Every couple’s vision of their perfect wedding is different, and so is every wedding budget. But let’s be honest; wedding costs can sneak up fast, even for those who plan frugally. We want to help you make your wedding day memorable, moving, meaningful, delicious, and beautiful all around without breaking the bank.
With smart choices and a little creative thinking, you can cut costs without cutting out the joy. Here are our 20 favorite tips for how to trim your wedding budget while keeping all the flavor, feeling, and fun you’ve dreamed of.
General Advice
1. Take the advice of your experts - As you read the suggestions below, keep in mind that your planner and caterer know their craft. They will have some of the best ideas for how to make your specific vision work within your budget, so don’t waste the benefit of their expertise.
2. Prioritize what matters most - Spend your precious wedding budget on the elements that are most meaningful to you, and cut back on those that mean less. Whether you need a photographer, videographer, or content creator really depends on what kinds of memories you want to preserve. Elements like a photo booth, party favors, or luxury transportation may be essential to your unique overall vision, while more traditional inclusions like ornate invitations, an open bar, or a multi-tiered cake may not. It all comes down to what matters most to the two of you.
Photo credits: Alisha Braithwaite and Logan Walker
Venue & Date
3. Choose an off-season date – Winter or early spring dates are often far cheaper than peak summer dates.
4. Book a weekday or Sunday – The cheapest days of the week for a wedding are generally Monday through Thursday, followed by Sundays. Many vendors and venues offer significant discounts on less popular dates. You may also benefit from greater vendor availability and potentially lower travel costs for out-of-town guests on days other than Friday or Saturday.
5. Opt for one venue – Holding your ceremony and reception in the same place saves on rentals, décor, and transport. Same goes for a welcome dinner or a late-night party.
6. Pick a naturally beautiful venue. You can cut down on decorating costs if you choose a garden setting, a mountain backdrop, or an aspen grove in the banks of a rushing stream. Utah happens to be flush with unique venues that offer jaw-dropping natural beauty.
7. Consider nontraditional venues – Parks, backyards, community centers, or restaurants can be beautiful and affordable. A venue with personal meaning may be the best way to help tell your story and set the vibe while also saving money. The bowling alley where you met, a gun club, art gallery, planetarium, national park, playhouse, bookstore, school gym, airplane hangar, childhood farmhouse, or forest clearing can all be fabulous options for the right couple on a budget.
Look here for tips on how to convert almost any space into a gorgeous wedding venue.
Photo credit: Alora Lani Photography
Guest List
8. Trim the guest count – This is probably the easiest way to dramatically trim your wedding budget…short of simply eloping. Fewer guests means lowers costs for catering, rentals, favors, and more.
9. Limit plus-ones – This can lead to some awkward situations, but you can always limit plus-ones to long-term or married partners.
10. Make it adults-only – Again, a lower guest count can certainly save you money, and cutting out the kids means fewer special accommodations. We should warn you, though, that without the kiddos, you may miss out on some sweet and precious moments.
Photo credit: Logan Walker
Food & Drink
11. Skip a plated dinner – Buffets, food stations, or family-style service can be less costly.
12. Serve fewer courses – Fewer plated elements (e.g. soup + salad + entrée) reduce food and staffing costs.
Photo credit: Demi Rose Photography
13. Limit the bar – Instead of a full open bar, offer beer, wine, and a couple of signature cocktails .
14. Choose a smaller cake – Order a modest display cake, then serve your guests with supplement sheet cakes or dessert bars. Not only is this approach less expensive, but it makes service easier.
15. Go heavy on appetizers – A cocktail-style reception can be more affordable while creating a fabulous fun vibe.
Photo credit: Pepper Nix
Décor & Flowers
16. Repurpose arrangements – Effectively double your floral budget by moving ceremony flowers to the reception. Or, if you really want to get frugal, contact your venue beforehand and find out who will be holding a wedding there the morning or day before your big event. You might be able to strike a deal with the couple where they agree to leave their florals in place for you to use.
17. Use seasonal flowers – In-season blooms are less expensive and hold up better.
18. Simplify centerpieces – Candles, greenery, or fruit can look elegant and cost less than elaborate florals.
19. DIY some décor – Invitations, signage, or favors can be made at home if you have the skills and time.
Photo credit: Kiana Corri
Attire & Beauty
20. Rent your dresses or buy sample sale or pre-owned dresses – Bridal boutiques and online resale sites offer steep discounts for bridal and bridesmaid dresses.
21. Simplify accessories – Borrow jewelry, skip a veil, or wear shoes you already own.
22. Cut back on the wedding party – Rather than expensive matching gowns, let the bridal party wear matching colors. (Honestly, what bridesmaid wouldn’t rather choose something she knows she looks good in?) Trimming the number of attendants can mean fewer bouquets and boutonnieres, gifts, and rehearsal dinner seats.
Contact one of our planners to brainstorm how we can cater an event to fit your budget.
Here’s to love, laughter, and your happily ever after!