Ways to Save Money While Planning Your Dream Wedding
Now that the engagement excitement has settled down it’s time to start planning your big
day! While this can be an exciting time many couples become overwhelmed by everything
they need and all the costs involved. You don’t have to sacrifice your dream of a fairytale
wedding just because you have a smaller budget. There are plenty of ways you can save
money and still have the wedding of your dreams.
5 Ways to Save Money Planning Your Wedding
1. Budget and prioritize
Sit down and create a realistic budget. How much do you want to spend on your wedding
and where will you spend that money? Prioritize your list of wedding day must-haves into
categories where you don’t mind spending extra on and where you don’t mind spending a
little less. This will give you a starting point to begin planning. 
2. Flowers
There are many ways you can save when it comes to the flowers on your wedding day and
these can be an expensive part of your wedding day. Consider what flowers will be in
season around your wedding date. Choosing seasonal flowers can help you cut cost.
Consider opting for a single stem flower instead of a full bouquet for the bridesmaids. Going
with less can often have a bigger “wow” factor on your big day and in your wedding images.
If you are a creative person think about doing the centerpieces and décor yourself and
buying the flowers in bulk. Don’t underestimate the power of negotiating. Many florists are
willing to work with the bride to be to help her create her fairytale wedding.
3. Dress
The dress may be one area you don’t want to skimp on. Although very important and
sentimental, you might want to reconsider spending thousands of dollars on it. While you try
on the perfect dress from a wedding boutique, don’t overlook discount dress shops. Many of
these shops carry the same dresses for half the price. Also, if you have already tried on and
found the dress, look for it online before you buy it. You can often find the same dress for
thousands less.
4. Go online
Invitations, save the dates, engagement announcements all can add up quickly. The printing
costs and the cost to send out all these wedding papers can get expensive. You can save
thousands simply by setting up your own wedding website. You can still use your beautiful
professional engagement photos, but you won’t have to spend the extra money on printing.
5. Ceremony/reception.
Booking a venue for your wedding is one place you will tend to spend the most money. If the
season is right, planning for an outdoor ceremony or reception can be a great way to make
your fairytale come to life. Outdoor weddings at a local park or even a friend or family
member’s backyard can be perfect and it will provide the ideal lighting for your photographer
to capture those breathtaking images in natural lighting.
Also consider a small ceremony, an earlier reception time, or plan for a weekday wedding.
These small changes that aren’t so traditional can save you hundreds or even thousands
when it comes to booking your ceremony and reception venue.
Where you shouldn’t cut cost:
Photography
You might think getting a friend or family member to shoot your wedding photos will help
you save. While it may save you in dollars, it could cost you in quality. You want your
wedding day images to be beautiful and ones that will bring back the joyful emotions and
memories from that day. A professional photographer will be able to capture all these
moments that your friend or relative will be not be able to with a point and shoot or even a
fancy DSLR camera. You’ll regret and be disappointed that you don’t have clear stunning
images from your wedding in the future if you decided to try and skimp n this area of your
wedding budget.
Couple: Courtney & Jason Cohen
Coordinator: PremierWed
Photographer:
Venue:
