Ready to learn about things to cut to save money on your wedding? Not sure where to start? This is the post for you!
Here’s the thing. We all know that there are tons of ways to save money on our weddings. Yes, we can negotiate. We can barter. We can shop sales and look for deals. But, at the end of the day, the easiest way to save money, with the least amount of effort, is to cut certain things altogether. Of course, some things can’t be removed, but others can.
There are definitely things to cut to save money on your wedding. And, here’s the secret when it comes to omitting items from your wedding. If it’s important to you, don’t get rid of it. Find a way to negotiate, barter, and shop sales. If it’s not important, cut it. Decide what’s worth your money and effort ahead of your wedding, and never feel pressure to spend on things that are not your priority. More on that as we get into it.
15 Things To Cut To Save Money On Your Wedding
This post will share fifteen things to cut to save money on your wedding. This list is geared towards items that will have minimal or no impact on your guest’s experience at your wedding. In short, they will not be missed if they are not present. However, if anything on this list is important to you, or a high priority, don’t cut it. Keep it and cut something else to save money. Your wedding, your way.
Let’s get into it!
1. REAL FLOWERS
Oh, real flowers. How we love you so. You’re beautiful, you smell good, and you’re just perfect at weddings.
However, you come with a cost. And for that, you need to be first on the list of things to cut to save money on your wedding.
The thing with flowers is that they are finicky. They require special handling, care, and preparation. Flowers need to be kept in certain temperatures, and they have to be arranged in special ways. Plus, it’s all time sensitive. And, if you want flowers that are out of season or are sourced far from your wedding’s location, there’s a charge for that. It’s a whole thing.
If you can stomach it, cut real flowers from your wedding. Or, at least drastically limit the ones you will use. Need alternatives or ideas for real flowers? Check out this post.
2. A NEW VEIL
Am I going there? Yes, yes, I am.
Look, I had a new veil at my wedding. I loved it. And, it cost a lot of money for what it actually provided. I can’t even find my veil right now. It’s sad, and it bothers me. But I digress.
Here’s the thing with veils. They are beautiful, but they kind of are a dime a dozen. Maybe you don’t totally cut the veil out of your wedding, but you may want to look for options. For example, you could borrow a friend’s veil. Or, look for a second-hand veil. You could save hundreds of dollars and if you ever lose it (ahem), it won’t be so bad.
3. PHYSICAL INVITATIONS
Honestly, I used to scoff at the thought of digital invitations. I thought that weddings had to have physical invites, and anything otherwise was tacky.
Oh, how times have changed.
With the pandemic, when weddings were being postponed multiple times, digital became a very acceptable way to go. And it’s stuck. Not only are digital invitations way more cost effective, but they are easier to keep track of and update. Save on postage, save on paper, and save on time, too.
4. PHYSICAL RSVP’S
Let’s keep the things to cut to save money on your wedding, paper-wise, going.
Physical RSVP’s are the perfect thing to cut, even if you are sending physical invitations. Just make your guests RSVP online. Or, if they are old school, have them call you to tell you if they are coming and you can enter in their RSVP online for them. Again, you’ll save on postage, paper, and time. Plus, your guests won’t have to walk to their mailbox. Win, win.
5. FANCY WEDDING TRANSPORTATION
Are you thinking of arriving at your wedding in a limo? A horse drawn carriage? Or in a Rolls Royce?
Let’s explore all that for a second.
Chances are that you’re arriving to your wedding hours ahead of your guests. Maybe you’re getting ready there. You’re likely going to take some photos there. Yes, arriving in stye is fun and all, but no one will actually see you show up. So, save your money. Take an uber or – gasp – drive yourselves. Same for when you leave. Be practical.
6. A HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST
I’ll preface this by stating that there was no freaking way I was going to do my own hair and makeup at my wedding.
However, I did have some talented friends who would have done the job if I hadn’t found my fantastic, and very affordable, HMA (hair and makeup artist).
Look, you do you here. If you want a glam squad, hire one. If you don’t really care, keep it simple. Ask a friend to help out, or do your own hair. You don’t have to spend a ton on your hair and makeup if it’s not that important to you. End of story.
7. NEW ACCESSORIES
For some, shopping a really fun activity. Pairing it with an actual excuse to shop, like your upcoming wedding, is even more fun.
Resist the urge to buy new accessories before your wedding. There is nothing wrong with borrowing a necklace from a friend. Or wearing a tie you already own. Same goes for bracelets, earrings, socks, and shoes. If you can cut out new items, you’ll save money on your wedding overall.
8. BIG CENTERPIECES
I know that Pinterest loves to play up big, elaborate centerpieces, but there is no rule out there that says you have to have them at your wedding.
In fact, big centerpieces are a super easy thing to cut to save money on your wedding. Small centerpieces mean less effort, materials, and time. Plus, small centerpieces are easier to set up and take to and from your wedding. They are even easier to design and put together on your own, eliminating the need to hire a professional to put together your centerpieces. When on doubt, go small.
9. A SECOND SHOOTER
Do you know what a second shooter is? It’s a second photographer. The one who is able to capture what the first photographer misses.
Look, a second shooter is a luxury. If you don’t have one, yes, there will be some items that will not be captured on your wedding day. However, every single guest has a phone in their pocket. If you’re really concerned about having lots and lots of photos, ask guests to take them. Save your money.
10. AN OPEN BAR
You know thing to cut to save money on your wedding day that will really not make a difference to guests? An open bar.
Open bars mean that you’re spending more money on booze. And materials, garnishes, and creation of drinks. You may even have to hire a bartender just to deal with it. If you want to save money, and effort, keep your wedding to just wine and beer. You can even still have signature drinks, as found in this post about beer drinks and this one about wine drinks.
11. PROGRAMS
Are programs a thing? Not sure what I’m talking about?
Programs are little pamphlets found at weddings that have all the details. They lay out the agenda for the day, things guests should know, and added information. These days, most weddings omit them because they are effort to make and they do cost money to print. Plus, guests often toss them after the wedding.
My suggestion if you want to share information with guests? Make one sign, or put it on your website.
12. A WEDDING CAKE
Okay, yes, I’m going to talk about wedding cakes.
And look, I love cakes. I love wedding cakes. If you really want a wedding cake, have one. They can be so beautiful, and a total focal point of a wedding. I know I loved ours.
That said, wedding cakes are the most expensive type of dessert you can serve at your wedding. They are harder to make than cupcakes, and they require skill, expertise, special transportation, and a lot of care to get right. You will pay for all of these elements just to have the cake at your wedding. If you want to save money on your wedding cut the cake. Serve cupcakes, or other desserts. It will be okay.
13. LATE NIGHT SNACK
I know that for some of you, serving a late night snack is near and dear to your heart. And for good reason. Who doesn’t love a late night snack after spending the previous few hours dancing and drinking?
Well, here’s the thing. Even though late night snacks are popular and fun, they are such an easy thing to cut to save money on your wedding. At least, cut the elaborate spread. If you want to serve some very light snacks, like pretzels, popcorn, or chips, have fun with that. But the big spread with hot and fresh food? Feel free to cut it out.
14. FAVORS
For some, favors are essential. For most, though, they are an easy thing to cut to save money on your wedding.
The truth about favors is that if they are not at your wedding no one will miss them. And, chances are, you already have stuff going on at your wedding that can serve as a favor. Maybe you have a photo booth happening. Or you have some cookies to-go after the wedding. See if you can double up with something guests are already taking so you don’t have to spend extra money on favors.
15. A LONG WEDDING DAY
Okay, so this isn’t really something that you cut from your wedding, but hear me out.
A long wedding day means that you will spend extra money. You’ll have staff that needs to be paid longer. More drinks to be served. A venue that will charge you for the extra time. You may even have special pick up charges added to items that vendors will come and get after your wedding is over, like linens and elaborate florals.
Long story short, keep your wedding short. Depending on where you are located, this could be as short as four hours and still be seen as a pretty long wedding. Less time, less money.
THOUGHTS ON THINGS TO CUT TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
Friends, there are many things to cut to save money on your wedding day. It’s all about deciding what is important to you and your partner, and then eliminating away. No, you don’t have to cut the items you love. However, if you have a tight budget, you may need to compromise or be creative. You can do this. Happy wedding planning.
Want More Advice On Saving Money On Your Wedding From Hummingbird Wedding Advice? Check Out The Posts Below!
How To Save Money On Your Destination Wedding
How To Save Money On Your Wedding Hair & Makeup
Tips To Save Money On Your Wedding Gown
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