It’s no surprise that weddings cost money – in fact, this is a common reason for couples to have longer engagements! However, there are some pretty genius ways to save money on your wedding – take a listen to a few of my favourites. They’re simple, easy to implement and will be a game changer for any couple looking to save money.
Episode breakdown
Create a budget
The only way you can save money on your wedding is if you know EXACTLY how much money you have and what everything will cost! Find a system that will help you track your budget on-the-go.
Here’s that survey I spoke about!
Start with estimated costs and update often
Use estimated costs in your budget, and as you receive quotes, update your spreadsheet to include actual costs (this is crucial!).
Decide what’s most important to you
One of the amazing things about weddings is they are all so different and individual, just like the couple planning the day. When it comes to knuckling down your wedding budget decide what are your musts, what can’t you get married without. For some, walking into their ceremony under a fabulous floral arch is a must, for others serving every guest a decadent five course meal is their priority. Decide your must haves and use them to dictate how your budget is allocated.
Wiggle room
Keep space in your budget for unexpected costs, so you aren’t taken by surprise. There are lots of things you might not have considered (wedding attire alterations, what you’ll do if it rains, etc) and hidden costs (check your contracts and ask questions if you’re unsure). You also shouldn’t be surprised if something completely unexpected pops up that you need to pay for suddenly!
NEXT WEEK we are listing all the costs that couples often forget, so you don’t!
Avoid inspiration overload
Steer clear of sites that will tempt you to buy things you haven’t budgeted for. Pinterest is brilliant for the early stages of planning, when you want to work out your wedding style and create a mood board. But if you’re on a budget, you want to avoid the added inspiration that will make you think you need to buy more things for the wedding.
Itemise everything
For example, don’t just list ‘wedding stationery’. Include save the dates, invitations, mass booklets, place cards, postage etc.
Ask for receipts
With so much going on, you’ll lose track of what you’ve actually spent. Get your receipts!
Choose an off peak date
Winter weddings and midweek dates are often cheaper!
Use one thing for multiple purposes
I used to be a wedding planner, and this is the tip I’d give to all the couples I worked with. It’s so genius that I implemented it for my very own wedding.
Here it is: Use one thing for many purposes. Double duty items, if you will. Having items that serve multiple purposes will save you a ton of money.
Centrepieces
The idea is to have centrepieces that don’t just look beautiful. Select centrepieces which serve multiple purposes.
The centrepieces on my wedding tables are simple and beautiful. Their second purpose was wedding favours. Each guest, couple or family was given one tree to take home. There was a label attached to each one, which said: “Watch our love grow”.
Cake or dessert
You don’t need both!
Let’s talk about dual purpose wedding cakes. You spend a lot of money on a stunningly beautiful wedding cake and you want your guests to enjoy it too! Instead of spending more money on dessert, why not serve your wedding cake as your dessert? Guests often can’t eat both anyway.
Backdrops
Already spending money on a gorgeous ceremony backdrop? Make it transportable, and use it for your photobooth backdrop too!
Programs
Planning on getting married on a very hot day? Keep your guests cool with a super cute handheld fan, which doubles as a wedding program.
Photobooth and guestbook
If you’ve already got a stunning photobooth backdrop, use it for your guestbook too! Buy a simple book and camera bundle and have your guests snapping away.
