20 Easy Wedding Planning Hacks To Save You Money
Planning a wedding can get expensive fast, but it doesn’t have to be that way!
I’ve put together 20 easy wedding planning hacks to save you money without sacrificing style or fun.
These are simple tips that anyone can follow, and they’ll help you keep costs down while planning the wedding of your dreams.
Let’s dive in and start saving!
1. Use Fake Flowers for Decor
Mixing fake and real flowers is a great way to save money while still getting the look you want. High-quality artificial flowers can look just as stunning as fresh ones, and they’re often half the cost or less.
Use fake flowers for large arrangements or areas where guests won’t be up close, like arches or aisle decor. Save the real flowers for smaller, personal bouquets or centerpieces where they’ll be noticed.
- Save money by mixing fake and real flowers.
- Use fake flowers for centerpieces, arches, and aisle decor.
- Use real flowers for your bouquet and other areas where they are most important to you.
***Related blog post: 25 Ways To Save Money On Wedding Flowers
2. Limit Alcohol Options to Beer and Wine
Serving only beer and wine instead of a full bar is a cost-effective way to provide alcohol.
- Limit the number of hours the bar is open to reduce costs.
- Offer a red and white wine option along with a couple of popular beer choices.
- Consider adding one signature cocktail if you want to include a liquor option.
3. Rent Bridesmaid Dresses
Renting bridesmaid dresses is a fantastic way to lower costs for your bridal party.
Many rental companies offer trendy and stylish options at a fraction of the cost of buying. This allows your bridesmaids to wear something gorgeous without feeling the pressure of investing in a dress they’ll likely wear only once.
Plus, it saves them the hassle of shopping for a dress on their own.
- Avoid costly one-time purchases.
- Websites like Rent the Runway have stylish options.
- It’s budget-friendly and eco-friendly.
4. Buy Wedding Bands Online
Buying wedding bands online can save you a significant amount of money compared to traditional jewelry stores. Many reputable websites offer quality rings at lower prices.
- Etsy is a goldmine for gorgeous wedding bands. Plus…when you shop on Etsy, you are supporting small business owners.
- Consider simple, classic bands that are less expensive than elaborate designs.
5. DIY Your Wedding Signs
Wedding signs can be surprisingly expensive, so consider making them yourself. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and adds a personal touch.
- Browse online for free templates and printables to save time.
- Print the signs at home and purchase a cheap frame that still looks cute.
- Use chalkboards, acrylic sheets, or wooden boards for a DIY project.
- Write or paint your own signs for directions, menus, and seating charts.
6. Hire a Student Videographer
Hiring a student videographer is an excellent way to get quality video footage without paying professional prices. Many students are eager to build their portfolios and offer budget-friendly rates.
- Discuss your expectations clearly and have a written agreement in place.
- Reach out to local colleges or photography schools to find talented students.
- Make sure to review their previous work to ensure it fits your style.
7. Skip the Champagne Toast
Ditch the champagne toast and just use the existing bar. Let guests raise a toast with whatever drink they already have in hand.
This avoids the extra cost of buying and serving champagne.
8. Use Digital Invitations
Digital invitations are an eco-friendly and budget-friendly alternative to traditional paper invites.
They’re easy to create, send, and track, making the process really simple. With a digital invite, you can easily update details or send reminders if needed.
There are plenty of online platforms that offer beautiful templates for a fraction of the cost of printed invitations, and they make RSVPs a breeze.
- Save on printing and postage costs.
- Eco-friendly and easy to track RSVPs.
- Use sites like Minted or Paperless Post.
9. Have a Weekday Wedding
Having your wedding on a weekday can save you significant money. Many venues and vendors offer lower rates on less popular days, like Mondays through Thursdays.
This can free up more of your budget for other details like food, decor, or entertainment. Weekday weddings are also more likely to have availability, making it easier to book your favorite vendors.
- Save big by choosing a less popular day.
- Venues and vendors often offer discounts.
- More date options are available.
- If a weekday wedding is not an option, consider a Sunday (not as much savings as a weekday, but less expensive than a Saturday)
10. Hire a Local College Student for Photography
Hiring a local college student studying photography is a smart way to save money while still getting quality photos (I photographed my very first wedding while I was studying photography in college…and I only charged $300 for the entire day)
Many students are eager to build their portfolio and are willing to offer lower rates for wedding shoots.
Make sure to look at their previous work to ensure it matches your style, and provide a clear outline of your expectations. You may even find a hidden gem with fresh and creative ideas!
- Great way to save money on photos.
- Many have portfolios that show their skills.
- Negotiate a lower price for fewer hours.
11. DIY Your Wedding Favors
DIY wedding favors are a budget-friendly way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Handmade favors like candles, mini plants, or baked goods can be more meaningful than store-bought items.
They’re also an opportunity to get crafty with friends or family in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Choose something simple that you can make in bulk without too much stress.
- Simple, budget-friendly, and personal.
- Ideas: homemade candles, mini plants, or cookies.
- Guests love handmade touches.
12. Skip the Formal Dinner
Formal sit-down dinners can be expensive and time-consuming. Consider opting for a more casual food option like a buffet, food trucks, or a family-style meal.
These alternatives allow guests to mingle, try different foods, and serve themselves. It’s a fun way to create a relaxed atmosphere, and it can be much more affordable than a traditional plated dinner.
- Go with food trucks or a buffet instead.
- It’s cheaper and more relaxed.
- Guests love the variety and casual vibe.
***Related blog post: 50 Wedding Food Ideas On A Budget
13. Choose a Venue That Needs Little Decoration
Picking a naturally beautiful venue can save you both time and money on decorations. Look for locations with scenic views, interesting architecture, or lush gardens that don’t need much embellishment.
This way, you can let the natural setting be the star and focus on small touches like flowers, lighting, or simple table decor to enhance the space.
- Save money on decor by picking a beautiful space.
- Look for natural beauty, like gardens or barns.
- It’s easier and cheaper to keep it simple.
***Related blog post: How to save money on your wedding venue
14. Ask for Vendor Discounts
Don’t be shy about asking vendors for discounts. Many will be willing to negotiate, especially if you’re booking multiple services or having a wedding in the off-season.
Some vendors offer referral discounts, off-peak rates, or package deals. A polite request can go a long way…just remember to be respectful if they say no.
As a wedding photographer, I have never been offended by couples asking for a discount. If I was super busy, I politely said no.
But there were other times when my schedule was light and I chose to offer a discount to secure the booking.
- It never hurts to ask for a deal.
- Some vendors may offer discounts for referrals.
- Be polite and don’t pressure them.
15. Use Your Family’s Talents
Involving family and friends in your wedding is a great way to save money and add personal touches. If someone you know has a skill…like baking, floral arranging, or crafting…ask them to contribute.
It’s a lovely way to make your day feel more intimate and meaningful while cutting down on costs.
Just make sure you’re comfortable asking and that they’re genuinely happy to help.
- Know someone who bakes? Ask them to make your cake.
- Got a crafty friend? Have them help with decor.
- It adds a personal touch and saves money.
When my wife and I got married, we had family and friends help with flowers, food, video, music, and decor.
16. Keep Your Guest List Small
A smaller guest list is one of the easiest ways to reduce wedding costs. Fewer guests mean less money spent on food, drinks, tables, and favors.
It also creates a more intimate and cozy atmosphere, allowing you to focus on the people who mean the most to you.
Consider limiting your guest list to close family and friends for a special and more personal celebration.
- Fewer guests = lower costs for everything.
- Focus on close friends and family.
- More intimate weddings often feel more special.
17. Borrow Decorations
Borrowing decor from recently married friends or family can be a huge money-saver. Many people have items like vases, lanterns, or signs that are still in excellent condition.
You can also check if your venue has decor items available for use. It’s a great way to keep costs down and reuse beautiful items that might otherwise sit in storage.
Facebook Marketplace can also be a goldmine for couples looking to sell their lightly used wedding decor.
- Ask recently married friends to lend decor.
- Look for items like vases, signs, or table linens.
- Saves you time and money on buying new.
18. Skip the Fancy Cake
Fancy wedding cakes can get expensive quickly. Consider going with a smaller display cake for cutting and serving a simpler sheet cake to guests (Hello Costco!).
You can also offer a dessert bar with a variety of sweets like cupcakes, cookies, or pies. These options are often cheaper and provide more variety for your guests to enjoy.
- Choose a small decorative cake for photos.
- Serve guests a sheet cake from the kitchen.
- It’s cheaper and tastes the same.
***Related blog post: 100 Wedding Dessert Ideas When You’re On A Budget
19. Use Candlelight for a Romantic Touch
Candles are an affordable way to create a warm and romantic atmosphere. Use them as centerpieces, along the aisle, or in lanterns for a cozy glow.
Buy candles in bulk to save money, and choose different heights and sizes for a layered effect. It’s a simple yet effective way to add elegance without spending too much.
- Cheaper than floral arrangements.
- Creates a cozy and romantic atmosphere.
- Buy candles in bulk to save even more.
20. Send Thank-You Emails Instead of Cards
Sending thank-you emails is a modern and budget-friendly way to show your appreciation. It saves money on printing and postage and gets your thank-yous out faster.
You can personalize each email or create a heartfelt template to use. Plus you can add a special touch by including a favorite wedding photo or memory from the day.
You can still send handwritten thank you cards to guests who would appreciate the tradition (like parents and grandparents)
- Faster, cheaper, and eco-friendly.
- Still shows your appreciation to guests.
- Use a free design template for a personal touch.
More Wedding Planning Tips and Ideas
Check out these blog posts for more ideas and tips when planning your wedding:
