10 Budgeting Tips on How to Save Money for Your Wedding

The engagement hype is dying down, and the reality of planning and saving for your wedding is setting in. But with the ever-increasing cost of things, you won’t be the first couple to be wondering how you will fund the wedding you've always dreamt of having. However, with a careful plan and a few clever cost-saving ideas, this wedding planning process doesn't have to be stressful at all; in fact, it should be an enjoyable and creative time for you and your partner to have fun! Stay with us for our top 10 budgeting tips on stopping wedding costs from soaring and saving money on your wedding.

1. Set a budget - and stick to it!

Think carefully about how much you can actually afford to spend on your wedding overall. Take into account any savings you already have that you're willing to contribute, how much you can afford to save between now and the wedding, and any financial help from family members.

Now that you have a figure that's realistic and that you're both happy with, write it down so you can monitor your wedding expenses and budget. There are loads of free, downloadable wedding budget spreadsheets out there that update automatically as you enter new information. Tracking your budget in this way will also help you identify areas where you run the danger of going over budget—or if you can actually afford that dream wedding dress!

2. Slim down your social calendar

Make a conscious decision to clear your social calendar in the months leading up to your wedding and only accept the important invitations (birthdays, hen parties, and family functions). Even though it's still tempting to go out for dinner and drinks every weekend, just think what this money could buy you if you were strict with yourself and put it towards your wedding budget instead.

3. Give yourselves time

Spend the first few months following your savings plan to ensure it's realistic and actually going to get you where you need to be before you book anything. If it's not working, adjust your plan accordingly. Researching vendors takes time, so take this into account. The risk is that you panic and want to get things booked, so you end up rushing and paying over the odds—see you later, wedding budget!

4. Consider a non-weekend wedding

This is something you need to weigh up carefully because it comes with lots of pros and cons. But thinking about a weekday wedding could not only help you secure your dream wedding venue but also considerably reduce the budget. You're more likely to bag your first-choice vendors too! Just ensure you run it past your VIP guests before booking; your bridal party won't be the same if your chief bridesmaid can't get the time off work!

5. Go digital with your invitations

You may be surprised at how much traditional wedding invitations will set you back. It's not just the invites you need to budget for, but the save the dates, thank you cards, wedding program, name places, and so on. One very simple way to save money on your wedding invitations is to go digital. Say I do offer the whole shebang when it comes to wedding stationery; design your wedding website using one of the many beautiful templates and have your wedding stationery all aligned but sent out via email instead. This will save you money, time, and a whole lot of envelope-licking!

Say I do isn't just a platform to help you build a slick-looking wedding website though; see us as your online wedding planner. There's a free checklist to keep you in line with wedding planning, a very handy RSVP feature, and even an online seating planner.

6. Cut the guest list

Reducing your guest list is one of the simplest ways to save money on your wedding day since most wedding venues charge a fee per person for food, drinks, and service. Do not feel obliged to invite people to your wedding simply because they invited you to theirs or because you'll feel guilty if you don't. Creating a budget-friendly guest list without offending anyone can be tough, but remember that it's your big day and, therefore, your call entirely.

7. Choose a low-key venue

Think outside the box when it comes to your wedding venue. Not only will you be able to potentially save money, but the originality could give your wedding photographer a fantastic backdrop for photos and have your guests talking for months post-wedding. Think about interesting venues where you could have your wedding ceremony; then maybe the wedding party could be somewhere more humble, like someone's backyard. What about a library? City hall, an art gallery or even a village hall? Get creative with your wedding decor; you can turn even the most unimaginative spaces into a festoon-lit fairy tale!

8. Embrace the pre-loved

Pre-loved is your next best option (and a fantastic environmentally friendly solution) if you don't enjoy DIY and don't want to give it a go. You'd be surprised at how many couples use websites like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to resell (or even give away) their used wedding items. Since thousands of people marry each month, why not embrace their wedding supplies? You can then do the same with yours after your big day! There are many ways to save money on wedding attire, too; go vintage with your wedding suit, loan a designer wedding dress, or simply buy second-hand.

9. Skip the wedding favours

It's completely acceptable to skip wedding favours; in fact, I bet none of your wedding party would notice if you did. Favours are a lovely touch, but more often than not, they are left on the tables anyway. So save money and time (especially if you're handcrafting) and put it to use elsewhere.

10. Get creative or lean in on loved ones

Do any of your nearest and dearest have any artistic or design talents? Well, don't be afraid to ask! If you have a floral-obsessed friend, they could help with the wedding flowers. You could even make your own wedding cake with your baking-fanatic aunt to assist. Your friends and family will feel honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to your wedding, and some may even offer their help in lieu of a wedding gift or simply want to make your day as memorable as possible.