Money-saving tips from Top Wedding Suppliers
With wedding prices rising, this is the moment to really consider your celebration priorities. Each couple will have different views and individual budgets will naturally dictate the spend split. But at the heart of everyone’s budget is the desire to make it go further and get great value for your money - not forgetting hosting an exceptional wedding day! Our team of experienced suppliers have some handy tips up their sleeves to steer you on the right money-saving path.
Don’t be tempted to cut costs on certain elements of the wedding, which will hugely affect plans, time and finances down the road. People tempted to DIY aspects of their day to save money often end up overwhelmed by flower arranging the morning of the wedding (and keeping them cool and watered), or stressed picking up food and drink from the supermarket. Outsourcing these jobs is a must!
START RIGHT
“No. 1 rule to save money is to budget from the start. Be realistic about what you can have and clear what your budget is for each area of your wedding.”
Lucy White, Wiskow & White
Photo: Yidaki Studios
WEDDING DATE SAVINGS
“Save money by strategically choosing your wedding date. In the low season, Oct - Mar you will discover that prices decrease dramatically. The days of the week also affect the price, with weekends naturally being the most expensive and the most requested. Choosing to get married on the days between Monday and Thursday can cost up to 40% less.”
Wedding planner, Margi Events
Photo: Sarbo Studio
VENUE SAVINGS
“Use lesser known venues. Carefully find a venue that’s low cost but be sure to check it’s suitable for a wedding. Don’t be swayed by the price, only to realise later down the line that you must pay for additions to make it ‘wedding fit’ i.e. catering supplying a kitchen or the venue adding on other fees.” Have a list of key criteria to hand with our Venue Ticklist.
Lucy White, Wiskow & White
FLOWER SAVINGS
“Single stem flowers for bridesmaids.”
“Consider no bridal party flowers and be part of the hot new trend we are seeing at weddings. Plus it saves hundreds!”
Lucy White, Wiskow & White
“A big money saver is repurposing ceremony flowers for the dinner set up.”
Photo: Antonia Katerina
STYLING SAVINGS
“Impactful design in concentrated areas and minimal elsewhere. Learn how to concentrate budget for higher impact and save in other areas.”
STATIONERY SAVINGS
“Choose a classic card instead of luxury or keep all the invitations online. If you're more relaxed, why not create a fun video and send it to everyone? You will amaze your guests.”
Wedding Planner, Margi Events
“I have seen couples do their own signage, name places and stationery.”
“Fully digital invites due to guests coming from 4 different countries. Way more affordable AND better for the environment!”
Sophia, bride-to-be
GUEST SAVINGS
“Draw up a limited list of people who you really want to have next to you on one of the most beautiful and important days of your life. For a simple wedding party, cross off friends you haven't seen in years and don't invite work colleagues, unless they’re truly your friends.”
Wedding Planner, Margi Events
“We used the fact that our wedding was abroad to politely only invite a smaller number of guests. People we could spend quality time with and who would enrich our day and future lives.” bride-to-be
Photo: Drew Buckler
MUSIC
“Using a local DJ all day, as opposed to a mix of musicians for each part of the day.”
CATERING SAVINGS
“Consider cutting catering courses. Not all caterers will do this but if you find a flexible one you could build a smaller menu. However, the main cost is them being there with their whole operation, so cutting courses doesn’t always save loads.”
“Be realistic about your guest list and anticipate RSVPs, as catering and transport can be huge costs.”
Lucy White, Wiskow & White
Photo: Benjamin Wheeler
GIFT SAVINGS
“I’m not giving favors. 99% of the favors I’ve gotten at weddings got tossed. I’ve seen some couples donate money to charity in the name of their guests and that’s a lot more meaningful.”
Peri, bride-to-be
“Bridal party gifts - if they’re not using it *that* day, it’s useless. I’ve literally never reused any of the jewellery or face masks or glasses I’ve gotten. Only the pjs & slippers. Pay for their hair and makeup instead.”
Bride-to-be
Photo: The Santoros
FASHION SAVINGS
“If getting designer shoes, think about investing in a colour/style you can wear in real life. It’s not seen much under the dress but will get worn more than once if you choose well.”
Anna, bride-to-be
Be money-wise and download our Budget tool now - it’s free and really will get you on the right track when it comes to working out what to spend where.
