It’s not every day that you get married to the love of your life, so people often go all out and spare no expense. But some of those dream weddings cost tens of thousands of dollars — money you could use to achieve your financial goals with your fiance!
Here are nine creative ideas to make your special day just as special without spending a significant chunk of your savings.
1. Save the Date in the Off-Season
Everyone wants to get married when the weather’s beautiful, the flowers are sprouting, and the birds are chirping. But did you know that all that is still possible on a Monday? Choosing a date not when everyone else is getting married, like in the winter or on a weekday, could save you a hefty amount on the venue.
2. Use Digital Invitations
Eschew paper invitations altogether and embrace the digital age! Digital invitations cost basically nothing to make. They’re also eco-friendly and often harder for your guests to lose than a paper copy (provided they aren’t constantly emptying their inbox daily).
3. Try Alternative Venues
Why not get married somewhere non-traditional, like your friend’s backyard or an art gallery? Alternative venues free up cash for other wedding expenses while making your wedding more unique and memorable!
4. Shop Second-Hand and Vintage
Second-hand wedding attire is definitely a thing. Whether you need a dress or a tux, you’d be surprised how likely you are to find something one-of-a-kind that you’ll absolutely love at your local thrift store.
5. Stay Flexible
If you want to save on your wedding, flexibility should be the name of the game. Being flexible on everything—the date, location, caterer, and florist—will make it easier for you to keep an open mind and pivot to something less expensive.
6. Something Borrowed, Something Borrowed, Something…Borrowed
Out with something new: borrow what you need from friends and family! They’ll most likely be thrilled to help by offering everything from servingware to decor. Either way, it never hurts to ask before overspending on something you’ll only use once.
7. Limit Your Guest List
We know that you people-pleasers are crawling in your skin right now. But let’s be honest with ourselves—inviting people out of obligation, even if you don’t want them at your wedding, is a waste of money. Don’t be afraid to hack away at your guest list and keep it intimate to keep the cost low.
8. Go the Minimalist Route
Focus on making a few key elements beautiful and streamlined rather than overwhelming everyone with glitz and glamor. It’s fun and exciting to be the maximalist who wants everything dripping in flowers or a wedding cake that nearly touches the ceiling. But it’s often not necessary, and a paired-down version does just fine for a fraction of the cost.
9. Try a Potluck Reception
This is a fantastic tip, especially for a more intimate wedding. Doing a potluck saves you a fortune on catering costs. You can also tell guests to bring a dish instead of a gift, making it a cheaper experience for everyone involved. It’s a heartwarming way to build community with your loved ones and save money simultaneously.
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