Here at Diamond Nexus, we believe it’s possible to get what you really want and still make smart financial decisions, whether it’s an engagement ring or your wedding day. We’ve rounded up our favorite money-saving tips to help you create the wedding day of your dreams, while saving some of your hard-earned money. Weddings can be expensive, but no matter your budget, these tips can help you bring your wedding day vision to life so you can have your (wedding) cake and eat it, too.
CHOOSE AN “OFF SEASON” TIME
This year marks a shift in “wedding season”—that is, the time of year that’s most popular to get married. Fall wedding dates have dethroned summer soirees, with September and October becoming the most popular months. Choosing a less popular month can save you thousands on the venue and beyond. Vendors commonly offer discounted pricing during these slower months, from flowers to the cake.
You may have to do a little research to find the ‘off season’ in your area. In northern and mountain regions, winter months are generally less expensive, while in the south, you may find a midsummer date is a more budget-friendly option. Just keep in mind your guests’ comfort; an outdoor wedding in either very cold or very hot temperatures won’t be much fun, so consider that when choosing a venue.
DIY (CAREFULLY)
If you have plenty of time or DIY experience, then crafting can be a great money-saving option. If you’re tight on time and starting a new project, this can cause more stress than it’s worth, so keep that in mind when considering your latest Pinterest board of do-it-yourself centerpieces. Our best advice? Start small and try making one item before jumping in and trying to DIY every bit of your wedding.
BUY IN BULK
Bulk stores can offer big discounts on surprising wedding items. You can even buy your flowers in bulk, if you are comfortable arranging flowers (or can recruit friends and family to do it for you). There are flower-specific companies that offer services like tutorials, or you can go to a big box discount store like Sam’s Club or Costco. These are also excellent places to buy wedding favors in bulk, such as nice chocolates or mixed nuts. Some bulk stores or grocers have wonderful bakeries, and you can save a lot by ordering sheet cakes to serve your guests. Get a smaller cake to display and cut, and then serve cost-effective sheet cakes.
DOLLAR STORE STEALS
Make your local dollar store your go-to for wedding items. Candles, vases, string lights, favor bags, craft supplies, décor—the list goes on. You could even find $1 flip flops to provide your guests during the reception as more comfortable dancing shoes. Trust us; with a little creativity, dollar store purchases can make your wedding feel upscale and Pinterest-worthy, without a huge investment.
ELECTRONIC RSVPS
Ditch the RSVP cards! You’ll save on paper, printing and postage. Sites like Zola and The Knot now have easy-to-use RSVP functionality. Just remember to print your wedding website on your invitations to direct your guests online to RSVP.
REGISTER FOR YOUR HONEYMOON
It’s true! You can register for a honeymoon fund through sites like Zola or Honeyfund. When choosing your honeymoon registry, pay attention to whether there are any fees associated with transferring your gifts to your bank account. Look for low or no fees services so you won’t lose any of your gifted money.
REMEMBER WHAT’S IMPORTANT
The biggest way to save money when wedding planning is to remind yourself what’s really important to you and your future spouse. Don’t just do what’s ‘traditional.’ Instead, think about whether it matters to you on your wedding day. That seven-tiered cake might not be what you envision; instead, swap it for cupcakes, a dessert table or even donuts! Maybe you don’t even want flowers. Or maybe dancing isn’t your thing, and you’d rather skip the DJ and provide lawn or board games to your guests instead. Your wedding is about you and your future spouse. Don’t forget that!
What are your favorite money-saving wedding planning tips?