Wedding Planning: 10 Ways to Cut Wedding Costs

With the growing popularity of platinum-priced weddings, extravagant receptions, and over-the-top engagements, planning nuptials on moderate budget can leave some brides feeling underwhelmed. Here, we identified 10 easy ways to cut wedding costs and still have the wedding and reception you always wanted.

1. D-I-Y invitations
One easy way to cut back on wedding costs is to create your own wedding invitations, save the date cards and other wedding stationary pieces. Designing your own invitations allows you to be as creative you’d like, for a fraction of the price. Browse the Internet for D-I-Y wedding Web sites with downloadable scripts and fonts to tailor a truly unique invitation.

2. Pick flowers from a local garden or field
Forgo the florist and pick flowers from a friend’s garden or a field of wildflowers. Wrap bundled stems with colorful ribbons or add a bouquet adornment like a jeweled broach for extra flair.

3. Use a private home as the wedding site
Planning a wedding at home cuts down on facility costs you’d normally pay at a public venue and reception site. Another bonus for choosing a private space for your wedding—less restrictions on hiring the vendors of your choice (which could save you thousands in catering costs) and decorating the venue the way you'd like.

4. Edit the guest list
Your wedding is a sacred event that should be shared with those closest to you. Don’t worry about inviting your manicurist or the nice couple down the street if it means stretching your budget to the max. Keeping your ceremony and reception quaint and intimate will free up funds to spend in other places.

5. Let hors d'oeuvres stand in place of the reception meal
Cocktail receptions are great options for couples looking to trim catering costs. Replace formal seated meals with passed hors d’oeuvres. If you want your reception to mirror more of a party-like atmosphere, pass on table service to get guests up and mingling.

6. Have your wedding on an off-day
To rake in the savings, consider having your wedding on a Sunday evening or Friday afternoon. Other advantages to having an off-day wedding—hotel and airfare is generally less expensive during the week, making travel more cost-effective for out of town guests. Plus, vendors may offer discounts on lighter business days.

7. Nix the bridal party
By eliminating bridesmaids and groomsmen, you’ll save a ton on bouquets, boutonnieres, and thank you gifts. If you still want a way to incorporate your friends in the celebration, ask them to wear a special color, invite them to read a poem, say a few words during the wedding toast, or give a scripture reading during the ceremony.

8. Limit the bar
Food and beverage is a huge line item on most wedding budgets. Limiting the bar to wine and beer only or simply offering a signature cocktail will drastically reduce your beverage tab.

9. Shop consignment for your wedding gown
You can find great deals on big labels at resale wedding gown salons. Update a vintage or heirloom gown by taking it to an alterations shop and have them replace old buttons, switch out the sash or change the neckline.

10. Have a friend create your wedding-day look
She does your makeup for Friday nights out on the town, so why not ask her to do your makeup for the big day? Our tip: schedule a few test runs before your wedding day, take photos of all the looks and jot down the colors and tools used to create your look.

Making a few small adjustments in your spending will help cut wedding costs in major ways. If great wedding photos are anon-negotiable item, perhaps you’ll use flowers sparingly. If you want a high-price reception venue, tea lights are an economical way to set off a large space. Wherever you choose to scale back, use your savings to splurge on the wedding costs that matter to you most.