Expert Tips to Cut Your Wedding Budget

Have you ever wondered how your dream wedding would align with your dream budget?? We know figuring out expenses for your wedding can be overwhelming, so we're here to help you sort out the minute details that can rack up costs. Scroll on to read tips from some of the best wedding experts in the biz on how to cut your wedding budget in half and chip away any added expenses so you save those extra dollars!

“Unless they’re edible, guests tend to leave them on the table or don’t know what to do with them. It’s an easy way to save some cash!” – Euri Wong, Lead Designer at Bloominous

“It’s possible to still get a designer look for less by DIY’ing your florals. Bloominous has pre-designed kits with step by step instructions so that you really CAN DIY your wedding flowers!” – Euri Wong, Lead Designer at Bloominous

“It is one thing to cut cost, but it is another to take advantage of true value. At Generation Tux, we offer free swatches, a free home try-on and a free suit or tux rental for the groom with just 5 paid rentals. Our thought, not only do you get to save some money, but you also get peace of mind knowing that by taking advantage of all of our offers, everything will be perfect for your big day.” - Nathan Bellah, Director of Marketing at Generation Tux

“Since Saturday is the most popular day of the week for weddings, it's also the most expensive. How about a Sunday morning mimosa brunch wedding? If you can swing it, pick a different day of the week to save some serious cash. You should also inquire about any unbooked dates your desired wedding venue may be trying to fill.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

“A room block is a reservation of at least 10 rooms at a hotel near your reception venue. On average, reserving a block of rooms can save you 15–40% off the normal guest room fees. Just be sure to check the hotel's "attrition" policy, as you don't want to get stuck paying for rooms that your guests didn't book. You also may want to ask about a "courtesy room block" which typically doesn't require a deposit or hold you responsible financially for unbooked rooms.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

“Find a photographer that will give you full rights to your digital wedding photos. You'll be able to print them out at your discretion, and will save money by using less expensive printing options—or simply emailing the images to your loved ones!” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

“One way to manage your guest list is by extending a plus-one only to wedding guests that are married, engaged, in your wedding party, or in a serious long-term relationship. Beyond that, you don't need to offer a plus-one to every single guest! The only exception to this is a destination wedding: Err on the side of generosity here so your guests don't have to fly solo (literally!).” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

“Want to stretch your wedding budget to the max? Keep an eye out for the magic words "all inclusive". Venues with all-inclusive packages provide lots of amenities and services in addition to the event spaces, like on-site coordination, catering, alcohol, staff, rentals, cake, guest accommodations, and more. By bundling all of these services under one roof, these packages are a great value. Talk about a one-stop shop!” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

“Wedding dress sample sales can yield pretty amazing designer bargains. Sign up for email updates from your favorite local bridal salons so you'll be informed about their upcoming sale events. Some of our best tips: Arrive early (with an appointment, if required), wear your bridal undergarments, and know your size in advance. Just don't forget to factor in the cost of possible alterations or professional dry cleaning.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes the Guide

“Working with an online Invitation vendor can be a great way to save money (and time) on your invitations because designer invitations require a lot more time at a designer's rate and printing can be much pricier too! Design studios and custom printed invitations generally cost 6%-10% percent of your total wedding budget. Online invitation vendors stationery pricing works out closer to 2%-5% of your total budget. At Love On Paper, we offer easy and free online customization with instant preview, enclosures for as many wedding events as you need and the option to add religious and cultural symbols and scripts. And for a luxury feel, you can order a signature folio or pocket with real gold or silver foil on Italian shimmer card stock for a fraction of the cost. This could mean a saving of thousands! – Andaleeb Firdosy of Love on Paper