9 Ways To Lower Your Wedding Budget (That Aren’t DIY)

Photo by: Loui Photography

Hello, friends! With recent inflation making financing a wedding practically an Olympic sport, it makes sense couples are searching for ways to lower your wedding budget. And while some articles will encourage couples to DIY décor, or have guests help with set up/tear down, that’s not necessarily what I would recommend. If you are skilled and enjoy crafting (like this calligrapher-bride who DIY’d her wedding signage), then go for it! However, the rising costs of materials can make DIY projects more expensive than if you just purchased or rented. Additionally, I don’t love hiring friends and family as vendors unless they have previous experience. First off, they may not fill the insurance needs for a venue and secondly, I whole heartedly believe that you don’t want to stress out guests by having them responsible for those elements. Therefore, I’m sharing my top tips to lowering your wedding budget below: 

Cut Your Guest Count

Photo by: The Justin Jay

The number one way to control your wedding finances is by your guest count. The more people you invite, the more money you will spend. Between catering, rentals, venue, transportation, etc – there is just no getting around this fact. Therefore, the easiest way to lower your wedding budget is to lower your guest count. This doesn’t mean you have to go full on micro-wedding, but sit with your partner and discuss who are the must-have people at your big day!

Host A Reception-Only Wedding

Photo by: Jess Onesto Photography

If cutting the guest list isn’t a possibility, but you still want to cut costs, consider a reception-only wedding. This has become pretty common, especially after COVID, where a couple has possibly eloped, exchanged vows at city hall, or had a smaller guest count for the ceremony and then opened up the guest list for dinner. I love this trend for numerous reasons but ultimately, it’s the best of both worlds. You reduce your budget while still having a larger party! 

Choose A Weekday Wedding

Photo: Bones Then Skin

If you have a dream venue in mind, ask if they offer discounts on a weekday wedding or off-season dates. Choosing a less popular date can lower your rental cost and give you wiggle room, while allowing you to have the venue you love. If you pick this option, be sure to give your guests extra time to make preparations for work, travel, etc. 

Venue and Rentals

Photo by: Gabbie Burseth

When looking at venues to host (make sure they can accommodate your final guest count!), check to see if the venue fee includes any rentals. This can be where those hidden costs pop up. For example, for some venues the fee only gives you access to the property, but you have to bring everything else in, including kitchen and bathrooms! Make sure you’re very clear on what’s included, and how you can make use of any rentals that are. Also, check with your venue on insurance requirements, clean up fees, etc. You could also consider a backyard wedding or go a different route like this couple who used a photography studio to host their wedding.

Your Vendor Team

Photo by: Kari Tello Photo

Another thing to consider when choosing a venue within your budget is if they require certain vendors. This generally happens because of good relationships vendors and venues have built, and insurance requirements. However, it can also put you in a bind if you’re forced to choose between a select few. If you’re able to build your own vendor team, you’ll have more control over what you spend in each category. For example, maybe flowers are extremely important to your vision so you want to allocate more of your budget towards that vendor. Discuss with your venue the options available. Likewise, have a conversation with your vendor team about ways to efficiently spend your money. For example, you may be able to re-use some floral arrangements between ceremony and reception.

Skip Favors

Photo by: The Shalom Imaginative

If you want a quick way to cut your budget, then skip the guest favors. I promise you, as a wedding planner, I have never had a guest miss this element. Honestly, guests forget them on the table or forget to grab one altogether. Instead of a trinket as a way to thank guests, give a speech during reception and verbally express your gratitude. I also encourage couples to try and visit each table to thank guests for the love and support. I promise those memories will be more precious than a customized shot glass. If you really want guests to walk away with something, make it part of a guest experience such as a live-caricature artist or Photo Booth photos.    

Offer Less Bar Options

Photo by: Loui Photography

Another idea to keep your wedding budget in check is to look at the options you serve at the bar. This can mean a few things: either serving only beer and wine, serving customized cocktails and omitting other liquor, choosing a lower tier of alcohol, etc. You could also switch to a cash-bar option after a certain point but I caution if you go that route, make sure you let guests know ahead of time. It is rare people carry cash these days and you don’t want your guests to be caught off-guard.

Opt For A Small Wedding Party (or none at all!)

Photo by: Albany Katz Photography

This trend is becoming more and more popular and personally, I love it! Being a member of a wedding party can be stressful and expensive. By limiting your wedding party, or omitting it completely, your guests are able to enjoy the wedding day without additional responsibilities. Plus, this can help open up your timeline by not requiring photos with each wedding party member. You can still invite some close friends and family members to get ready with you the morning of, but without any pressure. 

Shop Secondhand

Photo by: Marianne Wilson Photography

A favorite budget-hack that is nothing new is to shop secondhand. There are websites dedicated to specifically to buying and selling secondhand wedding décor. However, you should also check with your local thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, Ebay, or even your local Buy Nothing chapter! For example, this couple shopped for months collecting plates from different thrift stores to create a beautiful cottage core feel for their wedding. It gave each place setting a unique look and was a beautiful way to reduce waste. You can find real treasures going this route at a price cut. 

I hope these gave you some helpful ideas to lower your wedding budget! Not sure where to start with your budget? Check out this blog post and then download this FREE budgeting spreadsheet that I created!  Plus we have more wedding budget tips, including how you can have a memorable, beautiful wedding day while staying on budget. Or simply contact us on our homepage and we’ll jump into the budgeting trenches alongside you!