She Strengthens

Planning a Dream Wedding on a Budget: Expert Tips to Save You Money

As a seasoned florist and former budget bride, I’ve learned the importance of prioritizing expenses when planning a wedding. With the help of two experts, Rachel Bruzek, senior creative event specialist at D’Amico Catering, and Sarah White, virtual wedding planner and founder of The I Do List, I’m sharing my top 10 tips to help you plan a successful and affordable wedding.

Think Outside the Box with Unconventional Venues

Instead of opting for a traditional wedding venue, consider unique locations that hold sentimental value, such as your favorite restaurant, a museum, or a park. Not only will you save on décor, but you’ll also benefit from lower rental fees. City- or state-owned properties like parks and pavilions are particularly affordable, with most costing less than $500.

Take Advantage of the Off-Season

If you’re flexible with your wedding date, consider having your ceremony and reception between November and April. This can save you hundreds in rental fees, food, and beverage minimums. For even more savings, consider a Friday night or Sunday afternoon wedding.

Maximize Your Venue’s Inclusions

When choosing a venue, look for ones that include tables, chairs, and full table settings in the price. This will save you on rental fees and setup costs. You can also ask about borrowing decorative items like vases, candles, and votive holders from past events.

Digital Invitations: A Cost-Effective Solution

Digital invitations are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Companies like Paperless Post and Joy offer hundreds of free designs and help you track RSVPs. You can also create a personalized wedding website to share details with your guests. If you’re hesitant to go completely digital, send out traditional invitations with a link to your website for online RSVPs.

DJ vs. Live Band: The Cost-Effective Option

Hiring a DJ for your reception only can save you a significant amount of money. Consider using an iPod and speaker for your ceremony music and cocktail hour. This will reduce the number of hours you need a DJ, bringing down the overall cost.

Keep Your Wedding Party Intimate

The smaller your wedding party, the more you’ll save on costs like boutonnieres, bouquets, gifts, and transportation. You can still have your closest friends by your side without breaking the bank.

Flower Arrangements on a Budget

Choose big, seasonal blooms to create a stunning yet affordable floral arrangement. Consider buying flowers in bulk from local growers or wholesale vendors like Costco. If you have your heart set on pricey flowers, use them sparingly in your bouquet.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Rings

Consider recycling old gold jewelry into your wedding rings. Some jewelers specialize in creating unique, eco-friendly rings from recycled gold. You can also ask family members if they have any gold pieces they’d be willing to contribute.

Streamline Your Bar Options

Instead of offering a full open bar, consider limiting your options to beer, wine, and one signature cocktail. This will help reduce costs without sacrificing the festive atmosphere. Alternatively, find out if you can bring your own booze to further cut costs.

Sweet Treats Instead of Favors

Ditch the traditional wedding favors and cake in favor of a decadent dessert bar. This will not only delight your guests but also save you money on unnecessary expenses.