A question we get asked by many couples is how to save money on a wedding without sacrificing their vision. We’ll share some of our favorite wedding planning money saving tips, without sacrificing your dream day!
Wedding Planning Money Saving Tip 1: GUEST LIST
- The number one way to drastically save when planning a wedding is to keep the guest list small. Your guest list ultimately determines how much money you will spend. Not only are you paying for the food and beverage for each guest, but you are also having to add in costs for invitations, reply cards, favors etc. Each person that you can eliminate can save you hundreds of dollars. Whether you cut out the “plus one” guests or limit the invites to first cousins, there are many options to explore to cut down the list and help your budget.
2: INVITATIONS
- Online invitations have become more popular than ever! If you are not ready to ditch the paper invitation, consider using an online RSVP system. Using an online RSVP system saves you from printing RSVP cards and paying for the return postage.
- When choosing your printed invitation, keep in mind the cost to mail each item. Larger or more bulky invitations cost more in postage; and, trust us, those costs can add up! Eliminate direction and lodging cards by including information for a wedding website where you can include all pertinent information. Sites like theknot.com or zola.com offer free wedding websites and are a great place to host your information.
3: CEREMONY
- Limit the amount of money you spend on ceremony décor pieces or opt for rental items vs fresh flowers. Ask your venue or florist if there are items that can be used for both your ceremony and the reception.
- Ask a friend or family member to marry you rather than hiring a professional. They will need to invest in a one-day license, of course, but it is a meaningful way to say, “I do”.
- Forgo individual programs at the ceremony. If you really want to make your wedding party known, make one sign listing their names and place at the ceremony’s entrance.
- If you are hiring a DJ for the reception, ask them to provide the music for the ceremony as well. Often, this is a less expensive option than hiring separate musicians for the ceremony.
4: PARE DOWN ON DECOR
- Use the bouquets as additional décor for the sweetheart or head table.
- Check out Facebook groups where local couples sell their décor; or, crowdsource to see if friends and family have anything you can borrow.
- Design a combination of centerpieces that are half floral and half candles or lanterns to cut your floral budget in half!
5: SKIP THE EXTRAS
- Years ago, favors were a key element to a wedding. Today, they are no longer a necessity. Skip giving out favors all together in favor of a tax-deductible donation to charity
- Limit your bar options. If doing an open bar is a must for you, opt for just beer, wine and soft drinks; or, perhaps limit your open bar to an hour or two then switch over to a cash bar.
- Unless you are having a destination wedding, skip the welcome bags for guests,-especially, if you are staying at a full-service hotel like the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood.
6: LIMIT THE SIZE OF YOUR WEDDING PARTY
- Limiting the size of your wedding party helps save on bouquets and boutonnieres as well as the number of gifts you’ll have to purchase. Asking one friend or family member to stand up for you and one to stand up for your future spouse can be a meaningful experience for all.
7: ATTIRE
- While a wedding dress may not be something you’re willing to bargain hunt for, there are great options for off the rack dresses. David’s Bridal often has sales, or budget friendly dresses. Add a vintage belt or headpiece to jazz it up a bit or check out a store like VOW’s, which sells sample dresses. Remember to not skimp on getting a well-made bustle. You don’t want the dress dragging behind you on the dancefloor!
- Check out department stores for Bridesmaid dresses and gowns for the moms. They often have gorgeous dresses at a fraction of the price.
- For the men, rather than renting tuxedos, check local stores for deals on suits. Often you can buy 2 get 1 free with free onsite tailoring.
8: MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU
- If you are comfortable with credit cards, investigate credit cards with cash back or travel rewards you can use to offset wedding expenses or pay for your honeymoon. When booking at the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood, you’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points after we host your wedding. You can increase the number of points you earn by using a Marriott Bonvoy credit card. These points are especially useful if you are staying at a Marriott property for your honeymoon.
The Tiffany Ballroom at the Four Points by Sheraton Norwood offers great savings on off -peak dates in addition to our cost-effective inclusive wedding packages. Let us help you plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank! Contact us at 781-255-3159 or tiffanyballroom@hobbsbrook.com.