Small Ways to Save Big on Your Wedding Day

No one doubts the fact that weddings are expensive. There are tons of ideas and details being

thrown at you that can increase stress levels quickly. Of course, there are things that you will

want to splurge on and save on things that you don’t care as much about. Here are a few smaller

ways that you can save big on your wedding day:

Repurpose bouquets and ceremony florals.

Let’s be honest, the florals at a wedding are often some of the most captivating elements of the

day.

The cost of florals can add up, but there are ways to get the most out of the florals you are paying

for. Repurposing bridesmaids' bouquets on reception tables is a great way to get the most use

out of them. With pre-set hurricane vases on the tables, it is an easy transfer from the ceremony

to the reception space.

Ceremony florals can also be repurposed for the reception. Depending on your table layout,

floral arrangements can be used for the sweetheart or head table.

I love this tip because:

1. It is a beautiful addition to the reception space.

2. Coordinates beautifully with the rest of the decor.

3. Maximizes the value of your florals.

Photo by: MTD Photo

Small cake for photos, sheet cake for guests.

Of course, we all love the classic “cake-cutting” photo moment, but don’t necessarily want to pay

for a grandiose wedding cake. Sheet cakes are a much more affordable, but just as tasty, option

for your guests.

You can freeze the remainder of your small cake and pull it out on your first wedding

anniversary to celebrate. Freezing your wedding cake isn’t weird, and it still tastes good. Don’t

knock it until you try it!

Photo by: Daise Photography

Skip the favors.

While everyone loves a good party favor, they often get lost, left behind, or thrown away.

Wedding favors can quickly become a larger expense than you originally intended and cause

unnecessary stress on the big day.

Your guests are more likely to remember the experience than a trinket they take home. Now,

don’t get me wrong, wedding favors can be great! But skipping them or finding a simple, more

practical alternative is a great way to save money in your budget.

If you still want to include a little something for your guests, there are affordable and fun options

that won’t make you feel like a waste of money.

Koozies can be a hit or miss, but are a fun addition at the bar, and a great way to include

pets, if you wish to do so.

Other ideas we have seen and loved:

Local honey jars at each table setting

Bookmarks that double as reception seating cards

Polaroid pictures with the bride and groom

Photo by: John Myers Photography

Know what your venue offers.

Finding the venue that best fits the vision for your wedding is one of the first and most

important decisions in wedding planning. It is also one of the most expensive. Before going any

further, it is important to see all that your venue offers and includes. You may find that your

wedding venue includes more than you think! Not only can this influence your decision in

choosing a venue, but it will also reduce the risk of double-booking and unnecessary rentals.

Some things that venues may include or offer at a discounted rate are:

Tables and chairs

Security

Catering and/or bar services

Bridal/groom suite

Do your research!

Photo by: Daise Photography

Avoid expensive mistakes.

I know, I know, of course, the wedding planners would say this, BUT it’s true! While this is a

bigger decision to make, it saves you money and stress in the end! A wedding planner will guide

you in finding the most affordable/budget-friendly options without sacrificing your vision.

Last-minute fees can add up and cause a major dent in your budget. Hiring a wedding planner

will improve your overall wedding planning journey and make it a more enjoyable experience

from the beginning until the end!

Photo by: Daise Photography

Bring your own alcohol.

If your venue allows (make sure to check), bringing your own alcohol is a great way to save

money. If you decide to do this, not only are you avoiding paying extra by going through a

professional service, but you also get to decide exactly how much alcohol you want served. Many

venues require a licensed bartender and have other stipulations for doing this, which is why it is

important to know the restrictions of your venue.

Photo by: John Myers Photography

Cut what doesn’t matter to you.

If it’s not important and doesn’t matter to you, cut it. Not only will you save money by doing this,

but you will also appreciate the money you spend so much more if it’s spent on things you

actually want. When you begin prioritizing things in the planning process, you may find that

some things don’t matter as much to you as they seemed.

There are endless trends, traditions, and opinions about weddings, and it’s important to

remember that this is your wedding, and what you and your spouse want takes priority over

anything else!

Written by: Mary Smelcer, Intern- Magnolia Collective