How To Save The Most Money Planning Your Wedding

Photo Credit: Meghan Hemstra Photography

Are you ready to learn our tips on how to save the most money planning your wedding? Weddings are one of the most joyous occasions in our lives. It’s a celebration of love and commitment, and we get it, you want it to be perfect in every way! But they can also be incredibly expensive. From the venue to the dress, the flowers, and the catering, the costs can quickly add up. With careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank. 

In this blog, let’s explore a range of practical and creative money-saving strategies to help you enjoy your special day to the fullest without sacrificing the beauty and elegance of the occasion. Check out our tips on how to save the most money planning your wedding!

1. Hire a Bartender

If you plan on serving alcohol at your wedding, consider hiring a bartender. With this option, you can control the amount of alcohol that is served, avoid overindulging and help create a more sophisticated atmosphere and a customized experience for your guests.

Also, hiring a bartender allows you to purchase your own alcohol, which can be significantly less expensive than paying for an open bar package through a caterer or venue. You can purchase the exact types of alcohol and brands that you want, which can be a cost-saving measure.

Further, a bartender can help you make the most out of your alcohol budget by creating signature cocktails or serving drinks that require fewer ingredients.

Photo Credit: Tomasz Wagner Photography

2. Choose a Budget-Friendly Venue

Consider choosing a budget-friendly venue that allows flexibility with vendors. Be sure to read their policies carefully to see if they allow outside vendors because this can be less expensive than using the venue’s in-house services.

The venue sets the tone for the wedding, so choose one that suits your style and personality. It also helps to read reviews from past clients to ensure that they are reputable and provide high-quality service.

Some of our favourite venues are non-traditional ones. It could be in a park, a community hall, or even a friend’s backyard!

Photo Credit: Jessica Zais Photography

3. Choose an Off-Season Wedding Date

Wedding venues and vendors are usually more expensive during peak wedding season, which is typically from June to September. During this time, popular vendors may be fully booked, making it more difficult to secure your desired date and time. 

With fewer weddings taking place during the off-season, vendors and venues can provide more personalized attention and service to you and your guests. And some of them offer discounts as they may be looking to fill their calendars during slower months.

Photo Credit: Kelowna Wedding Photographers Memorable and Vibrant Okanagan Photography

4. Cut Cost on Decorations

Consider alternatives to traditional flowers or expensive floral arrangements. Try using greenery (such as eucalyptus or ferns, or even potted plants), non-floral elements (such as candles or lanterns) or a trailer bar as a backdrop. These options can still add a natural and beautiful touch to your wedding decor while saving you money.

Trailer bars are typically portable and can be moved around your venue, making them a versatile decoration option. They can be placed indoors or outdoors, depending on the layout of your venue.

In addition to serving as a decoration, a trailer bar can also provide functional services, such as serving drinks and snacks to your guests.

Photo Credit: Sarah England Photography

5. Rent or Borrow Décor

Instead of buying expensive decor or things that you may only use once for your wedding, consider renting or borrowing these items instead. 

When you rent or borrow, you have access to a wider variety of items than you might be able to afford if you were buying them new. These items include wedding dresses, tuxedos, decorations, tableware, linens, lighting, or even sound equipment or a photo booth!

Photo Credit: Jessica Zais Photography

6. Serve Buffet-Style

Buffet-style catering is often less expensive than a sit-down dinner.

Because it eliminates the need for individual plated meals, which can be more expensive, guests will have the option to serve themselves, and you can offer a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. Additionally, it creates a more relaxed atmosphere and encourages guests to socialize.

You can also significantly reduce your catering expenses by having a self-serve station of non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, coffee, or tea.

Photo Credit: Photos by Pala Mikayla

7. Drink Bombs as Wedding Favours

Having drink bombs as wedding favours is a unique and affordable way to thank your guests for celebrating your special day. These small, colourful, and flavourful balls dissolve in any cocktail or mocktail of your choice to create an effervescent and delicious drink.

Not only are they cost-effective, but they also add a fun and festive element to your wedding reception. You can customize them to match your wedding colours or flavours and include a personalized note or tag for a special touch.

There are many ways to save money on your wedding without sacrificing style or quality. By identifying your non-negotiables, creating a budget, and being creative, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding that you will cherish for a lifetime.

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