7 Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding

There’s no getting around it: weddings are expensive. The average cost of a wedding in the United States is around $25,000. Of course you want your wedding to be perfect, but putting yourself into debt is not the right way to start a marriage! The good news is, with careful planning, you can significantly reduce the cost of the wedding overall and save on the details that don’t matter to you so you can indulge in the things you really want.

1. Timing

The timing of a wedding affects the cost significantly. Venues offer better bargains in off-season months such as November and January. Also, the time of day can make a big difference. Evening weddings generally call for dinner and drinks, which can be very expensive. Planning a brunch or hors d’oeuvres reception can significantly cut down on catering costs. Also, consider Friday evening or Sunday rather than a traditional Saturday wedding.

2. The Dress

Wedding dresses can easily cost $1000 or more, not including accessories. Why not consider borrowing or renting a dress? Or buy a second-hand dress. Check EBay, Craigslist, or even local thrift stores. You might just find the dress of your dreams for less! If you must have a new dress, consider selling it after the wedding. Photographs can keep your memories fresh (and compact); there’s no need to also have a fancy dress taking up space in your closet for years.

3. Music

Live bands can cost $2000 or more. Unless you especially want a live band, hiring a DJ instead can save you 2/3 that or more. Depending on the style of your reception, you might even be just as happy making a playlist on your IPod.

4. Photographer

Wedding photographers are another major wedding expense. While you don’t want to end up with blurry or otherwise poor-quality photographs, it isn’t always necessary to spend thousands of dollars on a professional photographer to get great photographs. Hiring a photography-school student is one option. Or, remember that friend who is always posting amazing pictures of her kids on Facebook? If you have enough confidence in her work, consider asking her to take photos at your wedding in lieu of a wedding gifts (or, to ease the burden, a group of two-to-three talented friends could split the job). Just proceed with caution—make sure this person really does have quality equipment and the skills to handle photographing a wedding, and the dedication to focus on taking pictures when everyone else is partying.

You can also save money by hiring a professional for a shorter time period.

5. Skip the Small Stuff

A significant percentage of the wedding budget is made up of smaller details that couples pay for because they have been convinced that they need them by their families, friends, and wedding magazines. Wedding favors can be nice, particularly when they are significant to the couple, but they absolutely aren’t necessary. Other things you might consider skipping are chair covers, place cards, and limousine rental. The key is to focus on what matters most to you, and save money on the things that don’t.

6. Alcohol

Alcohol can get very expensive very quickly. Consider offering just wine and beer (and Champaign for toasts). Or skip the alcohol altogether and opt for non-alcoholic specialty drinks that fit your theme. If you want more options for guests, you could offer a specific cocktail or group of mixed drinks using the same type of alcohol to cut down on the number of bottles that are opened. Remember, you won’t need as much alcohol for receptions scheduled earlier in the day.

7. Do It Yourself

Weddings are overwhelming, and you don’t want to commit to doing more than you can handle. However, depending on time and your own inclination, there’s plenty you can do on your own. If you aren’t attached to the idea of gold lettering on textured paper, why not make your own invitations (using good-quality paper and ink, of course). Instead of expensive floral centerpieces, why not make your own? For a winter wedding, you could use pine boughs and candles. Or a collection of photographs. The bridesmaids’ bouquets can also double as centerpieces.

Bonus Tip: Pick the Right Venue

Though last, this may be the most important advice of all. You can save a lot of money by having the wedding in your backyard, but unless you have perfect landscaping, and the room to handle all your guests, it’s a cost-cutting measure that you may regret. Picking the right venue can be a good way to save money. A location that is beautiful to start with doesn’t need as much in the way of extra decorations, so you can focus on the finishing touches to personalize your theme without breaking your budget. Stonebrook Manor in north Denver offers a variety of settings, including manicured gardens, elegant chapels, and a Grand Ballroom. We offer competitive pricing and are prepared to be creative to help accommodate your budget. Contact us today, or, better yet, book a tour.