We know one of the hardest parts of planning your wedding is keeping it on budget. With so many options and styles to choose from, especially with Pinterest giving you amazing ideas, staying on track and on budget is nearly impossible. We’ve created a list of planning tricks, as well as a handy-dandy Wedding Budget Sheet to help you keep your expenses on track.  Download our Wedding Budget Sheet now to help you keep track of your wedding expenses!

 

Time of the Year

Go for a time of year that isn’t peak season. Depending on where you’re located, this time can change. In Florida, the peak season is October- April, Off season May-September. While in Colorado the peak season is June- October and December.

Limit the Number of Guests

The number of guests greatly impacts the amount of money you will spend. Typically you are looking at $30-65 per person for catering alone plus another $15-30 per person for bar depending on location, style, and caterer used. By limiting your guest count you can drastically reduce the amount of money you spend on your wedding.

Choose Your Flowers Wisely

Go for flowers in season and substitute fancier flowers, like peonies, for more common flowers, like carnations. Hydrangeas are also a great way to increase the bulk of your arrangements without drastically increasing the price, especially if you choose common hydrangeas and ask your florist to paint them to look like a fancier hydrangea to fit your look.

Stock the Bar Yourself

Bringing in your own alcohol is a great way of keeping your wedding under budget. See if you can find a liquor wholesaler that allows you to return unused alcohol after your party to get back some money. Another way to reduce costs of alcohol is to do a “Stock the Bar” bridal shower and have your guests supply their own alcohol by giving you gifts.

Make a Priority List

List your priority vendors and stay in budget for them. Those not in priority see if a family member can help out or go with a vendor that is under your budget.

Double it up!

Try and use your decorations for multiple reasons to keep your wedding under budget. Want lanterns down your aisle? Use them again as your centerpieces for your reception! Want to give your guests a favor? Try a cup and have them use it throughout the night!

Choose an Off Day.

Fridays and Saturdays are EXPENSIVE! Go for a day that isn’t as common like Sundays or Thursday. Vendor pricing, especially your venue, tend to have discounts during these days since they don’t book.

Choose a Venue that offers Rentals

Bringing in you own Tables and chairs can get pricey with the delivery fee, the setup and breakdown charges and other random fees. Try to find a venue that offers some, if not all the rentals you need!

Get a Sheet Cake

Want a huge cake? Make it fake! You can get the look of a large 3,4, and even a 5 tiered cake without all the cost by getting a fake one and sheet cake for your guests.  The cakes even come with a slice in the back for you to cut during your wedding. Afterwards, have the cake pulled into the back and have the sheet cake sliced and served for your guests. It’s way cheaper and you still get the look you want. Or if you want an anniversary cake, get a small 2 tiered cake for you and your partner to cut and save. Then have sheet cakes for your guests.

Less is Best

Go minimalist. At the end of the night, spend money on what you are going to remember. Too much decor and pinterest items, while cool and interesting to look at, won’t be remembered by many. You and your guests are going to remember the drinks, food, music and atmosphere (and of course your photos)!  Everything else is superfluous and should be used to enhance atmosphere, not change it.

Let us know in the comments your thoughts on this article! Are there other tips or tricks you have used or seen used to reduce costs? Have any wedding budget related questions? We’ll try and answer these questions for you!

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Photo credit:  AggiePhotographyStPete | EmilyKnuthPhotography | Loribarbelyphoto | Iamrebeccajordan