Wedding 101

7 Hacks to Make Your Wedding Instantly Cheaper

by Kimberly Watson 24 May 2023 •2 min read

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Every couple wants their wedding to be perfect, and often as a result they end up overspending. While it's important to remember that you get what you pay for, there are many opportunities for couples to cut-back when planning a wedding. To avoid making the happiest day of your life also the most expensive, we've come up with seven hacks for keeping your wedding beautiful on budget. Here are our tips on how to make your wedding cheaper!

Glamorous Gardnerville Wedding Captured by KT, Merry Make Wedding Cheaper, 7 Hacks to Make Your Wedding Instantly Cheaper

Photo by: KT Merry

1Embrace a new day of the week.

Sure, Saturday may be the most convenient, but it’s also the most expensive. Venues fill up many months in advance, and as a result, other days of the week are often more moderately priced. Consider a Friday, Thursday, or Sunday wedding. Most guests won’t mind playing hooky from work one day, and you’ll love seeing the extra green in your bank account.

2Switch up the time.

Consider a morning wedding or opt for late-night, since afternoons are the standard. Getting married in the morning allows for a brunch reception (read: less expensive) and marrying late in the evening post-dinner lends itself well to a cocktail and cake-filled reception, minus the full meal.

3Embrace the buffet.

Most of your guests will be milling around during the dinner hour anyway, so why spend the money to serve-up a full plated meal that they may miss part of? Serve comfort food buffet-style, and satisfy everyone’s appetites with food they love (at prices you can afford).

4Keep it basic (the good kind of basic).

Wedding planners often offer packages in different tiers, but sometimes couples shy away from choosing the least expensive option (is it the worst option?). Look at the details of each package carefully, and you may find that you can do without some of the add ons of the pricier packages.

5Shop for decor off season.

Many couples have a year or so to plan their weddings. Capitalize on all that planning time and shop for decor before wedding season is in full swing. Head to the stores between October and April, and you’ll find many of your much-needed items at more affordable prices.

6Limit the bar.

While your Uncle John may not be able to live without his gin and tonic, he can probably do without for one night. Consider offering beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar. Your guests will still be able to indulge and enjoy, but you’ll save a nice chunk of change.

7Focus on one type of flower.

Peonies, for example, can cost up to five times as much as roses! Consider choosing a less expensive flower option, and embrace the addition of green in your bouquets. Your arrangements will look lush and beautiful, and best of all – they’ll be affordable!