If you’re planning a wedding, you’ve likely discovered that wedding costs can add up QUICKLY; from wedding attire, to vendors, to location, etc. Sticking within your budget can be challenging… As a wedding photographer, here’s a few suggestions I have for reducing your overall wedding costs without looking or feeling like you’ve cut costs. 

• Off-season or weekday weddings | Okay, maybe not the middle of the week… But venues often offer discounted rates for Fridays & Sundays! Saturdays are the most popular day of the week to get married, so you tend to pay a premium price. The season you get married in also influences venue cost. Choosing an off-season date (like November-March in Washington) usually comes at a lower cost.

• Virtual save the dates | Save the dates let your family and friends know when your wedding will be, without all the details of the day. It’s like a “heads up” that they should keep that day open if they plan to attend your wedding. It’s common to print photos or save-the-dates and mail them out, like you would an invitation. Skipping this step can save you money and get to your loved one’s faster, whether you choose making a Facebook event, sending an e-card or email, or something similar!

• Buy a consignment dress | Before you turn your nose up at this, hear me out. Wedding dresses can be expensive, especially if you go to a well-known boutique. Most cities have some form of consignment shop for dresses, which have usually only been worn once! The cost of a consignment dress, plus cleaning and alterations, is usually less that you would spend on a new gown from a local boutique. For my Washington and California brides or dress-wearing individuals, check out Brides for a Cause.

• Simple arrangements from a local florist or fake flowers on Etsy | Floral costs add up and keeping your designs simple and working with a local florist can help reduce overall wedding costs, and help support local businesses. For my Washington couples, check out Paeonia Pines for your floral arrangements. If fake flowers are more your vibe, Etsy has a bunch of shops that tailor to wedding bouquets and floral arrangements. Another bonus of these flowers is that they last forever!

• Ask around for people selling wedding items | Most wedding items go unused by the couple after their wedding day. Asking your friends, family, or online groups for people selling wedding décor can be a great way to save money. Some items are even given away for free! 

• DIY centerpieces and décor | If you can’t find free or cheap decor items, consider making your own! Make an afternoon of it and invite your friends over to create custom centerpieces and decorations for your wedding. 

• Skip the wedding favors | This one may be controversial, but skipping the wedding favors can save a lot of money (depending on what you plan to give your guests). I find that not everyone like the gifts or even takes them home, so saving yourself time and money here can help reduce overall cost and stress. 

For more ideas, reach out to schedule a wedding consultation call with me and we can brainstorm things that work best for you and your partner! As your photographer, I’m all about helping you save money where you can.