Wedding Planning on a Budget: Money Saving Wedding Tips You Can Count On
Got a small wedding budget? Think wedding planning on a budget is difficult? It doesn't have to be. With proper planning and by implementing a few frugal wedding tips, you can have a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank.
21 Money Saving Wedding Tips:
1. Cut the guest list, this will have the biggest impact on your wedding budget.
2. Do not have a large number of bridesmaids and attendants.
3. Don’t spend a fortune on wedding printables and invitations, engraving, lined envelopes or hand calligraphy. People spend about 10 seconds looking at the invite.
4. Do not purchase floral centerpieces. There are many elegant alternatives (slashing flowers costs is key to wedding planning on a budget).
5. Don’t have a desert bar in addition to wedding cake. That’s just an “upsell” and no one will miss it.
6. Don't spend money on special toasting flutes or a serving set, borrow them or use whatever the Don’t have a desert bar in addition to wedding caterer provides.
7. Don't purchase an expensive wedding cake topper, borrow one or use fresh or frosting flowers.
8. Nix the open bar and serve punch and a limited selection of beer and wine, most people will be fine with this. Cutting bar costs is very important for wedding planning on a budget.
11. Do use the flowers and decorations for the ceremony at the reception, or if you're having a church wedding, split the cost for flowers and decorations with other couples getting married the same day.
12. Do keep your wedding day timeline for the reception to 4 hours. Have a 1 hour cocktail hour and a 3 hour reception, not a 5 hour event (the longer the event, the bigger your wedding budget will need to be).
13. Do have your wedding during off-season (varies by region).
14. Do have your wedding on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon.
15. Do have a Saturday afternoon wedding and then go out dancing later with friends. Saturday evening weddings cost more. Best wedding planning on a budget tip? Have a Saturday morning wedding and serve brunch food at the reception.
16. Do not spend a fortune on wedding attire. Buy an off the rack wedding dress, evening gown or previously worn wedding dress. Made to order dresses from bridal shops are more expensive, but not necessarily more beautiful.
17. Do skip the expensive designer wedding shoes. No one will notice or care and you can dress up plain shoes with shoe clips.
18. Do borrow the bridal jewelry, handbag, wrap, and petticoat or slip (if your dress needs it).
19. Do have the groom wear a nice suit he owns already instead of renting a tux, and borrow cufflinks, pocket square and a tie if you need to.
20. Do have a "casual" wedding. Casual in wedding attire etiquette speak is cocktail attire. Formal wedding attire = expensive wedding.
21. Do not rent a limousine, have a friend or family member with a cool car drive you to the ceremony and the reception, or only bring the car for pictures. You can arrange a taxi from the reception to the wedding night hotel.
The Ultimate Budget Bride: Lisa Spooner saved almost 90% on her wedding, now she helps others save big money.
Wedding planning on a budget does not mean you should be cheap (yes, "cheap" in a bad way). Use the money saving wedding tips above to slash costs, but don't be overly frugal about everything.
Cut the guest list if you must, but don't be cheap out on certain line items in your wedding costs breakdown.
7 Wedding Goods & Services NEVER to Cheap Out On
Wedding photography. Having quality pictures that will last you a lifetime is what will help you remember that special day
Gifts for attendants, family and loved ones who volunteered services. Your attendants and volunteers spent a lot of time and expense (especially bridesmaids) to participate in your wedding. Show them you appreciate everything they’ve done for you
Services that add to your guests’ comfort. Valet service, fans for the heat, heaters for the cold, comfortable seating, attended (or at least clean) bathrooms, welcome baskets in hotel rooms… it’s the little things that make a difference. Your guests have put forth a great deal of effort, and sometimes a great deal of expense, to attend your wedding. Show appreciation
Delivery and pick-up service charges. Flower arrangements and wedding cakes are fragile and difficult to transport, if you or someone else picks them up to save a buck and they get damaged, you’re out of luck. Save yourself the stress
Waiter and clean-up services for DIY or at home weddings. It’s too much to ask a friend or family to do (even if they volunteer)
Wedding insurance. Certain venues may require wedding insurance, but even if it isn’t required, don’t risk it. If someone leaves your backyard wedding reception and gets in an accident because they drank too much, you’re responsible and homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it
Gratuities. A lot of people working your wedding work mostly for tips. Sometimes tips are included in your contract and sometimes they aren’t. Find out. Don’t cheap out on tipping, that’s just building a karma bomb for later in life
With some careful decision making early on, wedding planning on a budget can be simple.
See the individual goods & services sections of sane-wedding-planning.com for more frugal wedding tips and wedding budget planning ideas.
12. Do keep your 
