8 Ways to Save Yourself Money on a Wedding

You’re engaged and can’t wait to plan the big day. That is until you see the staggering numbers before you. The average wedding today, according to The Knot, costs $33,900 (including the engagement ring).

That’s no small number and to think you’re starting your life together spending so much money! That’s an anxiety attack waiting to happen (not always, don't get us wrong!).

Fortunately, there are ways to save on a wedding. Check out the top 8 ways below.

1. Don’t Get Married on a Saturday

Today, it’s trendier to get married on any day BUT Saturday. Skip the formal route and save money by getting married on Friday night or Sunday afternoon. You’ll get the best deal with a Sunday afternoon event.

2. Get Married in the Off-Season

Forget the spring wedding and go for a late fall or late winter wedding. It’s just as romantic and beautiful and will cost you about half the cost of a popular spring wedding. Look at it this way – you’ll have your choice of venues in the off-season.

3. Watch for Sales on Bridal Gowns or Shop a Trunk Show

Shop for your wedding dress early and look for sales. Social media is a great way to track the latest events. Don’t forget trunk shows too. They only last a day or two, so make sure you’re available when your designer has a show.

4. Choose Flowers and Food In-Season

If you insist on flowers, choose in-season flowers or you’ll pay an arm and a leg to get your hands on out-of-season flowers that they must import. The same goes for food. Choose the ingredients that are in-season and you’ll save a bundle on your meal.

5. Have your Entire Wedding (Ceremony too) in One Place

Photographs outdoors and have everything in one place. Not only will you save your sanity, but you’ll save money on transportation, flowers, décor, and renting space.

6. Go Paperless

Send invitations, but without all the inserts and fancy paper. Skip the stamps too. Set up a wedding website and have everyone respond online. It’s easier to track and saves you a ton of money on wasted paper.

7. Skip the cake

Paying for a 4-tier cake that only looks pretty for a few minutes and then gets wasted isn’t necessary. Instead, bring in sweets you and your spouse love. Donut walls, pastry tables, and cupcake tiers cost a fraction of the wedding cake and are just as delicious.

8. Negotiate

Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. Ask for deals or just offer a lower price, especially for the venue. What’s the worst they can say? If they say ‘no’ you look elsewhere.

Your wedding should be the best day of your life, but it shouldn’t be the day that wrecks you financially. See where you can cut corners and save. You never know when one change could save you as much as thousands of dollars. It’s worth the effort!