How to Save for a Wedding in a Year (10 Creative Tips)
Planning a wedding is exciting, but figuring out how to save for a wedding in a year can feel overwhelming. With the average wedding costing close to $30,000, many couples wonder how they can save enough money without going into debt.
I’ve helped plan over 500 weddings, so I know how stressful this part of the process can be. The good news is there are creative, practical ways to save for your dream wedding, even in just one year.
Let’s dive in!
1. Start a Side Hustle
This is my favorite way to save for anything extra in life…vacations, car payments, holidays, and yes, even weddings. Starting a side hustle is a powerful way to bring in extra cash that you can put straight into your wedding fund.
My family and I use side hustles to pay for our annual Disney trip, two other vacations, and all of our holiday/birthday spending.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Freelance your skills. If you’re good at writing, graphic design, or managing social media, offer your services online.
- Sell handmade or digital products. Platforms like Etsy are perfect for selling crafts, printables, or templates.
- Offer local services. Pet sitting, tutoring, or helping with events are great ways to earn quick money.
Pro Tip: Choose a side hustle that has the potential to grow or bring in passive income over time, like selling digital downloads or starting a YouTube channel, podcast, or blog.
Side hustles aren’t just about making extra money…they’re a long-term tool to help you reach your goals. Plus, the skills you learn can continue to pay off well after your wedding day.
2. Create a Dedicated Wedding Savings Account
One of the best ways to save for your wedding is to set up a separate savings account just for wedding expenses. Keeping your wedding money separate helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t accidentally spend it on other things.
Here’s how to get started:
- Open a high-yield savings account. Look for an account with a good interest rate. This will help your savings grow a little faster.
- Set up automatic transfers. Decide how much you can save each month and have that amount transferred from your checking account automatically.
- Track your progress. Use free financial apps like Mint or Personal Capital to monitor your account and stay on track.
This small step can make a big difference in reaching your wedding savings goal.
3. Sell What You Don’t Need
Selling items you no longer use is a quick and easy way to make extra money for your wedding. Plus, it helps clear out clutter and gives you a fresh start before married life.
Here’s what to do:
- Declutter and choose items to sell. Look for clothes, electronics, furniture, or even unused wedding-related items like old decor or dresses.
- Use online platforms. Sell valuable items on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark for quick cash.
- Host a garage sale. If you have a lot to sell, organize a garage sale. Invite friends or family to join in—it’ll attract more buyers and increase your profits.
Bonus Tip: Take good photos of your items and write clear descriptions to sell them faster online.
This is a simple way to earn a few hundred dollars or more, which can make a big difference in your wedding budget.
4. Trade Services with Wedding Vendors
If you have valuable skills, consider trading them with your wedding vendors to save money. This can be a great way to cut costs while building relationships with the people helping bring your big day to life.
Here are some ways to make it work:
- Offer social media management. If your photographer or florist could use help with their social media accounts, offer to run them in exchange for a discount.
- Create promotional content. Write blog posts, design flyers, or take photos for your venue or caterer.
- Trade your skills. If you’re great at baking, crafting, or videography, offer your services in exchange for theirs.
Pro Tip: Always outline the agreement in writing. Clearly define what both sides will provide to avoid confusion later.
This approach not only saves money but also adds a personal touch to your wedding planning. Plus, you’ll build stronger connections with your vendors.
5. DIY as Much as Possible
Doing things yourself is a fantastic way to save money on your wedding. It allows you to cut costs on smaller items so you can spend more on the things that matter most, like your venue or photographer.
Here are some ideas to try:
- Make your own wedding invitations. Use free tools like Canva to design and print beautiful invites at a fraction of the cost.
- Create your own centerpieces. Buy flowers in bulk from stores like Costco or Sam’s Club and arrange them yourself.
- Design a DIY dessert bar. Ask family and friends to contribute their favorite treats to create a fun, personal dessert table.
Pro Tip: Don’t try to DIY everything. Focus on projects that match your skills and save you the most money without adding unnecessary stress.
DIY projects can make your wedding feel more personal and help stretch your budget further. Plus, they’re a great way to involve loved ones in the process.
6. Cut Back on Non-Essential Expenses
One of the easiest ways to save for your wedding is by cutting back on unnecessary spending. Small changes in your daily habits can add up to big savings over the course of a year.
Here are a few ideas to help you save:
- Brew coffee at home. Skipping your daily coffee shop run could save you hundreds of dollars over 12 months.
- Cancel unused subscriptions. Review your streaming services, gym memberships, or other subscriptions and keep only the essentials.
- Cook meals at home. Ditch takeout and dining out for a year. Cooking at home is much cheaper and can even be a fun activity with your partner.
- Reduce impulse shopping. Avoid unnecessary purchases by sticking to a list when shopping and unsubscribing from promotional emails.
Pro Tip: Use budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need a Budget) to track your spending and pinpoint where you can save even more.
Cutting back doesn’t mean giving up everything you love—it just means being more intentional with your spending. These small sacrifices now can make a big difference when it’s time to pay for your wedding.
7. Save with Wedding-Specific Credit Card Rewards
If used responsibly, credit card rewards can help you save big on wedding costs and even your honeymoon. By leveraging everyday spending, you can earn points or cashback that directly benefits your wedding budget.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Choose the right card. Look for a credit card that offers high rewards points for travel, cashback, or other perks.
- Use it for wedding expenses. Pay for your vendors, decor, and other wedding-related purchases with the card—but only if you can pay off the balance in full each month.
- Take advantage of sign-up bonuses. Many cards offer bonuses for spending a certain amount in the first few months. Use these bonuses to cover honeymoon flights, hotel stays, or even part of your venue cost.
Caution: This strategy only works if you’re disciplined about paying off the balance every month. If you can’t do that, avoid this method to prevent debt.
When done responsibly, this approach can turn your wedding expenses into rewards that help stretch your budget even further.
8. Ask Family for Support in Thoughtful Ways
Asking family for financial help can feel awkward, but when done thoughtfully, it can ease your budget and make them feel more involved in your special day.
Here’s how to approach it:
- Be clear about their contributions. Let your family know exactly what their support will go toward, like booking a DJ, buying flowers, or covering catering costs. This transparency makes the request more meaningful.
- Suggest monetary gifts. For bridal showers or other pre-wedding events, ask for cash gifts instead of physical presents. Let guests know it will be used for specific wedding expenses.
- Use wedding registry platforms. Many registries now allow guests to contribute directly to your wedding fund, honeymoon, or other big expenses.
Pro Tip: Frame the request as a way for loved ones to share in making your wedding day special. For example, “Your gift will help us create unforgettable memories together.”
This approach makes it easier to ask for help and ensures family and friends feel appreciated for their support.
9. Re-Evaluate Your Wedding Budget
Sometimes the easiest way to save money is by looking at your wedding budget with fresh eyes. By rethinking your priorities, you can identify areas to cut back without sacrificing the quality of your day.
Here’s how to lower your costs:
- Trim your guest list. A smaller guest list means fewer plates to pay for and a more intimate celebration. Catering and venue expenses are two of the biggest costs, so this is where you’ll save the most.
- Choose a less traditional venue. Consider affordable options like a local park, a family member’s backyard, or even a cozy restaurant. These spaces often cost much less than traditional wedding venues.
- Rent or buy pre-loved attire. Save on wedding dresses, suits, and accessories by renting them or shopping secondhand. Sites like Stillwhite or Rent the Runway are great options.
Pro Tip: Focus on what truly matters to you. Splurge on the things that make the day feel special and cut back on less meaningful details.
Adjusting your budget isn’t about settling—it’s about making smart choices that let you have the wedding you want without overspending.
10. Set Realistic Monthly Savings Goals
Saving for a wedding in a year can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into smaller, monthly goals makes it much more manageable. A clear plan will help you stay on track and avoid unnecessary stress.
Here’s how to get started:
- Calculate your total wedding budget. Take your estimated costs and divide by the number of months until your wedding. This gives you a monthly savings target.
- Allocate a percentage of your income. Decide how much you and your partner can save from each paycheck. Even 10-15% of your income can add up quickly.
- Adjust as needed. Take advantage of extra income like bonuses, tax refunds, or side hustle earnings to boost your savings during certain months.
Pro Tip: Celebrate small wins! When you hit a milestone—like saving enough for your venue or dress—treat yourself to something simple, like a date night or your favorite dessert.
With consistent effort and a clear goal, you’ll be surprised how quickly the money adds up. This step is all about planning ahead and staying motivated.
Final Thoughts
Saving for a wedding in just one year might seem like a big challenge, but it’s absolutely possible with small, actionable steps. By staying focused and getting creative, you can build a wedding fund without sacrificing your financial stability—or your dreams.
Remember, every little bit helps. Whether you’re cutting back on daily expenses, starting a side hustle, or rethinking your wedding budget, these efforts add up quickly.
To help you get started, download our free wedding savings tracker and take control of your finances today. And don’t forget to explore our other blog posts for more budget-friendly wedding tips and inspiration.
Your dream wedding is within reach—one step at a time!
More Wedding Planning tips and Ideas
Here are a few more blog posts that you might find helpful while planning your wedding:
