Alongside your house deposit, your wedding is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever have to pay for. The wedding industry is huge, and while every couple’s wedding budget is different, you can guarantee it’s still going to set you back. While wedding costs are on the rise, there are still some ways you can save money.
Take a look at four of the biggest wedding costs and how to save money on them to help your wedding budget stretch further.
1. The venue
Hiring a wedding venue is one of the biggest costs, but it’s also one of the most important. When browsing wedding venues, you’ll want to make sure that all of the costs are detailed in advance to help you work out your total cost. Some venues will include accommodation, staffing charges, etc., as part of the pricing, while others may include these as extras. You can save money on venues that charge a ‘per person’ price rather than breaking things down into multiple costs, or you can go down the DIY route and bring all of the elements together yourself (such as a marquee) to make some savings.
2. The dress
Wedding dress prices vary, but many brides can find themselves spending thousands on their perfect dress. With alterations and accessories, the price can soon add up. The good news is that more and more people are buying second-hand wedding dresses, which is great news for those wanting to grab a bargain. A wedding dress is generally only worn for one day, so provided it’s taken care of, it can be as good as new for another bride. Browsing pre-loved wedding dresses can be a great way to grab a bargain on a designer gown, and it is a sustainable option too!
3. The photography
Wedding photography is another cost that can run into thousands. The most in-demand wedding photographers will have large fees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make some savings. One of the simplest ways to save is to find a wedding photographer who’s just starting out and building their portfolio – you could find that their costs are a lot less compared to more established photographers. You can explore their photography style and even ask for a test shoot before you commit to see if you’re happy to have them shoot your big day.
4. The catering
Saving money on wedding catering can be tricky, especially if the cost is locked in by the venue. Some options for saving money on your catering costs can include having a wedding later in the day, so that you only need to feed guests once, or having a buffet-style meal instead of a multi-course wedding breakfast. A popular trend at the moment is to bring in food trucks and street food, which can save money while giving your guests a more unique dining option.
It can be tough to cut costs for your wedding, but there are different things you can do to make it work. Meanwhile, focus on maximising your savings to avoid financial strain during your planning. Saving for a wedding will be a major test for couples, but the things you learn will be ideal for teaching your kids about money in the future. Your wedding will be one of the biggest days of your life, but by cutting some of the costs in different places, it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think!
