84 Greatest Wedding Hacks for the Frugal Bride – The Wedding Club

We are always on the lookout for ways to cut costs in every area of our lives, so it makes sense to use a few wedding tricks to save money on your big day.

For brides who are trying to stick to a budget, these wedding tips can help you save money on less crucial items so you can allocate more funds to the things that really matter.

Before we start listing out the steps involved in planning a wedding, it’s crucial to establish a budget right from the start.

Your wedding budget is a crucial tool that you will use regularly to organize your special day. Having a solid budget will also prevent you from spending too much.

When planning your wedding, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your budget. This means outlining all your expenses, breaking them down into specific categories, and creating a schedule for when payments are due to suppliers.

Your wedding budget is just a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to planning your wedding. To assist you in tackling all the other details of your special day, I have developed the Ultimate Wedding Planner.

Get your hands on a complimentary wedding checklist designed specifically for brides!

Don’t forget to download this useful PDF when you begin organizing your wedding!

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Wedding hacks: Your Budget

We begin our extensive list of wedding tips with some helpful budget-saving ideas for your special day.

1. Have a budget in place that covers EVERYTHING

A well-planned wedding budget can help you save money on your big day. In the Ultimate Wedding Planner templates, there is a customizable budget sheet that allows you to keep track of all your wedding expenses.

2. Have estimates on your wedding budget sheets

This will give you a rough estimate of how much you should budget for your wedding.

3. Work with percentages

Using percentages can assist you in determining the specific amount of your overall wedding budget to allocate to each category.

4. Put someone in charge

Having someone take charge of overseeing and controlling your wedding budget can be a huge relief, especially if you’re not the best at managing finances. It’s important to ensure that the person managing your budget is reliable and trustworthy.

5. Keep your budget up to date

Keeping your budget up to date allows you to see exactly how much money has been spent and how much is still available for your wedding expenses.

6. Don’t overspend

It’s important to stick to your wedding budget to avoid owing money to vendors. If you overspend, you may have to take out loans to pay off your debts. Vendors might not provide their services if they’re not being paid. If you’re concerned about overspending, check out this post for guidance.

Wedding hacks: The Flowers

Many wedding planners recommend starting with your floral budget when looking to save money on your big day. But if you’re a flower enthusiast like me, you probably still want to add some style to your bouquets and table arrangements!

I have included floral planning sheets in the editable Wedding Planner templates to help you plan this beautiful part of your wedding. The sheets provide information on what flowers are in season and where to include them.

Let’s explore some strategies you can use in this situation.

7. Use larger flowers in your centerpieces

Bigger flowers require more space, resulting in fewer stems available for purchase at flower markets, where flowers are typically priced per stem.

8. Buy directly from a flower market

If possible, it’s best to purchase directly from the flower market. When you buy from a local florist, they have already added their own markup to the prices of their arrangements.

9 | Ask friends and family for flowers from their gardens

Search the gardens of your family and friends for readily available plants like greenery, branches, common flowers, and succulents.

10 | Use less flowers

Save money by choosing simpler arrangements for your bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, and wedding tables. Plus, minimalist designs are very popular at the moment.

11 | Use faux flowers

If you have the time and materials, think about making your own flowers out of paper or by hand. There are plenty of guides and tutorials available on platforms like Pinterest and YouTube.

12 | Overuse greenery

For a more organic vibe at your wedding, consider using plenty of greenery like eucalyptus, ruscus, and monstera leaves. However, make sure to shop around and compare prices before making any purchases!

13 | Buy flowers in season

Consider choosing flowers that are in season for your wedding. Flowers that are out of season are typically imported, which can increase the cost.

If you’re looking for flower planning sheets, be sure to take a look at the customizable Wedding Planner!

14 | Don’t go for the floral trend

Avoid using popular flowers for your wedding as they can be costly due to current trends. Take the time to research what flowers are currently fashionable and steer clear of those options.

15 | Know how much you should buy

When purchasing your wedding flowers, make sure to be precise with the quantities. Having an excess of greenery and flowers can result in unnecessary expenses that could have been allocated to other areas of your wedding budget.

Wedding supplier budget hacks

Many people refer to wedding suppliers as wedding vendors. They can significantly impact your wedding budget.

However, they are still essential! Just picture an evening wedding with no food, music, or photographs to look back on.

When it comes to saving money on your wedding vendors, my top advice is to compare different options. By comparing, you can find vendors that meet your needs and budget, ultimately choosing the best one available.

A great tip is to simplify vendor comparisons by utilizing a spreadsheet or a pre-made comparison planner, such as the one provided in my Ultimate Wedding Planner templates!

16 | Ask a loved one

If money is tight, consider reaching out to friends or family for assistance. Perhaps you have an aunt who is great at baking delicious cakes, or a cousin who is skilled at photography.

17 | Ask for a discount

It’s important to remember that it’s perfectly acceptable to request a discount from suppliers, particularly when purchasing a large quantity of items or paying a significant amount for a product. The worst they can say is ‘no’.

18 | DIY your wedding

If you have some extra time, consider exploring DIY wedding ideas to add a personal touch to your big day. Pinterest is a great resource for finding inspiration in this area.

19 | Check out recommended suppliers

If you need recommendations, feel free to ask your venue or other suppliers. Be sure to let them know you have a tight budget, so they can suggest someone within your price range.

Here’s a helpful tip: Before hiring someone recommended by the venue, make sure to do a background check. It’s not uncommon for brides to be disappointed when they book a recommended photographer or DJ, only to discover their lack of professionalism on the wedding day.

20 | Opt for out of season rates

Consider getting married during the off-season when certain suppliers and venues may offer lower prices due to decreased demand. Winter or late Autumn could be ideal times for a wedding – make sure to compare costs before making a decision.

Even if you find cheaper rates, it’s important to compare suppliers to ensure you’re getting good value for your money. The vendor comparison sheets included in the Wedding Planner templates can assist you in this task.

21 | Go for a new supplier

As you begin your planning process, consider seeking out emerging suppliers within the industry. These newcomers are typically able to offer lower prices compared to more established competitors due to their need to establish experience and credibility. Be sure to thoroughly examine these new suppliers and request samples of their previous work if available.

22 | Use a multi-skilled supplier

You can also choose suppliers that provide multiple services and can bundle your requirements into one package. For instance, a photographer who also offers videography, or a wedding caterer who can also create your wedding cake.

Wedding venue budget hacks

Just like an unreliable supplier can ruin your wedding day, so too can a wedding venue that lacks professionalism and transparency.

Thankfully, there are ways to save money on wedding venue expenses. It’s crucial to select the right wedding venue!

For help finding your ideal wedding venue within your budget, check out the 43-page workbook included in the Wedding Planner.

23 | Book your own church

Consider getting married at your own church to cut down on costs for the ceremony venue. Some churches may provide the space at a discounted rate or even for no charge if you are a member.

24 | Choose local

Save money on travel and accommodation by picking a venue close to home. Plus, if you’re not in a popular wedding location, venues could be more affordable.

25 | Book out of season

We touched on this earlier at number 20, but getting married during the off-season can result in a much lower cost for your venue. However, it’s important to consider the specific venue and its unique features before making a decision. For instance, the Cathedral Peak Hotel in South Africa might have the same price during the winter months because the snow on the Drakensberg Mountains adds a desirable element to the wedding.

Make sure to carefully plan all aspects of your venue for your wedding, including your vision, budget, accommodations, rental items, and more. The wedding venue workbook is editable and will assist you with all your venue needs in addition to the Wedding Planner.

26 | Check if your venue includes accommodation in the final amount

Look for a venue that doesn’t offer lodging, especially if you won’t be needing it. Some venues require you to book their accommodation along with the venue rental, which can end up being pricier than other lodging options nearby.

27 | Choose a venue with plenty of in-house decor

Look for a venue that offers a variety of in-house decorations. This can help you save money by having everything you need for your wedding look provided on-site, eliminating the need to rent items from elsewhere.

28 | Transform a basic venue

Choose a simple venue and then personalize it to create the perfect setting for your wedding day. By transforming a basic venue into something stunning, you can save money on decorations and customize it to your desired level of simplicity or extravagance.

29 | Have a garden wedding

Having a garden wedding is perfectly fine! Many beautiful and romantic weddings have been held in people’s gardens. You can save a lot of money on venue expenses, especially if you have access to a stunning garden that will provide a lovely backdrop for photos.

30 | Have a breakfast wedding

Another way to save a significant amount of money is by opting for a breakfast wedding. Choosing to have your wedding early in the day can result in lower venue costs, as expenses for food, decorations, and setup are typically more affordable during breakfast hours.

Get your hands on a free wedding checklist designed specifically for brides!

Don’t forget to download this useful PDF as you begin organizing your wedding!

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Wedding guests budget hacks

Times have certainly changed, with many brides now opting for a small guest list rather than a lavish wedding.

Regardless of the size of your guest list, you still need to organize and cover the costs for the people you want to invite.

A helpful tip is to use the sheets provided in the editable Wedding Planner to keep track of your guest count, guest list, details, dietary requirements, seating, and more.

31 | It’s not a reunion

Just a friendly reminder: your wedding is not a reunion! If you’re thinking of inviting long-lost acquaintances just for the sake of it, consider trimming down your guest list to save some money.

If you’re not sure about who to exclude, here’s a list of 13 people you should not invite to your wedding…

32 | Decide if you want kids at your wedding

If having children at your wedding is a concern for you, especially if you are a young couple, consider the financial impact. Adding children to your guest list means additional expenses for underplates, wedding favors, welcome drinks, and potentially a separate table for the kids, increasing the overall cost of your wedding.

Many places offer discounted meals for children, providing them with burgers and fries rather than allowing them to serve themselves from the buffet.

A helpful tip for making your wedding more kid-friendly is to set up a designated area or table where the children can sit and stay occupied. Consider providing a kids wedding activity book, such as the one included in the wedding planner templates, to keep them entertained.

33 | Give cheaper wedding favors

To save more money on your guests, consider inexpensive wedding favors like chocolates or small gifts with a tiny “thank you” tag.

34 | Don’t give favors

You might not even receive any gratitude. You are already providing food for them, preparing a table for them, and attempting to ensure they enjoy themselves!

35 | Have a buffet option

For feeding your wedding guests, consider a buffet menu. It is a budget-friendly option that ensures they have plenty to eat without resorting to ordering take-out later.

36 | Watch out for extras!

Including lawn games, photo booths, entertainment, and lounging furniture to keep your guests entertained will increase the overall cost of your wedding.

Food + drinks budget hacks

What really sticks in people’s minds about weddings is the delicious food, fine wine, and great music. However, these elements can also rack up a pretty hefty bill, especially if you’re looking for top-notch options.

A helpful tip for planning your wedding is to utilize the catering sheets provided in the customizable Wedding Planner.

37 | Compare menu options

For a big wedding, go with a buffet instead of a plated menu. But for smaller weddings, compare the cost per plate with the price of a buffet for around 60 guests.

38 | Choose in-house catering

When looking for a place to hold your event, consider choosing one that offers catering services on-site. This option may end up costing less than hiring an external catering company. Keep in mind that the cost will vary depending on the type of food you plan to serve. For example, a pizza buffet or a build-your-own-burger station can be more budget-friendly if that’s the type of meal you’re going for.

39 | Offer affordable welcome drinks

If you’re thinking about serving welcome drinks, avoid choosing extravagant wedding beverages like signature cocktails and pricey champagne.

40 | Cash bar vs. open bar

When planning the liquor and bar services for your wedding, consider offering a cash bar for your guests. In addition, you can provide a complimentary welcome drink and champagne to ensure their satisfaction.

41 | Factor in canapes for cocktail hour

Many couples overlook the importance of budgeting for refreshments during cocktail hour. While you and your spouse are away taking photos, it is a good idea to provide drinks and snacks for your guests to prevent them from getting cranky. Whether you opt for a harvest table or canapés depends on the size of your wedding party and your budget.

42 | Limit liquor options at the open bar

When you have an open bar at your wedding, it’s best to avoid offering hard liquor. This can quickly drive up costs, especially if guests are ordering pricey drinks like vintage ports and scotch whiskies.

43 | Limit the wines on tables

Having wine and champagne at your wedding is important to create a celebratory atmosphere, regardless of whether your friends are big wine drinkers. However, it’s best to carefully select the table wines and champagne. Avoid overwhelming the tables with multiple options like two whites and two reds along with champagne and juice. Simplify the process by allowing guests to easily access drinks at the bar.

A helpful tip is to talk to your caterer or venue about what wine and menu options are available. I have provided all the necessary sheets for this in the editable Wedding Planner templates.

Wedding cake budget hacks

A wedding wouldn’t be complete without a cake. While it can be costly, there are tips and tricks to ensure it stays within your budget.

A helpful tip for planning your wedding is to carefully consider your vision for the cake, where you draw inspiration from, and the associated costs. Utilize the cake worksheets provided in the comprehensive Wedding Planner to help organize these details.

44 | Consider a wedding cake alternative

With the increasing trend of unique weddings, you have the freedom to choose alternative options for your wedding cake. Donuts, rice krispie treats covered in chocolate, or a grand chocolate fountain are just a few creative ideas to consider!

45 | Buy cake/s at the grocery store

A cake from a regular store is less expensive than one from a specialized wedding bakery. Wedding cakes from bakeries that focus on weddings tend to cost more due to their artisan skills. However, if you opt for simple cakes with plain white icing, you can create a beautiful cake table display.

46 | DIY wedding cake for the win!

To make your own wedding cake display table, start by purchasing simple white or naked cakes from the store. Arrange the cakes on various stands and levels on a rustic table. Add a touch of elegance by decorating them with your wedding flowers, as well as fresh berries and strawberries placed both on the cakes and around them.

47 | Do a dessert table

If you’re not keen on a large wedding cake, but still want to treat your guests to something sweet, you could opt for a dessert buffet instead. Check with your venue to see if they can arrange this using their own kitchen facilities.

48 | Choose a candy buffet option

Another option to consider is having a candy buffet instead of traditional desserts. By opting for just a candy buffet, you can save money by eliminating the need for a cake, other desserts, and wedding favors. Guests can enjoy the candy during the event and also take some home as a thank-you gift. To make the candy buffet visually appealing, choose candies that match your wedding colors, display them in attractive jars and on plates, and add a personalized “thank you” message to each packet.

A helpful tip is to use smaller packets of candy for guests so they don’t take too much, which means you don’t have to offer a wide variety of treats.

49 | Choose buttercream over fondant

When it comes to decorating wedding cakes, buttercream frosting is a more cost-effective option compared to fondant. Buttercream is made from butter, confectioner’s sugar, and can be flavored and colored as desired. On the other hand, fondant is more complex to prepare and requires additional ingredients. If you’re ordering a wedding cake from a bakery, it’s recommended to opt for buttercream over fondant not only for cost reasons but also for flavor. It’s just a tastier choice overall.

50 | Use real flowers instead of sugar paste

Creating sugar flowers requires a unique skill set and plenty of practice, making them a pricier option for decorating wedding cakes compared to real flowers. While sugar flowers can appear outdated if not done correctly, real flowers offer a more natural, romantic, and earthy aesthetic. Additionally, edible flowers are also a viable alternative for cake decorations.

It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want your cake to look like for your wedding. Pinterest is a great place to get some inspiration and ideas. Wedding cakes can be pricey, so it’s essential to budget for it correctly. The budget sheets provided in the editable Wedding Planner can assist with this.

Wedding dress and attire budget hacks

The dress, as well as other attire and accessories for the wedding, can be a significant cost.

It is only logical that there would be some tricks for these devices as well.

A helpful tip for saving money on wedding attire is to plan ahead. Do some research to figure out what style, shape, and fabric you want for your dress. Set a budget for each piece of clothing, including fittings and alterations. Make sure to take accurate measurements, as this step is crucial. I have included worksheets in the editable Wedding Planner to help you with this part of the planning process.

51 | Consider a previously owned dress

Purchasing a second-hand wedding dress is perfectly fine, especially if it’s stunning! These pre-owned dresses come at a more affordable price compared to brand new ones.

52 | Shop sales

Don’t underestimate the power of a sale! Sample sales and pop-up shops can offer great deals. It’s always a good idea to browse before making a purchase.

53 | The LBD is now the LWD!

You don’t have to opt for a traditional princess-style white dress like Kate Middleton’s. There are plenty of gorgeous white dresses available at vintage stores or even at H&M, especially if you’re a laid-back bride.

54 | Rent vs. buy…

If you can find the right shops that offer renting services, opting to rent instead of buy your wedding dress can be a great way to cut costs.

55 | Shop your perfect size

Choosing a dress that fits you well from the start can help you save money on tailoring expenses. These expenses may seem small at first, but they can accumulate over time, resulting in significant savings if you avoid them altogether. Additionally, it’s important not to pick a dress that is too small with the assumption that you will lose weight to fit into it.

A crucial element to consider when shopping for a dress is getting accurate measurements. It’s not just about the standard bust, hip, thigh, and height measurements. If you’re considering a dress with sleeves, you’ll also need to take three different measurements for your arms. The Wedding Planner includes detailed measurement sheets, as well as dress vision, fitting, and style sheets for you and your bridesmaids.

56 | Veil vs. no veil…

Wedding veils can be expensive, particularly if you desire one like Megan Markle’s – complete with the cathedral length and intricate hand-embroidered detailing. If you’re not set on having a veil, you have the option to go without it. Alternatively, you can opt for a floral crown or fascinator instead.

57 | Something borrowed…

You can save money by borrowing accessories from your female friends. Plus, it can count as your “something borrowed”!

58 | Combine the age-old tradition into one piece

To incorporate elements of your past, present, borrowed, and blue into your wedding, consider reaching out to your loved ones for assistance. Mix old with borrowed, and new with blue, or old with borrowed and blue. If you’re set on following the time-honored tradition, simply acquire something new.

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Wedding party budget hacks

For many brides, the wedding party holds great importance on their special day. Whether it’s due to tradition or simply wanting your closest friends by your side, a considerable amount of planning and money is invested in this aspect of the wedding.

Remember, it’s not just about assigning tasks to your wedding party. You also have to think about things like choosing their outfits, planning their speeches, and more. And don’t forget, they’ll be responsible for organizing your bachelorette and bachelor parties, along with the bridal shower. Luckily, my Wedding Planner has everything you need to keep track of all these details.

Now, let’s explore some helpful tips for planning a wedding celebration…

59 | Let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses

One of the biggest costs for your bridal party at a wedding is the attire for your bridesmaids, particularly if you prefer them all to have a uniform look. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a popular and beautiful trend: simply stick to a single color scheme or varying shades of the same color and allow your bridesmaids to pick out their own dresses.

A helpful tip is to use paint swatches as a reference for the color scheme. You can distribute one swatch to each bridesmaid to take with them while they shop.

60 | Let them buy their own accessories

Allow your wedding party to save money by providing their own accessories to complete their outfits. For instance, the groomsmen can cover the cost of their own shoes.

61 | Accessories to double as a bridesmaid gift

One useful suggestion is to consider using accessories as part of the bridesmaids’ gifts. By doing this, you can influence what they wear and even have them coordinate with each other. This eliminates the need to buy a separate gift for them. The same approach can be taken with the groomsmen – give them items they can wear at the wedding that also serve as gifts.

62 | Let them pay for their own accommodation and transport

It’s important for your bridal party members to cover the costs of their own accommodation and transportation, especially if you’re already taking care of their other expenses. The expenses for your bridal party can really add up. If you’re working with a limited budget, focus on handling the bigger costs first, whenever possible.

63 | Use simple bouquets and boutonnieres

For the ceremony and photos that come after, it’s fine to stick with basic flowers for bouquets and boutonnieres. To create a romantic look, consider using wildflowers. For a more subtle option, you can opt for greenery with a few sprigs of Baby’s Breath.

64 | Use bouquet and boutonniere alternatives

Research different options for bouquets and boutonnieres. Pinterest offers a variety of unique ideas for customizing your wedding, beginning with the bouquets for your bridesmaids and boutonnieres for your groomsmen. Consider using paper flowers instead of expensive fresh blooms and incorporating buttons, findings, beads, or charms into the boutonnieres. There are endless opportunities to unleash your creativity in this aspect of wedding planning!

Wedding stationery budget hacks

Planning your wedding stationery and invitations can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re looking to create a full suite for your big day.

Fortunately, expenses can be reduced by a large amount in this area of the wedding budget by choosing digital options.

A helpful tip is to remember to plan and budget for your wedding stationery, even if you’re opting for digital items. The stationery planner sheets in the editable Wedding Planner can assist you with this task.

Now, let’s explore some clever tricks for wedding invitations and other paper goods.

65 | Choose modern or metellic foil press over original letterpress

For those looking to achieve an elegant look for their wedding invitations at a budget-friendly price, opting for metallic foil press over traditional letterpress is a great choice. Traditional letterpress can be costly as it involves creating a unique template for each wedding event, which cannot be modified. This method of printing was commonly used in the past and is now valued as an art form.

For those looking to order stylish metallic foil press wedding stationery online, Minted is the top choice. They also offer modern letterpress designs.

66 | Order stationery online

If you’re looking to cut costs on your wedding invitations, there are plenty of online options available. Minted and Etsy are both excellent choices for finding affordable stationery.

67 | Don’t send out save-the-dates

Another way to cut costs on wedding invitations is to skip sending save-the-date cards. Instead, consider sending a digital message or image through email or text to inform your guests of the upcoming wedding date.

A helpful tip is to create a unique video specifically for your save-the-dates and share it with your friends and family.

68 | Choose a free wedding website

Make sure to save money on your wedding expenses by creating a complimentary wedding website. There are numerous options available, but the one I recommend is the user-friendly site offered by The Knot. It is completely free! Another good choice is Minted’s free wedding websites that come with matching stationery.

69 | Create your own faux calligraphy

You can cut costs on custom wedding invitations by foregoing the need for a professional calligrapher. Instead, try your hand at faux calligraphy by writing in cursive and going back to add thickness to the down-strokes of each letter. Remember, practice makes perfect! (You can find tutorials on YouTube or Pinterest to help you get started.)

70 | Skip the table menus

Reduce the number of individual table menus and opt for a large blackboard displaying the menu for all guests to see. Another option is to skip individual menus altogether and surprise guests with the meal offerings.

Valuable tip: When serving set menus or plated meals, it is important to provide guests with a physical menu for them to select their dishes from or to preview their meal. Instead of placing a menu at each seat, it is recommended to print one for each table.

71 | Replace the escort cards with a seating plan

You can cut costs on stationery for your wedding reception by opting out of printing escort cards. Instead, consider printing a big seating plan and displaying it at the entrance of the reception area. Another option is to skip the table seating plan entirely and allow guests to choose their own seats.

A helpful tip is to use the templates available in the Wedding Planner to organize your seating plan, charts, and layouts.

72 | Don’t print ceremony programs

Before, we talked about how printing ceremony programs that aren’t needed can be a waste. However, excluding them can really have a significant impact.

A helpful tip is to make sure your wedding website is completed and that you have a ceremony schedule prepared. You can then add the schedule to your website and share it with your guests. This way, everyone will have access to a virtual ceremony program.

Wedding ceremony and reception budget hacks

Your reception costs more than your ceremony because of expenses like food, music, venue hire, and other items. However, both events will require you to spend money.

These two parts of your wedding will require the most time and planning from you, so be sure to think about everything from the music, flowers, decorations, traditions, and more.

I have created an editable wedding planner that includes everything necessary for planning your perfect wedding. This planner features ceremony and reception worksheets, as well as a detailed venue workbook.

Let’s explore some tips for saving money on your wedding ceremony and reception.

73 | Use the same venue for both

Begin by hosting both your ceremony and reception at the same location. If you choose separate venues for each, you may incur extra fees. Additionally, the ceremony space at a wedding venue is likely to be already beautifully decorated. Even if you opt for a church ceremony, you may still need to bring in additional decorations.

74 | Go for the naked-chair-and-table look

The popular trend of using bare chairs and tables continues to be fashionable. Tablecloths and chair covers are no longer in style. To soften the look, you can opt for table runners and chair ribbons. Alternatively, you can create a whimsical look by incorporating greenery and straightforward floral arrangements throughout the space.

75 | Use the venue’s decor

It can get costly to rent extra decorations, so it’s better to stick with what the venue already has in terms of decor and linens. A quality venue typically offers some in-house items that you can utilize, and these are usually included in the venue rental price.

76 | Ribbon is still in…

Instead of using pricey flowers or draping on arches and pillars, consider dressing them up with ribbon instead. Get creative by incorporating your wedding colors or opt for an elegant look with a white ribbon.

Budget hacks for wedding stuff

Planning a wedding can result in various expenses that gradually increase and significantly impact your budget.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details of your wedding, it’s important to prioritize the major expenses and decisions, such as venue, catering, and attire. Once those big-ticket items are sorted out, you can then shift your focus to the smaller aspects and finer details that make up the overall wedding experience.

A helpful tip for planning your wedding is to use the more than 530 sheets included in the customizable wedding planner to organize all your wedding details.

77 | Eco-friendly wedding things are better…

When planning your wedding and needing to rent extra supplies, consider choosing eco-friendly options like bamboo cutlery and plates. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also tend to be more cost-effective.

78 | Ditch the confetti

Consider incorporating eucalyptus leaves or leftover flowers and greenery into your wedding instead of using confetti, which can be expensive. This alternative is more natural and can also be a cost-effective option for adding a decorative touch to your celebration.

79 | The “extras” is where you make the cut

If you want to save some money, focus on cutting back on unnecessary expenses. After taking care of essentials like food, reevaluate your wedding budget. Trim away any extras or non-essential items for your big day. Any leftover funds can then be put towards your honeymoon or your new home as a couple.

80 | To DIY, or not to DIY? That is the question. 🙂

When planning your wedding, it’s important to consider the reality of DIY projects. While it may seem like a cost-effective option, sometimes the materials needed for DIY projects end up being more expensive than simply buying the items. For example, you might have your heart set on folding 1001 paper cranes, but the time and effort required to complete this task can be overwhelming. It’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of DIY projects before committing to them for your special day.

81 | Wedding favors, or no?

Weddings can fall into two categories: those that include wedding favors and those that do not. The decision to forgo wedding favors is a topic of discussion, as it is customary to provide a token of appreciation to guests. If you believe you have already invested a significant amount in treating your guests, you may choose to skip the favors altogether. Alternatively, you could opt for more budget-friendly options like homemade treats or edible favors.

82 | Urban vs. rural weddings

If you’re undecided about the cost difference, consider looking into urban versus rural weddings. Urban weddings tend to be pricier, especially in popular cities like New York or Cape Town. Conversely, rural weddings can also add up with transportation and accommodation fees for suppliers. The final cost will ultimately depend on how extravagant or simple you envision your wedding to be.

A helpful tip to save money on suppliers when planning a wedding is to pick ones located near the venue. Additionally, consider hosting the wedding closer to where you live or where most of your guests will be to cut down on accommodation expenses. Another way to make travel convenient for everyone is to choose a location that is centrally located among all the cities.

83 | How far will you go to make your wedding guests happy?

I had to ask this question because a lot of brides are eager to impress and pamper their wedding guests. But let’s not forget that the focus should really be on the happy couple! A delicious meal and great music should be enough to keep guests happy. If you do decide to splurge on extravagant entertainment and guest amenities, just make sure it fits within your budget.

84 | One final question: Are you willing to stick to tradition?

Traditional customs can be quite expensive. Have you ever considered the price of a classic fruit cake? Or a beautiful white wedding gown? What about renting a stylish wedding car or a charming horse-drawn carriage? Or perhaps a luxurious limousine? Traditional gifts for the wedding attendants, a long cathedral veil, or even an additional bouquet for tossing could add up to significant expenses.

Consider which customs are important to you and which ones you may want to eliminate or update with more affordable alternatives.