8 Genius Money Saving Tips For Your Wedding
As I look back on our special day, one of my fondest memories is that it didn’t break the bank. And let’s be real, we totally fooled people into thinking we lived in a grand estate! Opal & Jaye Photography captured the moment perfectly. I’m Suki, assistant editor at Offbeat Wed and self-proclaimed champion of budget-friendly celebrations.
After planning my own offbeat wedding on a shoestring 5k budget with my partner, I’m here to prove that you can have a truly unforgettable celebration without sacrificing quality or style. I’m all about spreading the love and sharing my expert tips to help couples plan their dream wedding, regardless of whether they’re working with a modest 2k or a more generous 20k.
Ready to learn my genius money saving tips for your wedding?
Tip #1: Make a list of your priorities
As you start planning your special day, take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Make a list of the non-negotiable elements that will make your wedding unforgettable. It might be as extravagant as a 10-tier cake or as whimsical as an inflatable dinosaur costume (like we had!). Perhaps it’s something more sentimental, like having a close friend or family member officiate the ceremony. Whatever it is, write it down!
The key is to identify what will make your wedding truly yours and what you can’t imagine celebrating without. To help you prioritize, ask yourself what your wedding goals are – beyond just getting married, of course. For us, it was about sharing our story with our loved ones and creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Tip #2: Turn to your community
When assembling your list of essential elements, don’t forget to consider your readily available resources. Think creatively about where you can source free or low-cost materials. For instance, could you utilize a community center or church for a venue? Are there friends or family members who would be willing to lend a hand or contribute their skills? One way we managed to trim costs was by skipping the traditional wedding cake and instead having loved ones gift us with their homemade treats.
This approach not only saved us money but also created a more personal and meaningful experience for our guests. The value of gifts and acts of kindness should not be underestimated – they can often surpass the impact of monetary investments. In addition to exploring free resources, don’t hesitate to ask your loved ones for assistance. You might be surprised by the thoughtful offerings that arise from simple requests.
By leveraging these resources, we were able to reduce our expenses on decorations, DIY materials, and more. Once you’ve confirmed what’s available at no or low cost, remove those items from your must-have list. This will leave you with a clearer picture of what requires financial investment. The remaining elements will help you determine and set a realistic wedding budget.
Tip #3: Be intentional when creating your guest list
Instead of cutting corners by limiting your guest list, focus on inviting people who bring joy to your life. Think about those individuals you’d be thrilled to run into after years apart – the ones who make you feel seen and heard. This mindset shift helped us curate a thoughtful guest list, free from obligations and guilt trips. We even set boundaries with our parents, requesting that they cover any additional expenses if they wanted to invite someone not on our initial list.
By doing so, we were able to prioritize quality over quantity and create a more intimate celebration.
Plus 1s
As the age-old debate surrounding plus ones continues, couples are left grappling with the decision of whether to allow guests to bring along their significant others. Some argue that limiting the number of plus ones is the way to go, while others believe it’s unfair to the guests who have made the effort to attend the wedding.
My partner and I ultimately decided to adopt a more nuanced approach, allowing plus ones for those who were married, engaged, living with their partner, or traveling from afar and unlikely to know anyone else at the wedding.
Tip #5: Have a limited bar
Consider offering a curated selection of drinks, including beer, wine, and a signature cocktail, rather than a full bar setup. We found success in creating two big-batch signature cocktails that guests could help themselves to from large dispensers. This approach not only simplifies the drink-making process but also encourages socializing among attendees. A pro tip for those looking to create mixed-batch cocktails is to opt for mid-range liquor options, such as Svedka vodka instead of Grey Goose.
Don’t worry about providing too few choices – your guests will be thrilled with whatever you serve because it’s free and included in the experience.
One thing we wished we did differently with the bar…
While some may argue for a diverse selection of wines and beers, it’s often more practical to focus on mid-range options that cater to a broader audience. Our experience suggests that most guests will opt for familiar choices like Corona, Bud Light, or White Claw, leaving the more exotic or craft selections largely untouched. By prioritizing middle-of-the-road offerings, you can avoid wasting resources on items that may not resonate with everyone.
Of course, individual preferences may vary wildly, and what one person adores might leave another unimpressed. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that it’s okay if not everyone shares your passion for a particular red blend (or any other drink, for that matter).
Another genius money saving tip for your wedding bar:
Before purchasing, verify with the liquor store their return policy regarding unopened bottles and boxes. This can help you avoid unnecessary waste and ensure you’re only opening what’s necessary. Inform your bartender about your plan to minimize excess opening and optimize inventory usage.
Tip #6: Don’t be afraid to tell vendors your budget
When it comes to working with vendors, I prefer a more collaborative approach. Rather than simply requesting discounts or cheaper options, I suggest sharing your budget and asking the vendor what they can offer within that scope. This opens up the possibility for them to get creative and come up with a package that better fits your needs. By being open and honest about your budget, you may be surprised at the innovative solutions vendors can provide.
In fact, I’ve found that some of the best packages have come from simply asking the right questions. So, don’t be afraid to share your budget and ask what’s possible – it could lead to a better deal for you! As part of this process, I make sure to…
I’ll give you a real example…
We allocated $1000 for our wedding photography in 2019, knowing that most professionals wouldn’t work for a lower fee. After searching, we found an amazing photographer who shared our vision and was willing to compromise on her usual 8-hour package to accommodate our needs. She agreed to document just the ceremony, which suited us perfectly as we prioritized capturing this special moment over other aspects of the celebration. The result was a beautifully curated record of our big day.
Opal & Jaye Photography did an incredible job (check out that hot and nerdy photo!), and we’re grateful for their understanding and flexibility. Finding the right photographer requires patience and research, but it’s worth it. Some vendors may say no upfront, but they can still connect you with someone who might be a better fit.
The Offbeat Wed Vendor Guide is an excellent resource for finding accommodating wedding professionals who will work with you to create a custom package that matches your unique needs.
Tip #7: Send digital invitations
Consider breaking with tradition by sending digital invitations, eliminating the need for printing and postage expenses. We opted for Joy, a free wedding website and app that not only offers e-invitation capabilities but also provides an intuitive RSVP tracking system. The digital invitation seamlessly linked guests to our wedding website, where they could access vital information about the big day. This leads us to…
Tip #8: Have a wedding website
By opting for a wedding website, couples can not only save on printed wedding invitations but also reduce their environmental footprint. The more details you try to include on a traditional paper invitation, the more material is required, increasing costs. In contrast, digital invitations that link to a wedding website are an eco-friendly and budget-conscious alternative. If you do prefer physical invites, consider creating a one-page design with a QR code or link to your website.
This approach allows you to share essential information without breaking the bank.
In our case, we ‘cheated’ by designing a printed invitation specifically for a flat lay, giving the illusion of an elaborate invitation suite. The result is a visually appealing image that makes it seem like we spent a small fortune on wedding stationery. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, couples can achieve a similar effect without breaking the bank.
You can have a beautiful wedding on any budget.
Imagine a wedding that left a lasting impression on you. What made it truly special? It’s unlikely that the decorations, party favors, or unlimited drinks were the key factors. The real magic happens when a wedding evokes emotions and creates a sense of connection among guests. As you navigate the chaos of planning your own wedding, take a step back and reflect on what you want to achieve with your celebration. What kind of emotional response do you want your loved ones to have as they attend?
By focusing on this core goal, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that align with your vision and create a truly unforgettable experience.
