It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding in the United States is around $35,000 – and that’s not even including the honeymoon!
If you’re looking to save some money on your big day, there are plenty of ways to do it. From choosing a less popular wedding date to ditching unnecessary extras, here are 13 wedding hacks that will help you save time and money:
1. Create a separate email address
Creating a new email address specifically for your wedding planning will help you stay organized and avoid missing any important emails. Plus, it’s a great way to keep track of vendors and RSVPs.
2. Utilize a wedding website
A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed and up-to-date on all the latest wedding details. You can also use it to collect RSVPs, share photos, and even track your budget.
3. Don’t be afraid to delegate
There’s no need to try and do everything yourself – delegate tasks to family members and friends who are willing to help out. From addressing invitations to handling the music at the reception, there are plenty of things that can be taken care of by someone else.
4. Keep your wedding files in one place
Stay organized throughout the planning process by keeping all of your wedding-related files and documents in one place. This could be a physical folder or an electronic folder on your computer – just make sure you have a system that works for you.
5. Go seasonal
When it comes to flowers and food, choosing seasonal items can help you save money. Talk to your florist and caterer about what’s in season and see how you can incorporate those items into your wedding décor and menu.
6. Choose a BYO venue
Bring your own alcohol to the reception instead of opting for an open bar. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you know you have guests who won’t drink much. Just make sure you have enough for everyone!
7. Consider an external caterer
If you’re having your reception at a venue that doesn’t have its own catering service, you may want to consider using an external caterer. This can sometimes be cheaper than using the venue’s own catering service, and you’ll have more control over the menu.
8. DIY styling
Get creative with your wedding décor and try doing some DIY styling. There are plenty of easy and inexpensive ways to add your own personal touch to your big day, from making your own centerpieces to creating unique signage.
9. Choose a less-popular wedding date
If you’re flexible with your wedding date, consider choosing a date that’s less popular. Getting married on a Friday or Sunday, or even in the off-season, can often help you save money on your venue and other vendors.
10. Ditch any unnecessary extras
When it comes to wedding planning, it’s easy to get caught up in the details and start adding extras that you don’t really need. If you’re trying to save money, be ruthless with your wedding “must-haves” and ditch anything that isn’t absolutely essential.
11. Keep the kids occupied
If you have young children attending your wedding, make sure you have someone responsible for keeping them occupied during the ceremony and reception. This could be a family member or friend, or even a professional babysitter.
12. Have a wet weather plan sorted
If you’re having an outdoor wedding, it’s always a good idea to have a wet weather plan in place. This could involve hiring a marquee or setting up some tents, so that your guests will still have somewhere to go if it starts raining.
13. Remember what’s important
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember what your wedding is really about – celebrating your love for each other. So if things start to get stressful during the planning process, take a step back and remind yourself of what’s truly important.