OK, thats cute,you might be thinking.

After all, who has nearly $30,000 to blow on one day especially in this economy?

The truth is, there are plenty of easy ways to save money on a wedding in 2023.

A couple embrace for a portrait on their wedding day.

Trying to afford your big day? Here’show to save money fast.

Youll need to be open-minded, creative and willing to compromise on a few things.

But with a little planning, you could throw a memorable wedding for much less than the national average.

Heres how to get started.

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12 Ways to Save Money on a Wedding in 2023

1.

Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.

This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.

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Go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you might easily return later.

Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.

Yourwedding budgetis your financial roadmap.

Think of it as a set of guardrails to rein you in from splurging and overspending.

A budget can also help you avoid starting your marriage off saddled with debt.

That number will be different for everyone.

Did you know?

Your budget should include sections for estimated costs and the prices you actually pay.

Make note of when initial deposits are made and when final payments are due.

Here are some big categories to keep in mind:

Not sure how much to budget for each category?

It made up roughly 30% of their budget, which averaged about $34,000.

Thinking outside the box and getting creative with your wedding site can help you save thousands of dollars.

For example, a backyard wedding may sound like a great way to avoid a pricey rental fee.

You may need to rent portable bathrooms for your guests and figure out where everyone will park, too.

But an intimatemicro-weddingis still a great way to save money in 2023.

How much does a micro-wedding cost?

However, every detail you add to your micro-wedding jacks up the cost.

Get thrifty by exploringused wedding dressesonline.

you could find dresses in your area on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

Several websites also cater to buying and selling used wedding dresses.

Also keep in mind you will likely need to pay to get the dress altered after it arrives.

Do Sweat the Details

There are literally dozens of ways tosave money on a wedding.

Getting crafty with decorations and flowers is one way to cut costs.

Here are some smart money saving tips to help you stay on budget.

Thats literally throwing money away.

If youre trying to save, go with bare-bones physical invitations or take the entire process online.. you’re able to even send out survey questions to collect meal preferences.

If youre set on mailing out physical invitations, keep it simple.

Like super simple.Walmart.comoffers a huge selection of cheap custom wedding invitations starting at $67 for 50.

Likewise, you might get 25 wedding invitations plus envelopes fromStaples.comfor $30.

Also skip save-the-date cards and reply envelopes by sending your guests online to RSVP instead.

Call On Your Talented Friends

Dont be afraid to utilize your resources to save a bundle on your wedding.

DJs, photographers, bakers, florists and hair stylists all come with their own fee.

Ask friends and family if they can contribute their talent to your big day instead of a gift.

Set up a simple backdrop and provide some fun props.

Guests can use their phones or personal cameras and snap away.

you could often find once-used linens and decor at prices that beat the cost of renting.

Cookies and ice cream is another great choice.

Or you could order six dozen donuts for about $60.

These options will be much less expensive than a traditional cake.

Kegs of beer at a wedding can keep costs low.

you’re free to also do a combination of an open bar and a cash bar.

Drink coupons and tokens are another option.

Determined to have an open bar for the entire reception?

Be Smart About Tipping Your Vendors

Weddings come with many easily overlooked costs like tipping your vendors.

Knowing who to tip and how much to tip is essential if youre trying to save money.

First, you dont need to tip everyone.

Many vendors nowadays have gratuities or a service fee already built into the cost.

You may also be able to offer something else in lieu of a tip.

Still, tipping is important and the right thing to do in certain situations.

Parking attendants, hair and makeup stylists, reception staff and the band or DJ depend on tips.

Heres a guide onhow much to tip wedding vendors.

Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.

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