Hey future newlyweds! We know how exciting and memorable weddings can be, but let’s be honest, they can also drain your bank account faster than you can say “I do.” With money being the pain in everyone’s necks at the moment, if you have a wedding on its way, we’re here for you. We’ve got some kick-ass money-saving hacks to help you have your dream wedding without breaking the bank.
Floral Finesse
As a wedding florist, I wanted to start this article with budget-savvy ways I stand by when planning weddings. We all love a beautiful flower arrangement that makes your heart skip a beat. But the truth is, you don’t need to splurge on extravagant centrepieces to create a lush vibe. Swap those pricey flower centrepieces for bud vase bottles like below – they’re just as charming and cost around $20 each (in comparison to $150 each). They will leave more room on the tables for delicious food and refreshing drinks. Plus, your guests will appreciate the extra space to mingle and chat without the huge flower mounds in the way.
Go Minimal
Your bridesmaids deserve to shine without holding bouquets that could double as small trees. Embrace the minimalist trend and opt for smaller, more affordable bouquets. Your squad will thank you for saving their arms from unnecessary bicep workouts, and the bouquets will still look fabulous in photos. Talking money, an average bridesmaid bouquet would cost around $150. When you have four bridesmaids, that’s $600 already spent in your flower budget.
I love the single stem trend at the moment as it’s artsy and can be personalised. Plus, you’ll be saving costs, BIG time.
Floral Double Dip
My last floral-centric wedding cost tip is to let those gorgeous ceremony florals do double duty! Once you’ve said your vows, repurpose those gardens to adorn the escort card table or the bar. Bridesmaids’ bouquets can also work wonders as centrepieces on your bridal table. Just talk to your florist about setting up a couple of water-filled vases ready for the bunches. You’ll find the staff at wedding venues would be more than happy to move these for you, or you can assign someone from your bridal party who is happy to help move the adornments.
Consider a Weekday Wedding
One huge money saver you’ll quickly notice upon asking venues for rates, is the steep hike of weekend events (especially Saturdays). Even holding your day on a Friday or Sunday brings down prices massively. Not only will you score some serious discounts on venues and services, but you’ll also have the opportunity for a unique twist to your celebration. Entice guests by encouraging them to book a short week at work; morale will be high from your guest’s long weekend spent with you!
Check Out Sample Dresses
You’ve dreamed of that perfect wedding dress since you were old enough to say “wedding.” But before you max out your credit card on a gown you’ll only wear once, check out bridal sample sales. This is highly effective for bridesmaid dress sourcing too. You’ll find stunning dresses at a fraction of the cost.
Keep It Close
Your ceremony and reception venues don’t have to be miles apart. By keeping them close, you can slash the costs of guest transportation. And let’s be honest, nobody likes a long, boring drive between events as the buzz of your day may fizzle! Your guests will appreciate the convenience and your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief.
Sip Smartly
We know you want your guests to have a good time, but you don’t need to go all out on top-shelf liquor. Trust us – no one will notice if you skip the high-priced spirits. Stock the bar with mid-range basics instead. Your guests will still have a blast, and you’ll save a pretty penny.
A Toast to Savings
Rather than serving champagne to every guest for the toasts, leave it as an option at the bar. This way, only those who genuinely want bubbly will grab a glass. It’s a classy move that’ll save you a bundle without anyone missing out on the bubbles.
No Drones, No Problem
Drones can capture stunning aerial shots of your big day, but they can also send your budget soaring. Skip the pricey flying cameras and focus on hiring an awesome photographer instead. They’ll capture every special moment without blowing your budget. In my opinion, your photographer should take priority in your budget. You want to feel confident that your day will be documented beautifully as your photos will be with you for a lifetime.
Skip Save The Dates
If you aren’t too fussed about the craft work that goes into physical save-the-dates, then I wouldn’t recommend doing them. Half your guests already know your date by the time those paper cards arrive, and getting them professionally printed on fancy paper stock with a matching envelope, then adding postage, can add up. Virtual save-the-dates are up and coming and can direct guests with all the info they’ll need, including the registry, maps, accommodation, etc,. Below are some e-invites that are becoming popular.
There you have it, lovebirds! Money hacks to make your wedding dreams come true without draining your bank. Weddings are about celebrating your love and the start of a beautiful journey together. With a little creativity and hopefully a handful of these savvy tips, you can have the wedding you’ve always wanted without feeling like you’re handing over your life savings.
Related Article: New Zealand’s Top Wedding Florists
