5 Simple Ways To Save Money Planning Your Wedding

The following is a guest post by Kristin Glass of Kristin Glass Events. She specializes in events, providing a personal touch to make your special day memorable and stress-free!

 

Hello, and congratulations on your impending big day! Your wedding should be one of the most magical experiences of your life, and nothing can take that feeling away more quickly than thinking about the bills that are piling up to make it happen. As an event planner, I’m used to working with different budgets and expectations, and I’m here today to share some of my favourite tips and tricks for saving money while planning your wedding.

5 Simple Ways To Save Money Planning Your Wedding

#1: Set a Budget

I know, I know… this tip seems incredibly obvious. But it is absolutely key. Know what you want to spend ahead of time, and do some research so that you can break it down into all the necessary expenses. Once you start planning, you’ll find the numbers allocated to each category incredibly helpful. If something doesn’t fit in, look for other solutions to make it work within your budget. Because that’s the key to a budget – you have to stick to it!

 

#2: Research Venues

Do you really need that fancy hotel venue? Costs can add up really quickly at some places, especially those located near the downtown core of any city. I absolutely agree that hotels and other event facilities can be amazing locations to hold your wedding, but sometimes it’s worth reassessing what you really want. Do you have a family member with a large enough yard that could be dressed up, instead holding your ceremony at that fancy garden with a huge booking fee? Could you consider a venue in a less central location with a smaller price tag and easier access? When determining your venue wants and needs, you may realize that you are totally fine with making some adjustments, and you can save some major dough by shopping around.

 

#3: Reassess Your Meal

A full sit-down plated meal can come with a hefty price tag. Depending on where you are holding your reception, you may be required to use certain caterers, or you be allowed to bring in anyone you like. If you must use a specific company, definitely consider doing a buffet instead of a plated dinner. Staff costs are lower this way, and it’s the norm for many weddings these days. If you’re not locked in to using one place, definitely do your research, get multiple quotes, and settle on the one with the fairest balance of price and quality.

 

And if you want to get even crazier, consider hiring a food truck or something more unique for your wedding meal. This can add a fun little atmospheric touch, and there are tons of mobile eateries nowadays; you’ll have a plethora of options from which to choose.

 

#4: DIY Your Photo Booth

Photo booths have become a really popular form of entertainment for weddings – and other events, actually. People enjoy getting a decent photo taken while they are all dressed up, plus posing with goofy props is a lot of fun later in the evening (you know, after everyone’s had a couple drinks).  But a photo booth doesn’t need to be a huge expense. Get creative and rig up your own backdrop, then have some fun at the dollar store picking up appropriate props. Find a decent camera to leave at the booth, and guests can take pictures for each other. Bonus points if you have a tripod! Honestly guests will have as much fun doing their own thing as they would with a photo booth company, and since your group will likely be family and friends, there probably isn’t a need for a booth attendant.

 

#5: Don’t Get Married on the Weekend

How important is it to you to have a Saturday wedding? Many venues, caterers, and other vendors are often willing to provide discounts to couples on mid-week, or sometimes even Sunday bookings. If you’re not attached to a specific day of the week, ask about different options and prices up front to help you make your decision. The difference here can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars!

 

In Conclusion

Planning a wedding can certainly be expensive, but there are some ways you can save money throughout the process. It all comes down to deciding what is most important to you, and where you’re willing to make some changes. There are almost always other options to consider, so you just need to decide which ones will work for you. Happy planning!

 

About Kristin

Kristin Glass EventsWant your event to be a wild success? I can provide you with tips, tricks, and downloadable resources to guide you through the crazy journey you are embarking on. I’m an event planner and blogger over at KristinGlassEvents.com, and I have experience working on a great range of gatherings from weddings, concerts, and fundraising galas to golf tournaments and professional sports games… not to mention everything in between. Let me help make your event planning easy.

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  • Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc.
    April 27, 2016 at 1:44 am

    These are great tips! I was married 2 years ago and did sooo much research before deciding on a venue! I would say that the biggest tip for me would be to research every single venue. I discounted one specific place because I was convinced it would be too expensive despite having everything I was looking for in a venue. When my fiance finally convinced me to just look at the place we were surprised that it was the cheapest place we’d looked at! Who knew? So do your research and check every single option…. great tips ladies! Thanks for linking up with us at last weeks Welcome Home Wednesday Link Party… I can’t wait to see what you link up with us tomorrow! The party will be open at 7am CST!

  • swathi
    April 25, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    very useful post,thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop,

  • Stephanie Newman
    April 24, 2016 at 5:01 pm

    I wish I had known some of these things when I was planning our wedding many moons ago!
    Thanks for sharing at Manic Monday linky party!!

  • GiGi Eats
    April 21, 2016 at 9:35 am

    Ugh. I am currently planning a wedding… In CALIFORNIA none the less and it’s costing quite the arm and leg. My mom got mad at me the other day, cause she’s nuts… But I never wanted a big wedding AT ALL so really this whole thing is for her and my father to look good in our relatives eyes. Frustrating to think she thinks I am “using her”.

    Whoops Totally just aired some of my dirty laundry! LOL! #venting

  • Karen Novak
    April 21, 2016 at 9:07 am

    So wish I had thought through more of this when I got married. Great tips.