Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life but planning it can quickly become overwhelming—especially when you start adding up the costs. The average cost of a wedding can run into tens of thousands of dollars, which can feel overwhelming for couples already juggling financial priorities. The good news? A beautiful and memorable wedding doesn’t have to empty your bank account. With some creative thinking and thoughtful planning, you can celebrate your big day without the big debt.
Here are some realistic wedding budgeting tips to help you save without compromising on style or sentimentality:
1. Rethink the wedding party
A smaller wedding party isn’t just more intimate, it’s also easier on your budget. Fewer bridesmaids and groomsmen mean fewer outfits, gifts, and expenses like hair, makeup, transportation, and accommodation.
Alternatively, consider skipping a formal wedding party altogether to eliminate these costs entirely. Remember, your loved ones will still be at the event and can still play a key role and support you throughout the day.
2. Search for second-hand
Not everything needs to be brand new, and who better understand that like a former bride or groom. Join local wedding forums or search Facebook Marketplace which can be a treasure trove for lightly used goods at a fraction of the price including decorations, furniture and even wedding attire.
3. Skip the formal invitation
An expense that can often catch you buy surprise are the invitations. Typically, you might pay to send out a save-the-date followed by a formal invitation and, depending on how many guests you have, costs to print and post can creep into the hundreds.
Reduce costs and opt for a save-the-date postcard that directs guests to a wedding website. Not only will this halve your printing costs, but a website is any easy way to communicate event details and updates with your guests.
4. Simplify drinks
If your guests are known for being a rowdy bunch, then an open bar might not be a good option if you’re looking to save. Instead, ask your venue if they will allow you to provide your own alcohol. This means you can control what drinks are on offer and you might even be able to buy them on sale. Make sure to check the return policy of where you’re buying as you might be able to return any unopened drinks after the wedding.
Alternatively, ask the venue if they can offer one or two signature cocktails along with beer and wine. Guests still feel taken care of, but without the cost of an open bar.
5. Ditch the wedding favours
While wedding favours are a nice gesture, they can often go unnoticed or unused. Skipping them can save hundreds of dollars and avoid unnecessary waste. Your guests will appreciate the effort and thought you put into the day itself more than a token gift.
6. Cut down the guest list
This may be one of the hardest decisions, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to save money. Fewer guests mean fewer meals, drinks, and decorative rentals. Prioritise inviting the people who matter most to you and your partner to create a more intimate atmosphere.
7. Simplify decorations
A welcome wedding sign or even a seating chart might have made their way onto your Pinterest board, however guest may only notice these things for a few seconds before moving on. Skip the unnecessary details and instead focus on things that will have more impact.
8. Hire local talent
Instead of splurging on big-name photographers, caterers, or entertainers, consider hiring local talent or emerging professionals looking to build their portfolio. Many offer excellent services at a fraction of the cost.
9. Opt for off-peak
Choosing to have your wedding in an off-peak season such as summer or winter, or even on a weekday rather than a weekend can often reduce vendor costs as there is less demand for those seasons or days. If you’re looking to still have a fairytale wedding with all the bells and whistles, then choosing an off-peak wedding may be the best way to reduce costs.
10. Minimise florals
Fresh flowers can be expensive, especially if you’re using out-of-season blooms. Instead, save money by:
- Visiting a flower market to create your own bouquets.
- Using fewer statement flowers and more greenery.
- Trying dried flowers rather than fresh.
- Have smaller bouquets or opting for a single statement flower for bridesmaids.
11. Simplify the cake
A wedding cake can cost a small fortune, especially if there are many mouths to feed. To cut down the cost, order a smaller cake for display and the ceremonial cutting, and instead serve guests from a sheet cake. Guests won’t know the difference once the cake has been cut and your budget will thank you!
Or, skip the traditional wedding cake entirely and ask a family member or friend to make a cake or even cupcakes. These are often more sentimental, and chances are you know someone who is great at baking.
12. Dress for less
Most brides want to feel like a princess on their wedding day, but forking out thousands of dollars for a dress only worn once can be hard to justify if your budget is already stretched. Before purchasing a brand-new wedding dress, investigate alternative options such as:
- Hiring your wedding dress
- Buying a second-hand wedding dress.
- Choosing a formal non-bridal dress.
- Buying a cost-effective wedding dress from non-bridal retailer – there are plenty of options online!
Weddings are about celebrating your love and commitment, not about spending beyond your means. Remember, the most important thing is the memories you’ll make—not the money you’ll spend.
13. Skip the formal ceremony
Depending on your venue, a formal wedding ceremony can be one of the most expensive parts of your big day – from floral displays and backdrops, furniture hire, celebrants and music, it all adds up. A clever alternative is to get married at the registry office instead and host a celebration with friends and family afterwards.
Not only will this dramatically reduce your budget, but you’ll also avoid the awkward downtime where guests are left waiting after the ceremony while the couple takes photos.
This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice about this product based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances.
