moneyhoneyguide

20 ways to save on a wedding, by impact

Not every saving is equal. A smaller guest list can save more than a dozen small cuts put together. Here are twenty ways to save, starting with the ones that usually make the biggest difference.

Big impact

  1. Invite fewer guests

    Every guest adds food, drink, seating and stationery.

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  2. Choose a Friday, Sunday or off-season date

    Venues and vendors often charge less outside peak times.

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  3. Hold a daytime reception

    Brunch or lunch menus and lighter bars usually cost less.

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  4. Pick a venue that allows outside catering

    More choice, and often lower food costs.

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  5. Consider a small wedding or elopement

    A fraction of the cost, with the people who matter most.

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  6. Limit the bar

    Beer, wine and one signature drink instead of a full open bar.

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Medium impact

  1. Buffet or family-style service

    Often less staff time than plated service.

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  2. Fewer photography hours

    Cover the ceremony, portraits and early reception.

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  3. Sample, secondhand or rental attire

    Worn once, so full price rarely makes sense.

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  4. Seasonal flowers and greenery

    And move ceremony flowers to the reception.

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  5. A playlist or a small band instead of a large one

    Or hire a DJ only for the reception.

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  6. A dessert table or small cake

    Instead of a large tiered cake.

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  7. A simpler ring

    Lab-grown or alternative stones, or a family ring.

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Smaller, but adds up

  1. Digital invitations and save-the-dates

    Save on printing and postage.

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  2. Skip favors, or make them edible

    Many end up left behind.

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  3. Borrow or buy secondhand decor

    And resell it afterwards.

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  4. Ask friends with skills

    Hair, makeup or calligraphy, as their gift to you.

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  5. Pay deposits by credit card, then pay it off

    Protection if a vendor doesn't deliver.

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  6. Read contracts for hidden fees

    Service charges, overtime and cake cutting fees.

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  7. Keep a buffer

    So small surprises don't go on a card.

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See the effect on your budget

Try a different guest count in the wedding budget calculator and watch the cost per guest change.

General information. We don't recommend vendors or earn referral fees.