9 Practical Wedding Money-Saving Ideas That Actually Work
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. But don’t worry…there are plenty of wedding money-saving ideas that can help you create a beautiful day without overspending.
Below, you’ll find 9 practical tips to cut costs while still having the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. As a wedding photographer and planner who’s been part of over 500 weddings, I’ve seen all of these ideas work in person.
Happy planning!
1. Use Digital Save-the-Dates and Invitations Instead of Printed Ones
One easy way to save money on your wedding is by skipping printed save-the-dates and invitations. Digital options are much cheaper (sometimes even free!) and can still look beautiful and professional. Plus, they’re super convenient for your guests.
Here’s how you can make the most of digital invitations:
- Use online services. Websites like Minted and Canva let you create stylish digital invitations at a fraction of the cost of printed ones.
- Go fully digital. Send your save-the-dates, invitations, and even RSVP requests through email or text. Many platforms let you track RSVPs online, so it’s easier to keep everything organized.
- Design for free. If you’re on a tight budget, free design tools like Canva offer customizable templates you can use to create stunning digital invites. Or you can grab a beautiful customizable template for a few dollars.
If you love the idea of printed invitations:
- Print just a few. Consider printing invitations only for close family, like your parents and grandparents. This way, you save money while still giving them something tangible to cherish.
- Have one for your photos. Print one invitation to give to your wedding photographer. It’s a great detail to include in your flat-lay photos of your rings, flowers, and other wedding day getting-ready items.
Switching to digital doesn’t just save money…it’s eco-friendly and modern, too. Your guests will appreciate the simplicity, and you’ll love how much easier it makes planning.
2. Shop for Decorations During After-Holiday Sales for Discounts
One of the best-kept secrets to saving money on wedding decor is timing your purchases with after-holiday sales. Stores heavily discount seasonal items once the holiday passes, which is the perfect opportunity to stock up on decor for your wedding.
Here’s how to take advantage of these sales:
- Shop after Halloween for fall weddings. The week after Halloween through early December is ideal for finding discounted faux florals, pumpkins, candles, and other rustic or autumn-themed decor. Discounts can range from 50% to 90%.
- Look for winter wedding deals after Christmas. Once Christmas is over, stores like Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Joann Fabrics slash prices on items like string lights, greenery, and metallic accents that work beautifully for winter weddings.
Pro tips for after-holiday shopping:
- Start early. As soon as the holiday ends (or even the week before), visit your favorite craft or home decor stores to snag the best deals before items sell out.
- Think outside the box. Look for decor that matches your wedding’s color palette or theme, even if it’s not wedding-specific. For example, neutral fall decor can work for a boho or rustic wedding.
- Plan ahead. Keep your wedding theme in mind so you don’t buy items you won’t use.
Shopping smart during these sales can help you create a stunning wedding look without blowing your budget!
3. Opt for a Smaller Cutting Cake and Serve Sheet Cake to Guests
A multi-tiered wedding cake can cost a small fortune, but there’s an easy way to save big without sacrificing the tradition of cutting the cake. Instead of a large tiered cake for everyone, go for a smaller cutting cake for the reception and serve sheet cake to your guests.
Here’s why this works so well:
- Cut costs significantly. A cutting cake is smaller and much cheaper than a full-sized wedding cake.
- Simplify serving. Sheet cake is easy to cut and serve, saving time and hassle for your catering team or family members helping out.
- Keep the tradition. You still get the iconic cake-cutting moment and beautiful photos without the high price tag.
- Check out Costco. Costco sheet cakes are incredibly affordable, feed a crowd, and taste amazing.
This hack lets you save hundreds while still providing a delicious dessert for everyone.
4. Use Online Marketplaces Like Facebook Marketplace for Affordable Decor
Facebook Marketplace is a goldmine for finding affordable wedding decor. From signs to centerpieces, you can score beautiful items for a fraction of the retail price. The best part? You can sell your items after the wedding to get money back.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Shop secondhand decor. Many couples sell barely-used wedding items at low prices. Search for wedding-related terms like “centerpieces,” “wedding signs,” or “wedding arches” to find hidden gems.
- Negotiate prices. Most sellers on Facebook Marketplace are willing to negotiate. Don’t hesitate to ask for a discount if you’re buying multiple items.
- Look locally. Use the location filter to find decor nearby and save on shipping. Local pickups are often free and convenient.
Reselling after your wedding:
- Recoup your costs. I’ve worked with couples who got back up to 80% of what they spent on decor by reselling it to other couples. List your items shortly after the wedding, when they’re still in great condition.
- List bundles. Group similar items together (like table numbers and centerpieces) to make them more appealing to buyers.
- Share in wedding groups. Many local wedding groups on Facebook allow you to post items for sale. This can help you find buyers quickly.
Using Facebook Marketplace isn’t just a great way to save money…it’s also a sustainable way to give your wedding items a second life while helping another couple plan their big day.
5. Choose an Airbnb or Family Property for Your Venue Instead of a Traditional Location
Renting an Airbnb or using a family property can be a budget-friendly and intimate alternative to a traditional wedding venue. These spaces are often more flexible and unique, but there are some important steps to follow to make sure it’s the right fit.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Be honest with the host. Always reach out to the Airbnb host and explain exactly what you plan to do. Let them know the size of your event, how many guests you expect, and any special needs (like parking or catering). Some hosts are open to weddings, but it’s crucial to get their approval in writing.
- Check the rules. Make sure the property’s rules allow events. Some Airbnbs are strictly for overnight stays, and you don’t want surprises closer to your wedding day.
- Get creative with your search. If you’re struggling to find an Airbnb that allows events, look for ones labeled as “large properties” or “group accommodations.”
If you can’t find an Airbnb in your area that fits your needs, check out my next tip for another creative way to use one for your wedding day!
6. Use an Airbnb for Your Rehearsal Dinner, Getting Ready, and Weekend Stay
If you can’t find an Airbnb to host your ceremony or reception, consider using one as the central hub for your wedding weekend. It’s a cost-effective and fun way to create a memorable experience with your closest friends and family.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Host your welcome or rehearsal dinner. Start the weekend with a casual or elegant dinner at the Airbnb. Many properties have large kitchens and dining areas perfect for hosting smaller gatherings.
- Set up a buffet or potluck-style dinner to keep it simple.
- Use the home’s decor to create a cozy, intimate vibe.
- Enjoy a relaxed evening catching up with your wedding party and family.
- Get ready in style. Use the Airbnb as your getting-ready location for the big day.
- Look for properties with great lighting and beautiful spaces for photos.
- Have your hair and makeup team come to the property for a stress-free morning.
- Enjoy the convenience of having your wedding party close by to share the excitement.
- Make it a weekend to remember. After the reception, head back to the Airbnb with your wedding party and immediate family for a fun post-wedding evening.
- Relax, share stories from the day, and keep the celebration going in a laid-back setting.
- Wake up the next morning to a delicious breakfast or brunch together. Many properties have outdoor spaces or patios that are perfect for this.
This approach makes your wedding feel more personal and intimate while saving money on separate rehearsal dinner venues and hotel rooms. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to spend extra quality time with the people you love most.
7. Repurpose Ceremony Décor for Your Reception
One of the easiest ways to save money on wedding decorations is by reusing your ceremony decor for your reception. Flowers and other decorative elements can serve double duty if you plan ahead. It’s an effortless way to stretch your budget without sacrificing style.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Reuse aisle arrangements. Move floral arrangements or lanterns from the ceremony aisle to your reception space.
- Use them to frame your sweetheart table or cake table.
- Place them near the dance floor or at the entrance to your reception.
- Bring your arch indoors. If you’re using an arch or backdrop for your ceremony, repurpose it as a photo backdrop at your reception or place it behind the sweetheart table.
- Use bridesmaids’ bouquets as centerpieces. Flowers are expensive, but this simple trick can save you hundreds.
- After the ceremony and photos, have your bridesmaids place their bouquets into vases on reception tables.
- Make sure the vases are filled with water to keep the flowers fresh.
- Coordinate with your florist or planner to ensure this transition is seamless.
- Plan ahead for easy movement. Designate someone (like your wedding coordinator, family member, or friend) to help move decor items from the ceremony to the reception.
This tip not only saves money but also makes your wedding decor feel cohesive throughout the day. With a little bit of planning, you can make the most of every dollar you spend!
8. Hire a Student or Newer Photographer
If you’re on a tight budget, hiring a student photographer or someone newer to the industry is a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. Many students or new professionals have impressive skills but charge less because they’re building their portfolios.
Here’s how to find the right photographer:
- Check local colleges or photography schools. Many students are eager to gain real-world experience and will offer affordable rates.
- Ask for examples of their work. Make sure their style matches your vision for your wedding photos.
- Create a detailed shot list. Help them succeed by being clear about the key moments you want captured.
This is an excellent way to get professional-quality photos at a fraction of the price, while also supporting someone just starting out in their career.
***Real world example: When I first started photographing weddings, I needed to build a wedding portfolio and photographed my first 10 weddings for around $1,000. And that included 10-12 hours of coverage, all of your edited digital files, an engagement session, and a 2nd photographer.
9. Limit Your Photographer’s Hours and Skip the Second Shooter
Another way to save on photography is by booking your photographer for fewer hours and skipping the second shooter. This approach can significantly cut costs without missing any of the key moments.
Here’s how to maximize your coverage:
- Hire for 6 hours instead of all day. Focus on the most important parts of your day:
- Final getting-ready moments (like putting on your dress).
- The ceremony and posed family photos.
- Main reception events, like your first dance and speeches.
- Rely on friends and family for extras. Have loved ones capture candid moments during the early morning prep or late-night dance party. Smartphones and personal cameras are great for this.
- Skip the second photographer. While having a second shooter is nice for extra angles, it’s not a must-have.
- As a wedding photographer, I’ve photographed over 500 weddings, and more than half were done solo.
- A skilled photographer can easily capture both the bride walking down the aisle and the groom’s reaction.
By focusing on what really matters, you can save hundreds (or more) while still getting amazing photos of your special day.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on your wedding doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your dream day.
With these simple tips, you can keep costs down while still creating a celebration that’s beautiful, personal, and unforgettable.
More Wedding Planning Tips
Here are a few more blog posts that you might find helpful when planning your wedding:
