Your big day may be priceless to you, but could practically be costly. According the research site The Wedding Report, their surveys concluded the average cost of US weddings in 2023 was more than $30,000-up from 3% in 2022.1
However, weddings don't have to equal big bills. These 14 tips can help you spend less without sacrificing special memories.
1. Create a wedding budget
It's not the most romantic part of the wedding planning, but it's important to set and stick to a budget at the beginning of the process. Make sure to include any family (or friends who have offered to provide services, such as photography, as their gift) who are contributing financially to figure out the max you can spend.
The most common wedding expenses are the wedding dress and tuxedo, entertainment, food, the venue, and decorations.1 Other cost to consider are photography, the cake, invitations, and hair and make-up.
Don't forget to budget for your honeymoon, too. You can put costs, such as flights or hotel stays, on your registry. A honeymoon fund lets guests' financial gifts go straight to the costs of your trip.
2. Plan for the unexpected
As you're setting your budget, don't forget to build in a buffer so you're prepared for any last-minute expenses, whether they're from extra wedding-dress alternations, an issue with catering, or having to replace wilted flowers.
You can also consider wedding insurance. Benefits vary by policy but can protect you financially if people are injured or if your venue is damaged during your ceremony or reception, as well as reimburse you if your wedding is unexpectedly canceled or postponed. Depending on what coverage you choose, wedding insurance typically costs between $100-$1,000.2
3. Pick the right date and time
In 2023, the typical wedding venue cost more than $13,000.3 You may be able to reduce the cost by picking a less popular date. Wedding venues often give discounted rates during their "off season," which is usually December and February, although it varies by location. Peak wedding season, when you're likely to see the highest prices, is usually June through September.
Similarly, not getting married on a Saturday may offer some added savings. In addition to providing cheaper venue rates, a weekday wedding may help your guests save on travel costs, even if they have to sacrifice some vacation time. Keep in mind, if you choose to have your wedding on a weekday, be prepared for more guests to decline your invitation. If that doesn't bother you, you'll save even more with a smaller guest list.
4. Look into nontraditional venues
You don't have to marry at city hall or have your wedding in a religious space to save on venue fees. Consider unconventional spaces that offer smaller fees. Outdoor spots (like public parks and beaches), vacation rentals (if permitted by the property owner), museums, and breweries and distilleries are options to consider.
5. Be thoughtful about the guest list
Outside of the venue, how many guests you have can make the biggest impact on the overall cost of your wedding. Once you and your partner have agreed on whom to invite, consider your guidelines about kids and plus-ones. You might decide to make your wedding adults only or limit your plus-one invitations.
6. Go digital with your invitations
Between save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and day-of stationery (such as menus and place cards), couples spent an average of $530 on wedding stationery in 2023.4 To cut paper costs, consider mailing just one invitation per household with instructions to RSVP online. You'll save even more if you use digital invitations and mail physical invitations only to friends and relatives you know will treasure them.
Not only can this drastically shrink what you spend on stationery and postage, but it will reduce your paper waste and streamline your RSVPs. Instead of tallying individual responses, for example, you can collect them in a spreadsheet.
7. Rethink your wedding attire
If you probably won't wear your wedding garments after the big day, you may be able to save by renting them. Wedding dresses, tuxedos or suits, and accessories can be expensive. Calculate the cost for buying versus renting to determine which is the best option for you.
If you prefer your own wedding dress, tuxedo or suit, consider buying secondhand or vintage ones.
The dress you marry in doesn't have to be a "wedding dress". Choose what you like, no matter how it's labeled. Oftentimes, dresses not labeled "wedding" are less costly.
8. Plan out your alterations
Tailoring and alterations cost more when you pay rush fees. Try on your wedding garments far in advance to avoid last-minute trips to the tailor or seamstress. It's a smart idea to have a fitting 2 to 4 months before your wedding to make any big alterations, and another final fitting two weeks before for small and easy adjustments.
9. Go green with your flowers
The average couple spent $2,600 on their wedding floral arrangements in 2023.1 You can save green by going green. Branches and ornamental grasses are cheaper and trendy.
You can also save by finding ways to repurpose your flowers throughout the day. Bridesmaids' bouquets can double as table centerpieces, and flowers from the ceremony can be brought to the reception for the welcome table.
10. Choose cost-effective meal options
Food can be a bulk of your wedding budget. Skipping more expensive foods, such as filet mignon or fresh seafood, in favor of cheaper cuts or chicken can help keep costs under control. You may also save by offering a buffet or family-style dining instead of individual plates.
If you choose individual plates, you can cut costs by making guests choose their meals ahead of time. You can also plan to limit your meals to one or two choices, including vegetarian and vegan options.
You can also save by ditching fine China for your meals, and instead opt for high-end disposable tableware, which can run as low as just a couple of dollars per person but look much pricier.
11. BYOB
In 2023, newlyweds spent an average of $2,800 on alcohol for their weddings.5 Alcohol is not a necessity. However, if you choose to factor it into your cost, consider restricting drink options to only beer and wine, or limit liquor to a signature cocktail, or opt for a cash bar.
If your venue allows outside drinks, you could also buy your own beer, wine, or liquor at warehouse clubs to rack up wholesale discounts.
12. Get creative with your wedding dessert selections
If you like big wedding cakes, be ready for a big bill. In 2023, the average cost was $516.1 One option for saving is to buy a smaller cake to cut as newlyweds, then serve a sheet cake, cupcakes, or cake pops to guests.
13. Be selective with your entertainment
Everyone wants to enjoy the wedding reception, and one of the best additions is a live band, or even a DJ. Both can be costly—live bands averaging $2,700 and DJs $1,000.1
Music and your selections can add a personalized touch to your wedding. Music for your first dance, music for the overall mood and tone. To save money, consider the number of musicians and length of time you'll need them if you choose to make this form of entertainment an addition to your wedding.
14. Get creative with your photography
A picture may be worth 1,000 words, but a wedding photographer will cost about $2,300.1 To save money while still preserving memories of your wedding and reception, shop around to find the best photographer who will fit your wants and needs. Ask if they offer wedding packages and deals. If you plan to have a photo booth, don't outsource the fun to a company. Instead, bring your own props (or buy or download cutouts online) and set up a camera or photo-enabled device.