20 Smart Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

Weddings don’t have to be an extortionate affair – in fact, they can be just as glamorous and chic without all the expense. Here are 20 clever ways to save money (without cutting corners or anyone even noticing) on your special day!

1. Consider having your ceremony on a weekday – Saturdays are probably the most popular day of the week to get married on, and prices – and dream location availability – reflect this. Choose to celebrate on a Friday, and it could literally save you thousands!
2. Schedule your wedding at an off-peak time. Services and venues are undoubtedly more costly if you’re looking to host your wedding in peak season. Tip! October – March is often cheaper, plus you’ll avoid being one of a string of summer weddings in a row.
3. Create your own wedding invitations! It’s the perfect opportunity to invite your bridesmaids round and have a fun night together creating some really lovely and personal wedding invites.
4. There doesn’t have to be a 3-course meal. Offering a buffet or smaller dinner option can save you time, money & hassle! (And there’s more time for dancing, of course.)
5. Let them eat cake! – Cup-cakes! A big extravagant wedding cake isn’t always for Multiple cupcakes can work out cheaper, and you could even enlist the help of friends and family to help make them.
6. Hire a photo booth – as opposed to using a professional photographer (for the reception anyway – you’ll want professional pics of the ceremony). Ask your guests to take photos on their phones and upload it to a shared online folder.
7. Take advantage of wedding fair discounts – there’ll be lots of discounted deals and offers from an array of exhibitors, and if you go with the intention to book something there and then, you’ll most definitely be saving a little wonga.
8. Have an early wedding – make like the French and have an early ceremony followed by champagne and canapes for your guests – you’ll save money on food and drink but your venue may also be much cheaper. For the evening party, consider inviting your close family and friends for a formal meal in an intimate restaurant setting.
9. Keep a tab on the free bar – instead of paying for a completely free bar, why not keep it under control a little and pay for a simple selection of beer, wine and soft drinks.
10. Flowers & alternatives – buy flowers that are in season & stick to one or two kinds. You could also incorporate other decorative elements, such as lanterns or balloons, for an equally impressive display that aren’t as costly as floral arrangements.
11. Create a wedding app – and have your guests RSVP through it, instead of including a stamped RSVP card. You’ll save a ton on paper and postage.
12. Consider a credit card – using a credit card to pay for a venue or a dress will give you a little extra protection that you wouldn’t normally get with a debit payment. This is because credit card purchases made over £100, mean should anything go wrong, the card firms are jointly and severally liable.
13. Repurpose bouquets – after the vows, use the bridesmaid bouquets to create a gorgeous centrepiece.
14. Choose chic & simple settings – less is more when it comes to table décor. Think elegant stems instead of huge bouquets. Fill the room with lots of glowing candles for a stunning, intimate atmosphere.
15. Hire a student or a start-up make-up artist – this will, more often than not, be much cheaper than a recognised professional. She’ll also probably go the extra mile as she’ll be looking to build up a client base and a great reputation.
16. Digital save-the-dates – create a video or photo montage and email this over to your guests for a fun, alternative ‘save-the-date’ idea.
17. BYOB – pick a venue that allows you to bring your own alcohol. Purchase wine by bulk, remove the labels and replace with your own, fun label on each bottle. It’ll be cheaper – and a lot more unique!
18. Hang the DJ – try your hand at DJ’ing for the night & ask guests for song requests in the lead-up to the big day, then simply plug your laptop in and let the music flow!
19. Choose ‘non-wedding’ items where possible – Anything with ‘wedding’ in the title comes at a premium – but there are just as good “non-wedding” alternatives available for a variety of goods. For example, you can get your ladies dressed up in beautiful frocks from a high street or department store, and usually for a fraction of the price of bridesmaid dress shops.
20. Create your own favours – try whipping up a delicious macaroon recipe, or head to Pinterest for some easy-to-make wedding favour recipe inspiration!

Ready to host the perfect wedding, at a purse-friendly cost? Let us know which of these top tips you’ll be implementing to help pull off your big day!