With the rise of social media, couples are increasingly feeling pressure to host extravagant weddings. However, this extravagance comes with a hefty price. In 2021, the average cost of a wedding was over $28,000, which is significantly more than the national income of around $31,000 per person. This means that, for many people, a wedding could cost up to 90% of their income. This is simply not sustainable, and it is important for couples to remember that a beautiful and meaningful wedding does not have to be expensive. By being creative and resourceful, couples can plan a budget-friendly wedding that is just as beautiful and memorable as an extravagant one.
As a wedding photographer, it’d be my pocket’s best interest to tell you to throw that extravagant wedding. Here’s the thing though, I was in your shoes just a few years ago. I knew I couldn’t afford the weddings I see across my for you page on TikTok or sprinkled along my Instagram feed. I was lucky to have my parent’s support and was able to plan a beautifully intimate backyard wedding on the lake. Read more about how I planned my wedding and honeymoon for under $10,000 here.
Before I blow your mind with these budget wedding hacks, I want to stop and recognize where I learned them. Thank you to all of the brides who have trusted me to document their wedding day but most importantly thank you for answering all of my questions about the wedding planning process. My knowledge in this blog post and others are a result of you and your willingness to share.
How to save money on wedding florals.
Wedding flowers can truly elevate the look and elegance of your big day. They add a touch of romance and beauty to the ceremony and reception, and can help to create a cohesive look for your wedding. Plus, they provide a special way to express your love and commitment to each other.
- Buy dried florals from Etsy. Watch my TikTok here to learn more.
- Purchase live flowers in bulk from places like Costco or Sam’s Club.
- Purchase live flowers online and have them shipped two days before your wedding from websites like Fifty Flowers or Blooms by the Box.
- Purchase fake florals from Amazon and resell on Facebook Marketplace after your wedding to recuperate some of the costs. For my budget wedding I hired a local florist to do my bouquet since I knew it’d be in the most pictures and created bridesmaid bouquet and boutonnières using fake florals to save money.
- If you prefer to hire a local florist opt for a smaller bouquet.
How to save money on a wedding venue.
The venue sets the scene for all of the special moments that will take place, from the ceremony to the reception, so it’s important to find a space that feels special and fits your personal style. When looking for a wedding venue, I would recommend considering factors like the size, location, and overall aesthetic of the space.
- Keep in mind that the moment you search for a “wedding venue” on Google, the price you’ll be paying increases. Instead try searching for historical sites in your area or event centers. Click here to watch a TikTok video that describes this in more detail and shows an example of a wedding that was hosted at a historical site for under $1,000.
- Host a backyard wedding. If you have a suitable space at your own home, this can be a cost-effective option. If you don’t have a backyard that would work, you could try reaching out to friends or family members who might be willing to let you use their backyard for the event. This could be particularly appealing if they have a large, attractive backyard or one located in a desirable location, such as a lake house. Having a backyard wedding can be a more intimate and personalized experience, and it can also be more budget-friendly than booking a traditional venue.
How to save money on wedding decor.
Wedding decor is probably one of the most exciting parts of planning the wedding, that is until you see how much it costs. From the flowers and centerpieces to the lighting and linens, the right decor can help to create the atmosphere and ambiance you want for your special day. However, it is extremely common for brides to overspend on these items.
- My best advice, save yourself the headache and find a rental company. There are so many out there these days and you can find them on Google or even Facebook Marketplace. Most companies will even help with transportation and set-up. Renting can add up quickly, so be sure to determine what items would be worth renting vs. buying and reselling after the wedding.
- At one point or another you’ll probably have to purchase some decor, and if you find yourself in that situation I highly recommend the following websites.
- A to Z (Alma, Arkansas) – I purchased all of my wedding florals here for under $300 which ended up covering my arch, centerpieces, boutonnières, corsages, bouquets, and wedding cake. I was also able to resell them for half of what I paid.
- Ikea – I found some of the best decor for cheap at Ikea. These lanterns made the perfect centerpieces for my wedding.
- Temu – This website is like Alibaba but based in the United States so shipping is much faster. I’ve purchased several things from this website now and have never had any issues. Keep in mind shipping can take a while depending on the product and its size.
- Amazon – I’ve linked my Amazon storefront where I consistently update it with any wedding steals and deals I can find.
How to save money on a wedding dress.
Wedding decor is probably one of the most exciting parts of planning the wedding, that is until you see how much it costs. From the flowers and centerpieces to the lighting and linens, the right decor can help to create the atmosphere and ambiance you want for your special day. However, it is extremely common for brides to overspend on these items.
- I heard probably one of the most genius hacks ever recently. Go try on dresses. Shop at all of the bridal boutiques around you. Find your dress, but don’t say yes in the store! Important step. Note the designer, the dress number, and your size. Now go online to eBay or preowned wedding dress websites and see if you can find that dress for less.
- Shop at online bridal boutiques like LuLu, Cocomelody, or Azazie. You can find a lot of beautiful dresses under $800.
- Renting a wedding dress is also a thing! If you don’t mind having it for just a few days, this could be a great option.
- RentTheRunway.com: This is a popular website that allows brides to rent designer wedding dresses for a fraction of the cost of buying a new dress. They have a wide selection of dresses available in various sizes and styles.
- Brideside.com: This website offers a rental program for bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses. They have a range of styles and sizes available and offer a try-on service to help you find the perfect dress.
-
BorrowingMagnolia.com: This website specializes in rental wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. They have a range of styles and sizes available and offer a try-on service to help you find the perfect dress.
-
LittleBorrowedDress.com: As the name suggests, this website allows brides to borrow wedding dresses for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one. They have a range of styles available and offer a try-on service to help you find the perfect dress.
How to save money on your wedding cake.
The hack I’m about to explain is one I used at my own wedding. It honestly worked out so perfect and I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way. Buy a single-tier cake for the ceremony and cutting, and then have sheet cakes in the back that can be served to all of your guests. This hack allows you to have the traditional wedding cake experience without the added cost of a huge, elaborate cake. To pull it off, choose a simple but elegant design for the single-tier cake that you’ll be cutting, and then select more cost-effective sheet cakes to serve to your guests. This can be a great way to save money on your wedding cake without sacrificing style or quality. Just make sure to let your caterer or baker know about your plan, and be sure to coordinate with them to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding.
Do you know a money-saving hack that wasn’t mentioned? Comment it below to help a fellow bride out.
Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, but by following these tips on how to save money, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. Whether it’s shopping for discounted wedding dresses, opting for a smaller wedding cake, or choosing a less expensive venue, there are many ways to save money on your big day. The most important thing is to focus on what matters most to you and your partner, and to have fun while planning your perfect celebration. Good luck with your wedding planning, and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together!
0 Comments