7 Money-Saving Tips For the Early Stages of Wedding Planning
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life! Unfortunately, it’s notorious for also being one of the most expensive. If you’re on a budget, we know you’re looking for ways to avoid sticker shock while planning your special day.
That’s where we come in! As a team of professional wedding planners, we know all about the budgeting pitfalls of early-stage planning. More importantly, we know how to help you avoid them—so your budget can accommodate that dream honeymoon in the Maldives. Read on for our seven guaranteed money-saving tips!
Money-Saving Tips for Engaged Couples
Trim Your Guest List
Creating a guest list is one of the first steps to planning a wedding. Coincidentally, it’s also where you have the most potential to save! Limiting your guest list to close friends and family will save you hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars. Carefully consider who *actually* needs to be there, and trim your list accordingly.
If this isn’t possible, you still have the opportunity to save by eliminating plus ones. Unless a guest is married or traveling a long distance, they don’t need a plus one (however, we always recommend offering this to your long-distance guests, so they have a travel buddy!).
Have a Small Wedding Party (or Skip this Tradition Entirely!)
Gone are the days of asking your entire sorority plus your cousin twice-removed to be in your bridal party. Not only is it stressful to manage suits, gowns, and gifts for twenty people, but the cost spirals out of control.
Instead, try to select only your closest friends for this honor (they’re the ones who will appreciate it the most anyway!). Or, feel free to have no wedding party at all. Ditching this tradition has been trending lately, and we’re here for it!
Book an All-Inclusive Venue
While researching potential venues, pay attention to their facilities. A wedding venue where you can get ready, host your ceremony, AND host your reception is ideal for saving money on transportation (and saving time on the day of!).
You’ll know you’ve hit the jackpot if your guests can also lodge onsite! That way, you can slash guest transportation from your budget too. However, if an offsite hotel is necessary, there are still ways to save. Many hotels offer credit towards transportation services if you book with them, so be sure to ask about this during your research!
Book Vendors Who Are Local to Your Venue
Most wedding professionals will incorporate the time and cost it takes them to travel to your venue into their final quote (some charge by the mile). That means that the closer your vendors are to your wedding location, the more potential there is to save.
In particular, it’s helpful to factor this in when hiring a hair and makeup team. In most cases, you’ll have multiple artists traveling to you on the big day AND for a trial before that. So, you can avoid racking up extras fees by sticking with a local vendor (calling all New Jersey brides!).
Ask Vendors About Their Payment Preferences
Always clarify a vendor’s payment preferences at the time of booking. If you’re able, pay in cash or with a certified check. In most cases, this will allow you to save on processing fees—which means significant savings on your big-ticket items, like catering and a venue rental.
Find Ways to Save on Florals
When meeting with your florist, ask if it is possible to repurpose some of your ceremony florals at your reception. Some vendors will even share this with you up front! For example, it’s often possible to use the flowers from your ceremony arch to decorate your sweetheart table.
In addition, be open to the flowers they recommend that fit within your financial comfort zone. That lush archway covered in orchids from Pinterest may not be realistic, but we guarantee that there are equally beautiful options that are also budget-friendly! Your florist knows what they’re doing, so trust in their ability to bring your vision to life.
Send Digital RSVPs
This is a great way to save on postage and return envelopes. We all know that the cost of stamps has inflated, so avoid paying for them entirely by sending digital RSVPs! Not only will this provide relief for your wallet, but your guests will appreciate the convenience of hopping on their phone or laptop and filling out their RSVP in a matter of seconds.
We hope these money-saving tips have helped you feel empowered and informed as you begin the wedding planning process. Are you planning a wedding in New Jersey? We would love to help you create the laidback, non-traditional celebration you crave—and lift the stress of planning off your shoulders! Want to learn more? Get in touch today!
