Wedding planning is supposed to be an exciting, joyful time for couples, but it can often end up stressful and downright draining (for both you and your bank account). We’re firm believers that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have the wedding of your dreams — and we’ve got the tips and tricks to prove it!
So if you’re searching for ways to save money on a wedding (while still making it the most epic. day. ever.), here are 10 ideas to get you started:
1
Invitations
Months before your wedding date arrives, couples send out both save the dates and invitations to their guests. For weddings both big and small, the cost of these can add up pretty quickly. With deals on single- or double-sided flat cards, you can have beautiful invitations without going over your budget. And with customizable layouts that allow you to add your own photos, they’ll feel special and unique to you and your partner.
2
Dance Lessons
If the thought of slow dancing in front of all your closest friends and family freaks you out a little, you’re not alone (trust me!). A lot of couples take dance lessons before their big day to learn some simple choreography and ease their nerves. From ballroom lessons to swing dancing to wedding dance preparation classes (yep, those are a thing), these deals can upgrade your dancing game while saving money.
3
Flowers
Florals can be one of the most-important (and most-expensive) details of a wedding — so why not take matters into your own hands? With deals from Blooms Today or Rose Farmers, you can save big on floral arrangements, delivered right to your door or directly to the venue. Then, you can either use the bouquets as-is or divide them into smaller bunches for bridesmaids and centerpieces. It’s a super simple way to get beautiful wedding florals for much less.
4
Photographer
You simply have to have a photographer capture your special day — but with photography packages getting more expensive every year, it’s an area that can quickly take up a large portion of your wedding budget. With deals on photographers, videographers and even photo booths, you can save big on memories that’ll last a lifetime.
5
Catering
If you want your guests to celebrate with you all night long, you’re probably (okay, definitely) gonna have to feed them. The average cost of wedding catering per person in 2021 was $75 — and if you have around 100 people at your wedding, well . . . you do the math. But there are ways to serve delicious food without going overboard (or over budget). One of the best ways to save money on a wedding is to explore deals on catering, buffets and more — so you can cut costs while still giving guests a yummy meal.
6
Transportation
If your guests are staying at a hotel near your venue, you may have to provide transportation to and from the ceremony and reception. By finding a deal on shuttles, party buses and even limos, you can reduce transportation costs for both guests and the bridal party. (Psst — these deals are great for bachelor and bachelorette parties too!)
7
Wedding Day Beauty
Every bride wants to look and feel her best on her big day. It’s common for brides to hire hair stylists and makeup artists for both herself and her bridesmaids too — but those things can quickly add up for the whole crew. Deals on hair and makeup services can help you and your bridesmaids save money, so you can stress less and focus more on having a fun morning together.
8
Wedding Bands
Wedding rings play an important role in your wedding ceremony and serve as a symbol of your marriage long after your wedding day is over. From solid gold to sterling silver, you can find deals on elegant bands for a great price.
9
Music & Entertainment
Some couples want a band, others prefer a DJ . . . but no matter your vibe, music is an important element of any wedding reception. With different event packages and entertainment options on Groupon (who says you can’t have a magic show at your wedding?!), you’re sure to find someone to hit all the right notes.
10
Gifts for the Wedding Party
Your wedding party is likely made up of your closest family and friends, and it’s become a trend to give wedding day gifts as a token of your love and appreciation for them. From perfume or cologne to pajamas to jewelry and more, you can find great deals on gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Even the smallest savings can have a big impact. So for all the couples out there looking for ways to save money on a wedding, following one (or all) of these tips and tricks is a great place to start!
Maddie is a writer living in Chicago. She’s a lover of carbs and all things pop culture, so you can typically find her eating a big bowl of fettuccine while arguing about her favorite Real Housewife. As she navigates her mid-twenties in the Windy City, she’s learning some very important life lessons along the way—like how to properly moisturize her skin during the winter and where to score the best happy hour deals.
