Saving On Weddings

I have some tips on how to save money on a traditional church wedding. This list is for those who are ready to take matters into their own hands by being involved in planning their big day.

1. Go slow. Pick a non-traditional or slower time of year to get married. Consider a day and time other than Saturday afternoon—when most weddings take place. You can get a break on the venue and from the vendors for choosing an off-peak time.

2. Limit the guest list. Make your dream guest list then mark off at least 50 names. Most caterers charge per-person, so the difference between 100 guests and 150 can be huge.

3. Shop around. Prices and packages are negotiable with most vendors. Don’t ever settle for more than you think you should be paying. Moreover, use vendors who aren’t primarily wedding vendors and you’ll see cheaper prices.

4. Get your hands dirty. The more you do, the less you’ll end up paying. While your bride and her girlfriends are tying ribbons on wedding favors, you can be running around town running wedding errands. Just ask your bride for a list of what you can do.

5. Consider “drop-off catering”. The caterer delivers and sets up already-prepared food. Or, have family friends cater the reception for you. Go with a buffet instead of a sit-down meal, or host a dessert reception, brunch, or luncheon instead of a multi-course meal.

6. Get friendly. Ask friends to take photos at your bridal showers, rehearsal dinner, pre-ceremony, and reception. Hire a professional only for the formal portraits and ceremony shots if you’re concerned about the quality of a friend’s photos.

7. Skip the DJ. Hook up a CD player or Hi-Fi to the sound system and pump out the tunes. If you’re set on having live musicians, hire a local music student(s) for the ceremony and/or reception.

8. Get sponsored. If you or your bride is set on having a lavish wedding, negotiate with vendors to have wedding services provided in exchange for subtle advertising at the event (the company’s name on a card next to the items provided, a listing of sponsors in the wedding program, or even a mention during a speech at the reception.)

9. Honeymoon close to home. The two best and easiest ways to cut down on your honeymoon costs are to stay close to home (to avoid transportation costs) and to limit the amount of time you need to pay for lodging. You can choose a nicer hotel for the same amount you would spend at a less-posh place if your honeymoon is a few days shorter.

The good news for frugal brides and groom is that the trend of the millennial wedding is toward everything simple and elegant—that lends itself to savings. From ring styles to cakes and bouquets, less is more, and with the right planning, your bank account can reflect the savings.