Budget Wedding Tips: How to Save Money on Your Dream Wedding

Planning a wedding can be exciting, but with the average wedding cost nearing $30,000, it can also feel overwhelming. If you're dreaming of a beautiful celebration but need to stick to a budget, don't worry! There are plenty of ways to reduce wedding expenses without sacrificing style. Follow these simple budget wedding tips and make your dream day a reality without breaking the bank.

1. Cut Wedding Costs with a Smaller Guest List

One of the biggest expenses in your wedding budget is the guest list. The more guests you invite, the bigger your venue needs to be, and the more you'll spend on food, drinks, rentals, and invitations. By keeping your guest count low, you can significantly reduce costs. For example, a $20,000 wedding looks very different when you're hosting 50 guests versus 150 guests. Consider inviting only your closest family and friends to keep your budget in check.

Photo by Aaron Clark Photography

2. Skip Wedding Favors and Save Money

Wedding favors may seem like a nice touch, but in reality, most guests forget to take them home, leaving you with leftovers and wasted money. If you do choose to give favors, make them edible—something guests can enjoy during the wedding, like personalized candies or cookies. Wedding favors typically cost $2–$5 per guest, and those small costs can quickly add up.

3. Save Money on Save-the-Dates

Save-the-date cards have become a common wedding trend in the past 10–15 years, but they can quickly add up in terms of printing, postage, and design. Instead of spending money on physical save-the-dates, consider sending a text, email, or quick message on social media to notify your guests. Unless you're planning a destination wedding, you can skip the save-the-date cards entirely and save money for other important wedding details.

4. A Smaller Wedding Party Can Save You Big Bucks

The size of your wedding party can also impact your budget. The larger your bridal party, the more you’ll spend on bouquets, boutonnieres, attire, hair, and makeup. For example, bridesmaid bouquets typically cost $50–$100 each, and boutonnieres can cost $15–$30. Consider having a smaller wedding party. I had a maid of honor and a best man, which kept costs down. If you want to include other friends, consider letting them get ready with you as a fun way to include them without the added expense.

5. Save Big by Shopping During Sales Events

Looking for wedding deals? Major sales events like Black Friday can be a goldmine for wedding supplies. While not everything will be discounted, you can find great deals on jewelry, wedding decor, and accessories. For example, I scored my wedding band on Amazon for just $30 (down from $50) and saved 20% on wedding sparklers. Keep an eye out for deals on decor items like charger plates, table runners, and other wedding essentials.

6. Shop Smart: Buy Wedding Decor on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a treasure trove of affordable wedding decor. I found amazing deals on lanterns and table runners that were in excellent condition. After the wedding, I was able to sell the items again, which helped me recoup some of the costs. Shopping secondhand or reselling your decor after the wedding is a great way to save money and be environmentally conscious.

7. Find Affordable Wedding Dresses and Accessories

Wedding dresses can be one of the most expensive parts of your wedding budget. Many bridal shops have dresses starting at $1,800 or more. To save money, look for trunk shows or off-the-rack sales, where you can find discounted wedding dresses. Trunk shows offer discounts on new collections, while off-the-rack sales give you the dress you try on in-store, helping you avoid expensive custom orders and special sizing fees. You can also find affordable veils and accessories on Amazon and Etsy, often at a fraction of the price you'd pay at a bridal shop.

8. Cut Costs on Veils and Accessories

Bridal veils at traditional bridal stores can cost upwards of $500! Instead of paying this hefty price, consider looking for beautiful veils and accessories on Amazon or Etsy. These online marketplaces offer gorgeous options at a fraction of the cost, allowing you to complete your wedding look without overspending.

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be a financial burden. By keeping your guest list small, cutting costs on non-essential items like wedding favors, and shopping smart, you can plan a beautiful, memorable celebration without spending a fortune. With these budget wedding tips, you can achieve a stunning wedding that reflects your style—without the hefty price tag. Check out my post about creating a realistic budget to utilize your funds effectively. As your wedding planner, I'll help you utilize your budget to help you create your dream wedding for less! Message me here to book my full planning services and become a Southern Belle Bride today!