How to Save Money on Your Wedding

As a budget savvy event planner, I know a thing or two about how to save money on a wedding. Read on for 8 handy tips you may not have thought of.

I don’t think this will come as much of a shock, but weddings are expensive. Even the smallest celebrations can run into the thousands of pounds. But there are ways you can save real money on your wedding, and still create the look and feel you’ve been dreaming of.

As a wedding planner in the UK, I work a lot with couples on tight budgets, helping them to achieve their big day ambitions, without breaking the bank. Whether that’s locating the perfect under budget wedding venue, getting the most out of their florist or using my contacts to secure exclusive rates. There are so many ways to save on your wedding, and today I’d like to share my expert tricks with you.

Save Money on Your Wedding Day with These Expert Tips

Integrate these tips and tricks into your wedding planning, and you’ll be saving money in no time.

You Need a Wedding Plan

I’m going to start with a really quick one. You need a wedding plan. You will not save a penny on your wedding without a bullet-proof plan. A schedule that you can work through, tick off, and understand where you’re up to at all times. By sticking to a solid wedding plan, you’ll avoid over-spending and use your time much more effectively.

Don’t know where to start with your wedding plan? As part of my planning packages, I provide a personalised timeline, budget tracker and Trello board. Which, together, are certain to make your journey to the big day, a lot more successful, cheaper and stress-free.

Go Off-Season

Want to save serious money on your wedding? Host it midweek, or outside of ‘wedding season‘. You’d be amazed at the difference in price a Saturday wedding in June is, compared to a Wednesday wedding in March. Depending on the venue, we’re talking thousands.

Buy In-season Flowers & Food

Unless you have your heart set on a certain bloom, or you can’t imagine tying the knot without a particular dish being served. Select things that are in-season. Choosing locally grown flowers, fruit, and vegetables will offer considerable savings, and be better for the environment.

Hire a Wedding Planner

Unless you have a good accountant, the idea of spending money to save money may seem a little alien. But, speaking completely impartially, hiring a professional wedding planner should save you money. They will trim down the time it takes to get tasks finished, they’ll coordinate exclusive deals on your behalf, and they’ll make sure you only spend on the things you should.

Save on Stationery & Use a Wedding Website

The cost of a full wedding invitation package, plus save the dates, is staggering. Ok, having them created is really exciting and a lovely memento for you and your family. But if you want to cut costs, a wedding website will certainly save you money.

Whether you design it yourself (which is easy), or get someone like me to make it for you (which is even easier!), you’ll have all the information you need to share in one beautiful space. A space that your guests can RSVP their attendance with, select meal options on, and generally share some love for your big day.

Rent Your Dress

Your bridal gown could cost up to £3000, not including alterations. That’s a huge chunk of your budget. Save that money by renting a wedding dress for the day, instead of handing over thousands for a big brand bridal. You could be walking down the aisle in a designer style for less than £600, including the dry-cleaning.

Find a No Corkage Fee Venue

Having an open bar is a luxury we all love at a wedding, but it doesn’t come cheap. When comparing the alcohol prices provided by your wedding venue to that of your local supermarket, you may be thinking there’s a fortune to be saved by stocking the bar yourself. However, most venues charge a fee for every bottle brought and opened on the premises. Which, if your gang like a drink, can really add up.

By finding a venue without a corkage fee, you’ll be able to bring in as much cheap soft drinks and alcohol as you choose. Without worrying about a nasty bill at the end of the night.

Keep the Guest List Small

A big trend during the pandemic was elopements and micro-weddings. Tiny celebrations with fewer than 50 people in attendance. The popularity for this trend has not diminished, with couples loving the ability to party with just the people they really care about.

A smaller wedding can certainly save you money. As the venue will be more intimate, they’ll be fewer people to feed and there’s generally less costs when the guest count is small. By trimming the numbers, you’ll not only be able to offer VIP’s a cosier experience, but also a more luxurious one. Because why not pass on some of those savings to your loved ones, and treat them to a really delicious meal.

I hope you’ve found this post useful, and maybe even got your wedding budget back on track. It would be a pleasure to help you further, and offer personalised money-saving advice as your wedding planner! Anne Marie Loves can offer you the essential help and guidance you require to plan the wedding of your dreams, at a price that’s attainable to those with small budgets.

Please take a moment to look through my various wedding planning packages. If you have any questions about the services I provide, or you’re wondering if we’re a good match, why not book a no obligation, free Zoom chat. A wonderful way to get to know each other a little bit, and help you understand if I’m the right planner for your big day.