We all dream of a lavish, fairy tale wedding. The only problem is, that picture perfect wedding includes a price tag that can turn that dream into a nightmare. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to cut corners on your wedding day without sacrificing the glitz and glitter of the occasion.
From the invitations to the flowers to the cake, opportunities to save are everywhere. What will you do with all the money you save? I’m sure you’ll find something to do with it on your honeymoon!
How to Save Money on Your Wedding
Slim Down Your Invitations
Wedding invitations can be pretty extravagant, with more pieces and parts than an Ikea bunk bed. To cut costs, eliminate the extra outer envelope (the one that keeps the inner envelope looking clean and pretty). Also skip the reception card and consider adding reception directions to the bottom of the invitation or by adding your own photocopied insert.
Skip the Roses
Flowers are one of the biggest expenses of any wedding and reception. And it’s all for something that will be shriveled and dead in a week. To trim this cost, choose something other than roses, like hydrangeas, tulips or carnations. Another tip for saving on flowers: Recruit some friends to gather up the flowers from your wedding location and set them up at the reception hall before everyone arrives.
Order a Buffet (and No Open Bar)
At a reception, food and drink costs can add up quickly. Two of the easiest ways to trim the fat from this part of your budget are to opt for a buffet versus a sit down meal (buffet’s are usually cheaper) and to do without the open bar. The bar trick will save tons of dough and yields the added benefit of creating fewer tipsy (and embarrassing) friends and relatives.
Cut Corners on the Cake
Wedding cakes are expensive, but they don’t really have to be. One simple cake (instead of a wedding cake, groom cake and dessert bar) will usually satisfy the crowd. Also consider downsizing your wedding cake – or asking for a few fake tiers – and buying a similarly-flavored sheet cake to be carved up in the kitchen for guests.