20 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

 With the cold temperatures we’ve been having, I know it’s hard to imagine that spring and summer are just around the corner.  I’m sure some are thinking about or are already making plans for their special wedding day.  I thought this would be a good time to share some ways to save money.

 1.  Plan ahead.  I confess that I planned my wedding in just a few weeks.  (Yes, I was a nervous wreck.) Perhaps the short amount to plan helped me to prioritize really quickly.  Planning ahead gives you opportunities to think things through, to decide what you really want, and to shop around for the best deals.

 2.  Be selective about your guest list.  A wedding is an intimate occasion.  Do you have to share it with everyone?  In fear of hurting someone’s feelings, I invited just about anyone that wanted to come to my wedding.  If I had to do over again, I would be more selective about who I invited.  You shouldn’t invite people just to impress them or in hopes of getting a great gift. Having more people there means it will cost you more to feed them!

 3.  Set a budget and stick to it.  I confess that I forgot this one on the list and had to move it up to the top.  lol  Whether your budget is $1,000 or $10,000, you need to have a budget and you need to stick to it.  Write out your plans and how much you estimate each thing will cost.  Leave a little room for adjustments. 

4.  Try to do as much yourself as possible.  My husband and I planned our own wedding.  I was in college at the time.  Every day he would pick me up after classes and we would drive around to flower shops, stores, etc. 

 5.  Seek the talents of others.  For my wedding, I had a friend from church greet the guests that arrived.  My former piano teacher played the organ as a gift to me.  A lady from my church sang.  Another lady from my church made me a beautiful wedding cake for only $40 and a friend of my parents altered my dress as a gift to me.  These were all people that I knew had talents and wouldn’t mind sharing them in my special day.

 6.  Try making things yourself.  As I said earlier, I didn’t have much time to plan my wedding.  If I were doing this today, I would make my own floral arrangements, make my own veil, and do whatever else I could myself. 

We didn’t spend a lot of money on dresses.  I didn’t feel right asking my attendants to shell out a bunch of money for dresses.  As their gift, I bought each of them the material needed to make their dress and the pattern.  A few of them knew how to sew and they made their own dress.  One other paid someone to make hers, which was much cheaper than buying a dress.

 7.  Borrow whatever you can.  I borrowed my aunt’s wedding dress and pearls.  I only had to pay $150 to have the dress preserved again.  I also borrowed a silver cake serving set, silver serving trays, and a centerpiece for the serving table. 

 8.  Look around for used wedding supplies and/or dresses.  You can find some beautiful used dresses for a fraction of the price.  You can also rent some of the things you’ll need.

 9.  Check to see what the facilities offer.  We had my wedding and reception at my church.  Our church had wedding supplies and we were able to use their glass dishes, tables, table linens, altar, and more.  Some reception halls also have things that you can borrow.  You don’t know what they have until you ask.

10.  Be careful of hidden costs.  These could be manicures, pedicures, hair, make-up, and other things.  I paid someone to do my nails, hair, and make-up.  If I had to do over again, I wouldn’t have those things done.  My nails were horrible and my make-up was not me.  You know how you like your hair and make-up.  Do it yourself.

11.  Plan your wedding around meals.  If you plan your wedding during lunch or dinner, then you know your guests are going to be really hungry.  Instead, plan a 2:00 wedding and serve finger foods.

12.  Delegate as much as possible.  I was fortunate that I had grown up in my church and knew everyone really well.  My parents had done many favors for the people and they didn’t mind returning the favor.  We bought the food supplies and enlisted the help of others to help prepare it.  When it was time to clean up, there were people helping without having to ask them.  I guess this is a good lesson in reaping what you sow.  Ask for help and help others when they ask.

13.  Search for after holiday sales.  My cousin is having a Sweet 16 party next week.  The after Christmas sales have provided us a great opportunity to buy things on clearance for her party.  It seems each time I go to the store, I end up calling my aunt to see if she wants this and that for the party.  I have found great deals on fabric, hurricane lamps, chargers, candles, centerpieces, food, and more.  You can find lots of great (non-Christmas looking) decorations for 50-75% off.  Also, check after Valentine’s Day for things for your wedding.

14.  If possible, trade services.  When I was in my friend’s wedding, her mom bought my dress in exchange for my mom making the cake.  It worked out great for both of us. 

15.  Most expensive doesn’t mean the best.  As I stated earlier, I was disappointed with my nails and make-up.  I was also disappointed with our portraits . . . EXTREMELY disappointed!!!!!  Snapshots that others took at our wedding were better than the formal shots we paid someone to take.  You may consider hiring an amateur photographer and/or asking some friends to take some pictures. 

16.  Find someone you know to cater.  If you’re having finger foods, then this shouldn’t be anything hard for the person to do.  It’s basically just preparing some easy foods and putting foods out as they start to run out.  You or someone you know could make the mints ahead of time. You could make your sausage balls ahead of time and freeze them and then cook them the day of the event.  There are many things you can do yourself that doesn’t cost a lot.

17.  Utilize craft store coupons.  Each week when you get the Michaels, A.C. Moore, or Hobby Lobby coupons, use them to get things that you need for your wedding.  Some stores will even let you use competitor’s coupons.

18.  For your reception, consider having a barbeque or get together at your home.  Even celebrities with money have done this one.  Your reception should be about having a good time and spending time with others, not about impressing people.

19.  Use the internet.  When I was planning my wedding, there wasn’t such much use of the internet as there is today.  You can use the internet to comparison shop and find a great deal on a dress.  You can also find party favors, decorations, invitations, and more. 

20.  Let the professionals help you.  Check out websites such as Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, About.com, Do-It-Yourself Network, Bridal Choice, and more!  There are many great, free resources at your fingertips.  These can provide information on making your own bridal bouquet, making party favors, decorating, easy foods, and so much more. 

I’m sorry if some of you found these tips to be tacky.  Hopefully, there is something in this list that you can find helpful.

Do you have some suggestions for ways to save money on a wedding?  Please share them in the comments.  I look forward to reading your suggestions.