Savvy in the South: How To Plan a Wedding on a Budget
5/10/2024
Getting engaged and planning a wedding is something many people dream about from an early age. This is a special season of life; it’s exciting to begin a new chapter and a little bittersweet to close an old one. While images of luxury weddings flood your social media feed, reality might hit hard when you see the price tag attached to these grand events. Don’t worry though, with a little creativity and savvy planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect wedding on a budget.
You may have family members or friends who want to help pay for certain expenses or aspects of your wedding, but it’s best to base your wedding budget around what you and your partner can comfortably afford. This way, you’re not relying on anyone else in case something goes south; if your loved ones are overly generous, it’s a helpful perk but not something you were depending on.
When you’re creating your wedding budget, it can get overwhelming if you try to account for every expense you might incur. Try starting with the three elements most important to you. This might be your photographer, videographer, wedding dress, event venue, food, florals, beverage offerings, entertainment, etc.
If you start planning well enough in advance, you give yourself plenty of time to research options, compare prices, and snag any early bird discounts – remember, you’re trying to maximize your budget. By prioritizing the elements most important to you, you can create a wedding that feels luxurious without the hefty price tag.
One of the biggest expenses for any wedding is the venue – but who says you have to get married in a traditional ballroom or fancy wedding venue? Consider alternative spaces like parks, beaches, or even a family member’s backyard. Not only can these spaces save you thousands of dollars, but they also add a unique and personal touch to your special day.
Embrace your inner DIY guru and get crafty with your wedding décor. From centerpieces to signage to wedding favors, there are endless possibilities for DIY projects that add a personal touch to your wedding day and save you money. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time with your partner or bridal party leading up to the big day.
While it may be tempting to invite everyone you’ve ever met to your wedding, keep in mind that each additional guest means additional costs. Essentially, you are paying an admission fee for every single person who attends your wedding. Be selective with your guest list and focus on inviting those who truly matter most to you. Consider having a smaller, intimate wedding with your closest family and friends to keep costs down. Besides, it’s 2024 – micro weddings are very much in.
Saturdays in the peak wedding season can be the most expensive days to get married. If you decide to book a wedding venue for your big day, consider having your wedding on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon, or even during the off-peak months, to save money on venue fees and other services.
When working with vendors, be clear about your budget. This gives them the opportunity to see if your vision and budget are compatible with their services – and if not, they can help you come up with a solution that is satisfactory for both of you.
How To Plan a Wedding on a Budget
Start With a Solid Budget
Before you get too far in over your head, sit down with your partner and discuss your wedding budget. Be realistic about what you can afford and prioritize the details that are most important to you both. Remember, you do not have to drain your savings account to have a beautiful wedding.You may have family members or friends who want to help pay for certain expenses or aspects of your wedding, but it’s best to base your wedding budget around what you and your partner can comfortably afford. This way, you’re not relying on anyone else in case something goes south; if your loved ones are overly generous, it’s a helpful perk but not something you were depending on.
Plan Ahead and Prioritize
When you’re creating your wedding budget, it can get overwhelming if you try to account for every expense you might incur. Try starting with the three elements most important to you. This might be your photographer, videographer, wedding dress, event venue, food, florals, beverage offerings, entertainment, etc.If you start planning well enough in advance, you give yourself plenty of time to research options, compare prices, and snag any early bird discounts – remember, you’re trying to maximize your budget. By prioritizing the elements most important to you, you can create a wedding that feels luxurious without the hefty price tag.
Think Outside of the Box With Venues
One of the biggest expenses for any wedding is the venue – but who says you have to get married in a traditional ballroom or fancy wedding venue? Consider alternative spaces like parks, beaches, or even a family member’s backyard. Not only can these spaces save you thousands of dollars, but they also add a unique and personal touch to your special day.
Don’t Be Afraid to DIY the Details
Embrace your inner DIY guru and get crafty with your wedding décor. From centerpieces to signage to wedding favors, there are endless possibilities for DIY projects that add a personal touch to your wedding day and save you money. Plus, it’s a great way to spend quality time with your partner or bridal party leading up to the big day.
Trim Your Guest List
While it may be tempting to invite everyone you’ve ever met to your wedding, keep in mind that each additional guest means additional costs. Essentially, you are paying an admission fee for every single person who attends your wedding. Be selective with your guest list and focus on inviting those who truly matter most to you. Consider having a smaller, intimate wedding with your closest family and friends to keep costs down. Besides, it’s 2024 – micro weddings are very much in.
Consider Off-Peak Dates and Times
Saturdays in the peak wedding season can be the most expensive days to get married. If you decide to book a wedding venue for your big day, consider having your wedding on a Friday evening or Sunday afternoon, or even during the off-peak months, to save money on venue fees and other services.
Be Transparent About Your Budget With Vendors
When working with vendors, be clear about your budget. This gives them the opportunity to see if your vision and budget are compatible with their services – and if not, they can help you come up with a solution that is satisfactory for both of you.
If you find the vendor’s services are out of your budget entirely, they may be willing to provide alternative options for you to explore. It never hurts to ask.
Non-Traditional Ideas to Save Money on a Wedding
While traditional wedding details and gestures may be lovely, most of them are easily forgettable by your guests and more importantly, the bride and groom. When you’re sticking to a budget, you might want to cut some of these costs to put those dollars elsewhere. Step outside the box and embrace spending your money on what is most important to you on your special day. Here are some non-traditional ideas to help save money on a wedding.
Minimize Traditional Wedding Stationary
Traditional paper wedding stationary is not cheap, and it ends up in the trash anyway. Between save-the-dates, wedding invitations, RSVP stationary, envelopes, and stamps, these little costs can add up quickly. Consider digital alternatives for your save-the-dates. You could send paper wedding invitations but rather than including additional stamps, envelopes, and RSVP cards, include a link to your wedding website where guests can RSVP there. In addition to saving you money, free wedding websites like Zola and The Knot make it easy and convenient to keep track of your guest list.
Opt for Non-Traditional Catering Options
Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, consider alternative catering options like food trucks or buffet-style meals. Both options are becoming more and more popular, giving you the best of both worlds: a budget-friendly meal for your guests while adding a fun touch of character to your celebration.
Repurpose Ceremony Décor for The Reception
Florals are often way pricier than couples originally plan for. A clever way to stretch your wedding budget is to repurpose ceremony décor for the reception. By using the same florals and decorations in both settings, you not only save money but you also create a cohesive and seamless aesthetic throughout your special day. For example, the bridesmaid’s bouquets can be repurposed as centerpieces on reception tables. Similarly, a ceremony arch or arbor can be set up behind your head table or dance floor for a beautiful focal point. By planning ahead and coordinating with your wedding planner or venue staff, you can ensure a smooth transition of décor from ceremony to reception, maximizing your investment and enhancing the overall ambiance.
Consider Alternatives to Wedding Cake
When it comes to wedding desserts, a traditional tiered cake isn’t your only option. In fact, exploring alternatives to the classic wedding cake can be a fun way to add a unique touch to your celebration while potentially saving you money. Consider a dessert bar filled with a variety of treats like cupcakes, macarons, cake pops, and fruit, allowing guests to choose their favorites. A fun way to personalize this option is to feature a selection of the bride and groom’s favorite desserts. For a cozy, interactive experience, set up a smores station where guests can roast marshmallows and create their own sweet treats. By thinking outside the box, you can offer a memorable dessert experience that suits your taste and budget.
Use Talents of Family and Friends
Tapping into the talents of family and friends for key wedding roles can add a personal touch to your special day while helping you save money. Consider asking a close friend or relative who is organized and detail-oriented to act as your day-of coordinator. They can help you manage the day’s logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly.If you have a friend or relative who is ordained or licensed, consider asking them to officiate your wedding ceremony. This can create a heartfelt, intimate experience while avoiding the cost of hiring a professional officiant.
Additionally, you might have loved ones who are skilled musicians, photographers, or bakers – enlist their help for live music, wedding photos, or dessert. Leveraging the talents of those closest to you not only keeps costs down but also infuses your wedding with love.
Skip the Champagne Toast
Skipping the champagne toast at your wedding is a simple yet effective way to save money without compromising the celebratory spirit of the day. Instead of serving every guest a glass of champagne for the traditional toast, encourage them to raise whatever beverage they already have in hand. This approach can create a more relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, allowing guests to toast with their drink of choice. Guests will still enjoy sharing a heartfelt moment with you, and you can raise a glass to a successful, budget-friendly celebration.
Be Strategic With Favors
According to The Knot, couples spent an average of $450 on wedding favors in 2023.1 More often than not, these gifts get left behind when guests leave your wedding. If you must do favors, focus on choosing something that has a personal touch and reflects the style or theme of your wedding like homemade treats, seed packets for guests to plant at home, or even thrifted coffee and tea mugs.
Tips For Saving For a Wedding
Saving for a wedding can be a daunting task, but with a clear plan and a little discipline, you can set aside enough funds to celebrate your special day without financial stress. Here are some tips to save for your wedding:- Start Early – When you start saving as soon as possible, time is on your side. Establish a budget, decide on your must-haves, and determine how much you need to set aside each month to make it happen. Knowing how much you need to save for the elements you really want can motivate you to be more disciplined in your savings practices.
- Open a Dedicated Wedding Savings Account – To keep track of your wedding funds, open a separate savings account specifically for wedding expenses. This will help you monitor your progress and avoid dipping into your wedding savings for other purchases.
- Automate Your Savings – Saving is easier when it’s automatic. Set up automatic transfers from you checking account to your wedding savings account each time you get paid. By treating saving for your wedding as a regular expense, you can steadily grow your fund without thinking about it too much.
- Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses – Evaluate your current spending habits and identify areas where you can cut back temporarily. This could include dining out less, cancelling unused subscriptions, and shopping the sale rack. Redirect these savings to your wedding fund.
- Take Advantage of Cashback and Rewards Programs – Look for cashback offers and rewards programs on purchases related to your wedding. This can help you save on essential items and stretch your budget further. You may want to open a credit card with a 0% introductory interest rate to give yourself extra time to pay for some of your larger expenses, just make sure you stay on top of your monthly payments.
- Track Your Progress – Regularly review your savings goals and progress to stay on track. Celebrate milestones and adjust your budget if needed. Keeping an eye on your progress will motivate you to continue saving.
