Wedding Hacks to Save you Money and Still Give You the Day You Want
Having a wedding on a budget doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Many couples want to have the perfect day, but don’t want to break the bank to make it happen. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money while still having the perfect wedding. Below we’ve put together a list of wedding hacks to help couples save money on their big day without sacrificing quality or design.
Map Out Your Priorities
The first step to having the perfect wedding without blowing the budget is to sit down and determine what the most important elements are that you want for your big day. Having a clear vision of your priorities will help when making decisions about where to allocate funds. Rank items in order of importance so that if your budget is tight, you can still prioritize the items that are most important to you.
Set A Reasonable Budget
Setting a reasonable budget can be one of the most difficult parts of wedding planning. Determine your total budget and divide it among the most important categories such as venue, dress, food and entertainment. Make sure you are realistic with your budget. You don’t want to create something that you simply won’t be able to afford.
Shop During the Right Season
If you want to get the best deals, timing is key. Generally, wedding venues, caterers and other vendors are more likely to offer discounts during the off-season. Look into hosting your wedding between the months of January and March, September and December to get the best prices possible.
Think Outside the Box
When planning a wedding it can be easy to get wrapped up in traditional ideas. Instead, think outside the box and opt for unique venues or decorations that are less expensive than the typical items. You’re also more likely to find unique items at flea markets or thrift stores. Consider shopping around for items that may be cheaper than the traditional vendors.
Go Digital
Paper wedding invitations can quickly add up, so consider digital options instead. You can create ecards and send them to guests that can be printed out or opened on a computer or mobile device. You can also take advantage of online RSVP services to keep track of how many guests will be attending the wedding. This will save you both time and money.
Shop Around for Vendors
Wedding vendors can be expensive, so it’s important to shop around for the best prices. Get quotes from multiple vendors before making a decision. Remember, just because one vendor may be more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean they are providing the best quality service. Look for reviews online or ask for references to determine which vendor is the best fit for you.
Choose your Guests Carefully
Your guest list is likely to be one of the biggest expenses of your wedding. Choose your guests carefully. You don’t have to invite everyone or feel obligated to invite a large group of people. Prioritize your list and stick to the number of guests you can afford to invite.
DIY Decorations
DIY decorations can save a lot of money. Look for free printables or templates online that you can use to plan and create the decorations. Be creative – use items you already have around the house, buy bulk items at discount stores or consider items you can rent rather than buy.
Choose the Right Color Scheme
Choosing the right color scheme for your wedding can be an easy way to save money. Generally, choosing fewer colors (two or three) will be more cost effective. This reduces the amount of decorations you’ll need to buy, as well as the cost associated with buying apparel for your bridal party in multiple colors.
Focus on the Food
Food can be one of the most expensive aspects of a wedding, so when it comes to cutting costs, this area should be a top priority. Consider asking if the caterer will be able to provide a cheaper menu with fewer items. Avoid elaborate meals and opt for simple hors d’oeuvres and a few courses instead.
Negotiate with Vendors
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors. Many times vendors will be willing to work with you on price if you negotiate. Keep in mind that vendors are in the business of making money, so most will be open to negotiation if it means they will make a sale.
Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With these wedding hacks, couples are sure to have the perfect day without breaking the bank. By mapping out priorities, setting a reasonable budget, shopping around for vendors, and negotiating with vendors, couples can save money on their wedding and still get the dream day they want.
