Welcome to the world of wedding planning! Many of us are not blessed with an unlimited wedding budget, so we’ve got to be creative. The good news is that your wedding doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. We’ve found some brilliant ways to save money on your wedding! You’d be surprised at how beautiful your wedding can be without going over budget.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that each couple will have different priorities. We think it’s a great idea to start by listing your priorities. For example, if you can’t imagine your wedding without a live band and lots of dancing, then don’t skimp on the band! If you’re set on having a three course seated meal, then make sure you hire a fabulous caterer. The key is to save money on the areas that aren’t a top priority!

Here are some creative ways to save money on your wedding…

Select an off peak day

Did you know that wedding seasons are priced differently? You’ve got “wedding season” which takes place in the summer months. Because lots of couples want to tie the knot in the summer, this makes venues and other suppliers more popular, and therefore, more expensive.

If you get married on an off peak day, you are guaranteed to save money! It’s easier to negotiate with suppliers because they are less likely to be in demand on your wedding date. Most suppliers and venues have off peak rates too, so you’ll save before you even begin negotiating.

Off Peak days include midweek and winter dates. We’re here to tell you that while these dates aren’t as popular, they are still lovely dates to choose!

Hair and makeup

If you trust yourself to do your own hair and makeup, then go for it! Some brides aren’t well-versed in all things beauty, so in that instance, ask a friend. You are bound to know somebody who is exceptional with hair or makeup, so ask if they’d be willing to do yours in lieu of a wedding gift.

Save money on bridesmaids costs

Here are a few ways you can save money with your bridesmaids:

  • Allow them to choose their own dresses and ask if they’d be happy to pay for them. You need to be willing to give them a colour palette and trust that they’ll pick something pretty. Personally, I’m a fan of the mismatched bridesmaids look!
  • Let them do their own hair and makeup!
  • Skip the bridal robes. You’ll be wearing them for a couple of hours, pose for some photos and your guests won’t even see you in them.
  • And if you aren’t attached to the idea of having bridesmaids, don’t have them!

Have a smaller guest list

This is probably the easiest way to save a lot of money! Just invite fewer people. I know it’s easier said than done, but if you think about what you’d pay per head, start asking yourself if you absolutely must have that person at your wedding. At the very least, skip the plus ones and kids.

Go digital

It is totally acceptable to email Save the Dates and ask guests to RSVP online (either via email or your wedding website). While we’re talking about invitations, we recommend hand delivering as many of them as you can! Only spend money on postage for guests who don’t live in the same city as you.

Get creative with your cake

First off, you don’t need cake and dessert. Serve your wedding cake as your dessert instead! Your wedding cake doesn’t need to be made by a professional wedding cake maker. If it’s not a top priority for you, buy your cake from a grocery store. And if dessert is more up your alley, consider having a dessert table instead of a wedding cake. Fill it with chocolate brownies, cake pops, cupcakes, fruit and other treats!

Get help from your friends

See which friends of yours have skills you can capitalise on. For example, ask your friend who’s amazing at calligraphy if she can create some pretty chalkboard signs for the Big Day. Have you got some talented musicians in the group? They may be willing to give you a discount on performing at your wedding!

Make the most of competitions and special offers

Keep an eye on wedding supplier websites and social media pages for special offers and competitions. You’d be surprised at how much money you can save! As with all bargain-hunting, the trick is to only spend money on the things you actually need. If not, you aren’t saving any money. Keep that in mind.

Creative food ideas

If a seated meal isn’t a top priority for you, there are lots of other things you can do with wedding food:

  • Create food bars! Things like ‘Build your own burger’ or a ‘Jacket Potato bar’ with all the fixings.
  • Order pizza for everyone.
  • Get married at a non-meal time and serve desserts or cocktails with snack food.

Have a wine and beer bar

Instead of stocking the bar with all the options, pick a few of your favourites. You could limit the bar to a selection of wines and beers or include a few signature cocktails too!

Creative wedding venue ideas

If a big wedding venue isn’t your style, here are some other creative wedding venue options to consider:

  • Your home and garden.
  • A local park (you may have to pay for a permit so keep that in mind).
  • A rental property, such as an AirBnB location.
  • A museum or art gallery.

Skip all the extras!

Here are some extras that you may not feel the need to have! Skip as many of these as you can and you’re bound to save lots of money:

  • Garter.
  • Favours (nobody will miss them!).
  • Printed menus, programmes and name cards.
  • Champagne toast (opt for a ‘drink in hand’ toast instead).
  • Aisle runner.
  • Designer shoes.
  • A guest book.
  • Fancy chairs (boring chairs are totally acceptable).