol cost is to provide the alcohol for the wedding, if allowed by the caterer, or only have an open bar during the cocktail hour. Having guest pay for drinks is not in good taste so NEVER have a cash bar at your wedding.

Buy a used Wedding Gown
There are many consignment wedding gown stores online. Ideally the dresses have been worn once. You may have to get alterations but that is cheaper than buying a gown. You can also rent a gown to help save money. Reusing a gown is also very GREEN.

Have your wedding on any day but Friday or Saturday
Having your wedding on a date other than Friday or Saturday can help you meet your bottom line. Vendors do not usually have a high demand for these other days and may be willing to cut you a deal.

Have your wedding during an off month
Having you wedding during off-peak times, November – April can help you avoid higher rates. Ask vendors if they have off-season rates and if not see if they are willing to negotiate.

Forgo favors
Most guest do not remember the favors from weddings so not having favors will not be a problem and you get to put that money towards other parts of your wedding.