Let’s face it—weddings can get expensive fast. But guess what? With a little creativity and some planning tools (hello, Wed&Done!), you can have your dream wedding without blowing the budget. From clever hacks to smart swaps, here’s how to save money on your wedding while keeping your style intact.
01. Consider Other Days of the Week
Who says you have to get married on a Saturday? Hosting your wedding on a Friday or Sunday can save thousands on venue fees and catering costs. Weekday weddings are becoming more common and can save you even more.
Wed&Done Tip: Wed&Done’s venue ranker tool allows you to compare costs for different days of the week at your top venues, making it easy to find a date that fits your budget.
02. Choose Your Card Stock Wisely
Thicker invitations may feel luxe, but they’re also more expensive. Opt for thicker paper for the invitation and a more economical option for insert cards.
Wed&Done Tip: Wondering where to go for your wedding stationary? Ask you fairygodmother! We have some great budget friendly suggestions! Plus, you can simplify your wedding suite by directing guests to your wedding website for extra details, cutting down on inserts and paper costs.
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03. Skip the Envelope Liner
Envelope liners look fancy, but they add up. Instead, opt for a colorful or printed envelope that makes a statement without the liner.
Wed&Done Tip: Customize your stationery through Wed&Done’s vendor partners to match your theme while keeping costs low. Plus, you can design everything digitally first to avoid unexpected printing fees.
04. Direct Guests to Your Wedding Website
Cut down on multiple cards in your invitation suite by using a single insert directing guests to your wedding website for information about events, logistics, and hotel room blocks.
Wed&Done Tip: Your Wed&Done wedding website is customizable and can host all the important details, saving you from printing extra cards!
05. Get a Jump on Wedding Dress Shopping
Avoid rush fees by ordering your wedding dress at least eight to nine months in advance. Rush fees can cost as much as $500!
Wed&Done Tip: Our timeline tool keeps you on track with key planning deadlines, including when to order your dress, so you won’t have to pay for any last-minute rush fees.
06. Snag a Sample Dress
Sample sales can save you anywhere from 20% to 90% on a designer dress. Don’t hesitate to ask bridal salons if they have any samples for sale.
07. Repurpose Ceremony Florals
Your ceremony flowers don’t need to be used for just one part of the day. Move them to your reception for double-duty décor.
Wed&Done Tip: Our planning pixies can coordinate with your florist to make sure your ceremony flowers are repurposed, cutting down on extra floral expenses.
08. Reuse Ceremony Chairs
Need to cut costs on seating? Repurpose your ceremony chairs for your reception! You may need to pay a moving fee, but it’ll still be cheaper than renting twice as many chairs.
Wed&Done Tip: Wed&Done’s venue partners will work with you to streamline setup and reuse design elements, like chairs, between different parts of your day.
09. Ditch the Escort Cards
Skip individual escort cards and opt for one big seating chart instead. It’s an elegant, cost-saving alternative that cuts printing costs.
10. Forgo Top-Shelf Liquor
Your guests don’t need top-shelf liquor to have a good time. Skip the high-end spirits and stock your bar with mid-range options to save on drinks.
Wed&Done Tip: We’ll help you work with your caterer or venue to customize your drink package, balancing quality and cost for a great bar experience.
11. Skip the Champagne Toast
Instead of passing out champagne to every guest, offer it only at the bar. It saves money and reduces the waste of pre-poured champagne sitting untouched at the tables.
12. Consider Steak Alternatives on the Menu
Opt for more affordable cuts of meat, like flank steak or chicken, instead of pricier options like filet mignon. These cuts are still elegant and delicious but much easier on your wallet.
Wed&Done Tip: Be sure to check out all the different menu options once you get to the Yum-Yum Guide! The magical path has pulled together some great cost-saving options for you, but there are also options for upgrades!
Save More with Wed&Done
At Wed&Done, we believe you can have the wedding of your dreams without sacrificing style—or your budget. Our platform helps you stay on track with your finances, manage your vendors, and discover money-saving tricks like these along the way. Wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive, and with our tools, it’s easier than ever to cut costs while still having the day of your dreams.