Weddings are magical, but they can also be a whirlwind of expenses. The average wedding cost for a Manhattan wedding is a cool $86k, while an average Idaho wedding is about $16k. But don’t let that intimidate you—planning a beautiful wedding on a budget is entirely possible. With smart decisions about where to splurge and where to save, you can have the day of your dreams while having plenty left over for the honeymoon. Whether you and your future spouse are paying, your parents, or a mix of both, let’s dive into some practical tips to help you navigate budgeting for this exciting journey to your wedding day and beyond.
Save: Guest list
The biggest lever you can pull to drastically reduce the cost of your wedding is limiting your guest list. This might seem impossible at first but consider the many benefits.
- Per plate costs: Catering is often priced per plate. At a typical plate cost of $150 per person, that’s $1,500 in savings for every 10 people you don’t invite.
- Invitations: The fewer on your list, the less you spend on invitations, especially if you plan to splurge there.
- Venue and rentals: Smaller guest lists lead to smaller venues, fewer rentals, and thousands in cost savings.
- Not enough time: Many couples with large weddings hardly have time to say hello to every guest and often end up missing out on their own expensive catering in an effort to get around to every table. Instead of feeling obligated to invite them to a potentially hectic day, why not visit your out-of-town cousins in the newlywed years of your wedding?
But how do you decide who to cut? Here’s an easy rule of thumb: If you haven’t spoken to or messaged with them in more than a year, don’t invite them. For coworkers, only consider inviting them if you regularly spend time together outside of work.
Pro Tip: Start with just your parents, grandparents, siblings, and a handful of your closest friends. Then, add the people in your life who will make the day more fun. Let the others know you had to make some tough choices for budget reasons, and make plans to see them after you return from your honeymoon.
Splurge: Photography and videography
Your wedding day will fly by, but high-quality photos and videos will preserve those memories for a lifetime. Investing in a good photographer and videographer ensures that the magic moments are captured beautifully.
- Photographer: Hire a professional whose style matches your vision. Look at portfolios and reviews to ensure they are worth the investment.
- Videographer: A well-made wedding video can capture the emotions and highlights of your day and is something that allows you to relive your day for years to come. If your budget allows, consider this an essential splurge.
- Packages: Some professionals offer bundled packages for both photography and videography, which can save money compared to hiring separately.
Memories fade, but photos and videos are forever. Splurging on a skilled photographer and videographer is worth every penny; just be sure to check out their work thoroughly in advance to avoid disappointment.
Save: Flowers and decorations
While flowers and decorations add to the aesthetic of your wedding, there are many ways to achieve a stunning look without overspending.
- Seasonal Flowers: Choose flowers that are in season to reduce costs. Alternatively, incorporate more greenery, which is typically less expensive than fresh flowers.
- DIY Decor: Pinterest is your best friend for DIY decoration ideas. Simple touches like fairy lights, candles, and hand-made centerpieces can be both beautiful and cost-effective.
- Reuse: Repurpose ceremony decorations for the reception. This minimizes waste and maximizes your budget.
Creative planning and DIY projects can help you save significantly on flowers and decorations without sacrificing style. This is a definite place to save in my books.
Splurge: The honeymoon
Did you know that couples who take a honeymoon and/or travel together regularly are more likely to be happily married? There is no better reason than to be sure you plan and take a honeymoon. Worried you can’t afford it? Consider these funding options:
- A honeymoon fund: Sites like Honeyfund make it easy to plan a great trip and share it as a gift registry. Wedding guests love being able to give the gift of a great experience and a lifetime of memories. While Honeyfund is fee-free, be sure to check the fine print of other services that charge 3-5% in fees or require guests to send you a Venmo payment (awkward!).
- Loyalty credit card programs: Most major airlines and hotel chains offer loyalty programs so you can earn points for flying or staying. On top of that, you can open a loyalty credit card that earns additional points by spending. You can earn points for spending on your wedding and your day-to-day life. Just be sure to use the card whenever you can and watch the points rack up.
- Travel deals: Sites like Travelzoo and Honeyfund are constantly looking for great deals on resorts, all-inclusive packages, and more. Start subscribing today to get deals delivered to your inbox every week!
Save: Favors and gifts
Wedding favors and gifts for the bridal party can add up quickly. Plus, depending on the favors, they may end up in the trash. Focus on meaningful but budget-friendly options.
- DIY Favors: Homemade treats or small DIY projects can be both personal and inexpensive and add a meaningful touch. For example, a cocktail kit with mini bottles of alcohol, mixers, and dried fruit. Maybe even a special glass.
- Practical Gifts: Consider useful gifts that guests will appreciate, like small potted plants, custom bookmarks, a bottle opener, or a breakfast kit for the next morning.
- Bulk Buying: Purchase items in bulk to get discounts. Websites like Etsy, Amazon, or Temu offer great deals for bulk wedding favors. For example, if you’re making a custom cocktail kit with a cocktail glass to boot, you can find bulk glasses on any of these websites.
Favors and gifts to your guests are a definite ‘save on’ item, in our opinion! Choose thoughtful, practical options that won’t strain your budget while still meeting the mark of being special.
The bottom line on where to splurge and save in your wedding budget
Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on your dream day. By choosing where to splurge and where to save, you can create a memorable and beautiful wedding that reflects your style and love story. These are just suggestions, so figure out what your specific splurge and save items are. Remember, the best parts of your wedding will be the moments you share with your loved ones.
Sara Margulis launched Honeyfund in 2006, leveraging her digital marketing expertise to revolutionize wedding gifting. Under her leadership, Honeyfund has shifted a generational trend away from household items and toward shared experiences, empowering 1.3 m couples to create and fund their honeymoons, distributing nearly $1 billion in gifts. As CEO of the popular honeymoon registry service, Sara is steering the company into its next phase as a life-long funding platform where couples can receive the support of friends and family for all of life’s milestones. Sara appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2014 and landed a partnership with Kevin O’Leary (‘Mr. Wonderful’). Sara also serves on the board of Sebastopol Charter School in her home town of Sebastopol, CA.
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