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10 Money Saving Wedding Tips – Budget Ideas for Your Day

Published May 2022

Planning a wedding can be an exciting and joyous time, but it can also be a strain on your budget. The good news is that with a little creativity and careful planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. In this article, I’ll share 10 money saving wedding tips to help you celebrate without FOMO!

Two intricately designed rings rest on a decorative silver tray placed on a wrinkled beige fabric surface. One ring is silver, the other gold, both featuring detailed patterns that evoke an elegant autumn theme in the rustic setting. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire

Money Saving Wedding Tips

1) Set a Realistic Budget

Before diving into wedding planning, it’s essential to set a realistic budget. Be honest about what you can afford and prioritize your spending based on what’s most important to you. While it may feel like an obvious one, doing this means you’re eliminating excessive costs before they even crop up.

2) Choose an Off-Peak Date

A wedding invitation on brown paper with elegant white script invites guests to the wedding of Olivia Davey and Lloyd Jones at 12:30 PM, Saturday, 26th October 2024, at St. Michael's Church in Grimsby. A diamond ring rests on the card. Reception details to follow at The Ashbourne Hotel. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire
Consider getting married during the off-peak season or on a weekday. This can significantly reduce the cost of your venue and other services.

3) Opt for a Non-Traditional Venue

A newlywed couple stands in front of a yellow, thatched-roof cottage at Elsham Hall. The bride is in a long white gown with lace details, holding a bouquet. The groom is in a black suit and bow tie. They both smile joyfully, framed perfectly by greenery—a moment captured by their wedding photographer. © Aimee Lince Photography
Think outside the box when it comes to your wedding venue. Consider hosting your wedding in a park, a friend’s backyard, or even a local community centre. These alternative options can save you a significant amount of money.

4) DIY Decorations

A close-up of a fall-themed centerpiece at Ashbourne Hotel captures a textured glass vase surrounded by autumn leaves, pinecones, and clusters of berries. Empty wine glasses blur in the foreground, evoking an inviting and festive atmosphere perfect for any wedding photographer to capture. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire
Get creative and make your own decorations. From centrepieces to wedding favours, there are plenty of DIY ideas that can add a personal touch to your wedding while saving you money.

5) Borrow or Rent Instead of Buying

Close-up photography captures a person's wrist adorned with a gold watch featuring a metal mesh strap. Clad in a brown tweed jacket with tan buttons and a white shirt, they sport round gold cufflinks engraved "LMJ," perfect attire for an elegant wedding at The Ashbourne Hotel. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire
Instead of buying everything brand new, consider borrowing or renting items like wedding attire, decorations, and even jewelry. This can save you a substantial amount of money without compromising on style.

Feeling inspired?

I post lots of helpful wedding-based tips and guidance that could help and inspire you on your way to “I do.” I also post Real Wedding Stories as often as I can!

6) Simplify Your Guest List

A large group of people celebrating in a ballroom at the Brackenborough Hotel, with a couple at the center in wedding attire. The floor has a black-and-white checkered pattern, and colorful confetti is scattered around. Behind them, a lighted sign reads "Happily Ever After" with fairy lights adorning the wall. © Aimee Lince Photography
While it can be tempting to invite everyone you know, keeping your guest list small and intimate can help you save money on catering and venue costs. Focus on inviting the people who truly matter to you and your partner.

7) Opt for a Buffet or Food Stations

A table at the Stallingborough Grange Hotel showcases wooden bowls brimming with a variety of salads. In the foreground, a bowl holds coleslaw topped with arugula, while surrounding bowls feature mixed greens and vibrant red tomatoes—a picture-perfect setting for wedding photography. © Aimee Lince Photography
Serving a buffet or setting up food stations can be a cost-effective alternative to a sit-down dinner. This allows guests to choose what they want to eat while also keeping your catering expenses in check.

8) Skip the Traditional Wedding Cake

A round platter displays neatly arranged slices of vanilla sponge cake with cream filling. At the center, a white bowl holds fresh strawberries, some with stems, adding a pop of red to the dessert presentation. The elegant setting evokes the charm perfect for wedding photography at Stallingborough Grange Hotel. © Aimee Lince Photography
Consider alternatives to the traditional wedding cake, such as a dessert table with a variety of sweet treats. This can be a fun and budget-friendly option that your guests will love.

9) Get Creative with Wedding Invitations

Two cards rest on textured green fabric. The left card is brown with white cursive text: "Save the Date for the Wedding of Tom & Courtney, 31st May 2024 at Hall Farm Hotel, Grimsby. Formal Invitation to Follow." The right card features a botanical design, tied with twine and a small tag. © Aimee Lince Photography
Save money on wedding invitations by opting for digital invitations or designing your own. There are plenty of online tools and templates available that can help you create beautiful invitations without the hefty price tag.

Check out Canva

10) Prioritize What Matters Most

A bride in a white gown and veil dances energetically with a man in a cream vest and dress shirt, joyfully raising their arms. The warmly lit room echoes an autumn theme, while a child in a sweatshirt and two other guests dance behind them, capturing the perfect moment at Stallingborough Grange. © Aimee Lince Photography - Wedding photographer in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & Nottinghamshire
Lastly, remember to prioritize what matters most to you and your partner. Most guests will look back on your day and remember the food, the company and the good time they had! Focus on the moments and experiences that will truly make your wedding day special, and don’t get caught up in unnecessary expenses.

I really hope this helped!

Your wedding day doesn’t have to be expensive to be memorable. With these budget-friendly ideas, you can make the most of your finances and still create a beautiful celebration. Happy planning!

If you’re looking for something specific that’s not in my blog, please let me know using one of my social links below. I’d love to know I’m producing content that’s helpful and people appreciate reading.

with love

with love

AIMEE

 

Aimee is an award-winning North East Lincolnshire based wedding photographer who focuses on authentic and naturally beautiful moments.

Aimee not only captures genuine and meaningful moments for her clients to treasure forever, but also helps, supports and advises her couples with the wedding planning process from the moment they book and beyond their wedding days.

with love

AIMEE

A woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black top, is seated against a gray background. She is slightly smiling and resting her chin on her hand while looking to the side, conveying a thoughtful expression, like she's pondering ideas for my blog. © Aimee Lince Photography

Aimee is an award-winning North East Lincolnshire based wedding photographer who focuses on authentic and naturally beautiful moments.

Aimee not only captures genuine and meaningful moments for her clients to treasure forever, but also helps, supports and advises her couples with the wedding planning process from the moment they book and beyond their wedding days.

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Watercolor illustration of a green plant sprig with multiple elongated leaves on a slender stem. The leaves vary in shade, giving a sense of depth and texture. The overall appearance is delicate and artistic. © Aimee Lince Photography