Weddings are back and more expensive than ever.
Because thats the case, other options are also getting booked and pushing prices up.
Thats up 12.5% from pre-pandemic levels.
Getty Images
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
But weve got dozens of ways to save money on your wedding.
So start by creating a short list of must haves for your big day.
Be willing to compromise or think outside the box on everything else.
Ready to create a beautiful celebration of love without the financial heartache?
Here are our 90 best expert tips on how to save money on every aspect of your wedding day.
Here are a few ways to save money on the bling.
If a traditional diamond ring is in your plan, be savvy when you go jewelry shopping.
you’ve got the option to always remount the diamond into another mounting in the future.
Ask to take a look at a jewelers faux offerings, such as cubic zirconia ormoissanite.
But what if diamonds real or fake arent your style?
If you need a little nontraditional inspiration, check out offerings from small vendors on Etsy and Shopify.
You may find handmade jewelry you love for a perfect price.
Venues and Vendors
Venues tend to be the most expensive part of a wedding.
Expect it to make up about 30% of your overall budget.
Heres how to save on the ceremony, the venue and the vendors.
Not every wedding reception needs to be in a big hall.
Thinking outside the box can save you big bucks.
And it was gorgeous!
Other non-traditional venues include restaurants, breweries or vacation houses.
When viewing venues, take note of their furniture and tabletop styles, said event planner Sacha Patires.
Looking for a unique all-in-inclusive experience on a budget?
Companies across the country now offer to bring the party to you.
The Wedding Wagon in Las Vegas will come to you.
All you need is $129 to seal the deal with a witness and photos.
Buying from individual vendors may be more cost-effective than buying a package deal from your wedding venue.
Contact vendors directly to compare prices.
Got a recommendation from a friend?
When you contact a vendor, see to it to mention the friend who referred you.
There may be a referral discount (or a bonus for your friend).
Whether its a destination wedding or a backyard wedding, a planner can help make your vision a reality.
On average, you might expect to pay $1,600 to $1,800.
Not sure if you might afford a professional to plan your entire wedding?
Many offer supplemental help by the hour or day.
A super-organized friend with their own transportation and take-charge attitude is just as valuable as an expensive wedding planner.
Let this be your friends wedding gift to you, and put them in charge of wedding day logistics.
If youre getting married at a church where youre a member, call on its social groups.
Note, however, that these groups may ask for a small donation in exchange for their members time.
Use vendors that do more than one thing, said wedding planner Amy McNall of Unmistakably You.
Think about a florist who also rents linens, or a wedding planner who offers decor installation.
Skip clergy or justice of the peace fees by having a friendofficiateyour wedding ceremony.
ensure your selected officiant is comfortable with public speaking!
And treat them to a kind gift for their services.
If you have fewer wedding guests than the guaranteed number, youll be paying for empty seats.
This number equates to money at times, lots of money.
Speaking of guest lists, youll save a bundle by inviting a smaller crowd.
If you have a guest count of 200 people, thats 20 tables of 10.
That means five fewer centerpieces that you should probably have, and 50 fewer meals and bar tabs.
How do you decide who makes the cut?
When you plan your budget, dont forget to factor in gratuities.
Some of these will be spelled out in your contracts, like that of your wedding venue or caterer.
But dont forget those smaller gratuities.
Getting your hair done at the salon?
Getting chauffeured for the day?
Trim wedding costs by choosing an unusual time and date for your big day.
You may get a better deal booking a weekday wedding instead of a Saturday or Sunday.
More venues are offering this option as a way to meet demand and earn extra revenue.
With so many backlogged weddings, there really isnt an off season anymore.
If you could find a venue with availability, youll likely pay top dollar in October.
Invitations
Wedding invitations are surprisingly expensive.
Heres how to trim costs.
Cutting these early notices could save you $100 or more and thats before the cost of postage.
To save money on your wedding, email your save-the-date reminders to friends and family instead.
Calligraphyis trendy, but hand-lettered envelopes can cost $3 each.
Instead, solicit your wedding party or family members to help you address invitations.
It makes sense to save money on the piece that people discard right away.
Got design chops and want to craft your own wedding invitations?
you’re free to check out websites likedafont.comandabstractfonts.comfor free or donation-based typeface styles.
Thermography can be an affordable alternative to engraving.
While the methods differ, that look of raised ink is almost identical.
Enlisting a graphic designer can help save costs, too.
Not sure how to find a designer?
Check Etsy or even Fiverr: Most printable suites cost under $100 if you request minimal edits.
Dreading buying stamps for your invitations, response cards and thank yous?
Go digital by checking out a wedding website likeJoy,Paperless PostorGreenvelope.
Postal Service hates square envelopes.
Those cents add up quickly!
Tissue in invitations is a thing of the past.
Use a postcard for each guests response instead of a card with an envelope.
Photography
Here are a few ways to save money on snaps and videos.
Working with an up-and-coming wedding photographer instead of a pro can save you big money.
Find one through friends, social media or even Craigslist.
check that to check out their online portfolio of prior work.
Photographer Dorie Hagler advised against hiring a studio that seems too inexpensive to be true.
Its better to hire a local newspaper photographer, she said.
They show up early, stay late and they know how to cover an event.
Many high-end wedding photographers were newspaper photographers first.
If youre expecting fewer than 100 guests, one photographer should suffice.
Many photographers offer hourly blocks to fit all sorts of occasions.
Dont pay for a pricey album if you’re free to avoid it.
Want to capture big moments, but dont want to pay big bucks for a videographer?
Invite your guests to contribute videos through a wedding website likeWeddingMix.
Guests can use their phones or personal cameras and snap away.
Flowers, Decor and Favors
Weddings and flowers pretty much go hand in hand.
However, supply chain issues and high demand are raising prices across the floral industry.
Here are a few ways to get the blooms and decorations at a fraction of the price.
Let your setting shine on its own.
You dont need a beautiful centerpiece on every single table.
Your guests wont mind, we promise.
In lieu of large centerpieces, you’re free to fill overhead space.
you’re free to also make your bridesmaids bouquets perform double duty.
After the ceremony, have the bridesmaids set their flowers into vases on each table.
These tables will be highly visible during your celebration and will likely be photographed the most.
Check out listings and post your own request onKijijior Craigslist, McNall recommended.
Once-used linens and decor can often be found for prices that beat the cost of renting.
If youre planning on making back some money by reselling your newly purchased decor, dont hold your breath.
Instead, skip buying new and rent decorations, said wedding planner Jennifer Taylor.
Wedding publications can drive an interest in a trendy flower, like a peony.
Local blooms that are in season by your wedding date are usually the least expensive.
Work with your florist and select flowers that are in season.
They will look better and will save you money.
McNall recommended exploring vendors who work in events but arent always swamped with weddings.
Yes, renting wedding flowers for your big day is an option.
After the event, you’re free to return them to the florist for resale.
Got a flair for gardening?
Enjoy your blooms longer than just the wedding day.
Plus, you get to keep your bouquet forever.
You may even want to save expired coupons some stores will still honor them.
you could tell your out-of-town guests about your favorite places without spending money on supplies.
Skip the wedding favors, Lutkus said.
They are cute, but what do guests really do with them after the wedding?
Wedding favors are often more stressful than they are useful.
Instead, invite guests to take home centerpieces or decorations.
Wedding Attire
Many brides fork over big money to score that perfect dress.
Here are a few smart ways to save money on bride and groom attire.
Youre only going to wear this dress once.
If youre trying to save money on your wedding, consider buying a dress second-hand.
Some bridal shops even feature a section of pre-worn gowns.
You might need to spend money on tailoring, but the upfront savings will almost certainly offset those costs.
you might likely find a less expensive seamstress elsewhere.
Want a super-simple dress?
Check out bridesmaids dresses in white or ivory shades instead of traditional wedding gowns.
They are much less expensive than wedding dresses, but can be made simple and elegant with bridal accessories.
Itissort of a wedding rule, after all.
Before you purchase a gown, think about weddings that youve been to recently.
This can result in a big bill.
Since youll likely only wear your veil during the ceremony, save a bundle by choosing an inexpensive style.
Or ditch the veil altogether.
Just because its your big day doesnt mean you have to wear everything fresh out of the box.
If youre sporting a long dress, your feet wont have a starring role anyway.
If you must have new shoes, wait for a sale.
Youll be able to wear those suits for as long as they fit.
Want the formality of a tuxedo without the price tag?
Borrow one from a friend or family member (just double-check the fit is right).
Jewelry
Its more than just the engagement ring.
Wedding bands and other accessories also play a role on your big day.
Here are the best ways to save and sparkle at the same time.
White gold may be popular and traditional, but it isnt essential.
Alternative-metal rings can be much less expensive than traditional white gold, and may even be more durable.
Contributing your own metal for your wedding bands could help save on costs.
One idea is asking friends and family to donate their old gold to an environmentally friendly jeweler.
it’s possible for you to usually get two wedding bands this way for less than $150.
Check with your mom or grandma to find somevintage costume jewelrythat fits your style.
Choose versatile bride and bridesmaid jewelry.
Bridal Party
Having a large bridal party can make your wedding budget skyrocket.
From transportation costs to bridesmaids bouquets, its important to limit your expenses as much as possible.
Dont feel pressured to have a huge wedding party.
Keeping it small or skipping attendants altogether can offer major cost savings, said event planners Arreguin and Burton.
Need to transport your bridal party or family?
Ask limousine, trolley or bus companies if they offer rates by the hour or by the day.
Looking for a more subdued method of transport?
Contact sedan companies that specialize in corporate transportation.
They may be willing to contract out a few Lincoln Town Cars for your big day.
Only need to go a short distance with your group?
Consider borrowing a friends SUV to shuttle the bridal party and family.
Black is universally flattering and you wont end up with differing shades.
A brides makeup can cost over $100.
Food and Drink
You cant have a wedding without food and drinks.
But catering costs are expensive.
The Knot estimates that food and alcohol takes up about 25% of your wedding budget.
Seated, plated dinners are the most expensive option for catering.
Consider other dining options like buffets, family-style stations or heavy appetizers.
The cocktail hour typically gives the wedding party and family time to take portraits.
Thinking of having a buffet?
Ask to use seven-inch plates rather than the standard 10-inch dinner plates.
Ask your caterer or venue if meals can be served family style.
Family-style serving makes the food a focal point as well as a way to start conversation.
With this model, you pay for whats eaten, rather than how many guests attend.
Its a great way to minimize your wedding spending.
Instead of spending money on expensive appetizers, simple cheese and fruit platters might very well suffice.
Bringing your own food can help you save big if your venue allows it.
Your reception doesnt need to include a full meal for all your guests.
Her top pick: a 2 p.m. champagne toast and cake reception.
A brunch wedding is another option.
Liquor can really eat up your wedding budget.
But you may not want to nix alcohol altogether.
Instead of an open bar, try opting for a signature cocktail or two.
It can save you thousands of dollars while adding a nice personal touch.
To save money on booze, consider sticking to beer and wine only.
Kegs of beer at a wedding can keep costs low.
Determined to have an open bar?
There are still ways you’re free to keep alcohol costs down.
Use only house brands of liquor, said Lenderman.
Most of your guests will not notice, and the cost difference between house brands and premiums is tremendous.
it’s possible for you to also ask the bartender to ban shots, which can add up quickly.
And then theres champagne.
Consider switching out the fancy stuff with cheap bottles of Andre.
Youll save at least $20 per bottle and your guests wont care.
It doesnt have to be bubbly.
Dessert
Like all things wedding-related, cake costs will vary.
Heres how to get creative so you could have your wedding cake and eat it too.
It might sound counterintuitive, but this is a smart savings strategy.
Order a small decorative cake for the cake-cutting ceremony, advised Stacey Leon of Butterfly Bakeshop in New York.
And have a sheet cake in the back that can be cut for serving guests.
Dont let those slices go to waste!
By letting guests serve themselves, only those who truly want to enjoy dessert will take a slice.
And in doing so, youll be able to order less cake.
Most florists have extra flowers on hand after decorating, so discuss this option with your floral provider.
Cookies and ice cream is another great choice.
These options will be cheaper than a traditional cake.
Music
After the ceremony, its time to cut loose.
Do you want a live band or a DJ at your reception?
Or do you want both?
Weve got ways to keep costs down.
Load up your smartphone or laptop with playlists for each part of your wedding.
Then designate a friend or family member to grab the mic during special announcements and monitor the music.
Be sure to ask your venue about hookup equipment, speakers and the like.
Talented guests can help provide entertainment.
Have a friend with an amazing voice?
Or maybe a brother whos a great musician?
Ask them to provide some live entertainment for free or at a deep discount.
you could also contact your local colleges music department to ask about students who play at events.
They cost less than professional musicians and are often eager for the experience.
Dont live near a college or university?
Look up local music teachers and see if they have any top students to recommend.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
Lisa Rowan is a former staff writer.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
