Wedding Hacks To Save Big Bucks On The Big Day

1. Have the rehearsal dinner somewhere casual

Image source: Reddit

There are so many expectations surrounding a wedding that even exceed the day itself; the wedding rehearsal for example. Is it even necessary? No. So don't spend hundreds or thousands on a venue, have it somewhere casual or at home. Or don't have one at all and really save some big bucks!

2. Limit numbers!

Image source: Reddit

One of the best (and admittedly hardest) ways of saving money on your wedding day is by cutting the guest list down because you will pay per head for your wedding day. We know it's super hard when you've suddenly accumulated several aunties you've never even heard of, but try and keep it smaller to save money.

3. Send E-vites, not paper invites

Image source: Reddit

You really wouldn't even think about the small things like invites when considering the huge cost of a wedding, but these things accumulate massively, It can cost hundreds just for invites alone, so switch them for E-vites instead which you can send free on the computer!

4. Make your own stationery with friends

Image source: Reddit

There's actually something a lot more satisfying and personal about having homemade wedding stationery, AND it massively reduces the cost. Yes, it takes time, but if you enroll a bridal team to help you you can have a lot of fun and make decisions that you love for a lot less money.

5. Rent a house for the venue

Image source: Reddit

When we see weddings online sometimes it creates unrealistic expectations of castles and grand venues when really it doesn't even matter where it happens. You could try renting out a house for a lot less, and it can still be as special, only a lot cheaper!

6. Use local businesses instead of big professional companies

Image source: Reddit

You'll probably go online and type in what you need and the first searches will show bog, corporate companies that cost you a fortune. Get to know the smaller, local businesses instead. Not only will it be so much less money, it will probably be money much better spent!

7. Do DIY flowers rather than arranged flower centerpieces

Image source: Reddit

Flowers can cost thousands of dollars....just for one day. It's crazy really the amount of money that it spent on flower arrangements when you could actually go to the wholesalers and arrange them yourself. You'll also get more appreciation out of the fact that you did them, and the fact you're saving big bucks.

8. Build your own website

Image source: Reddit

Instead of creating save the dates and invites and food menus, and all the other things you're expected to send or tell people, just create your own web page. You can put all the info on, for a lot less money. This way you can keep people updated without having to send individual cards or letters.

9. Use local vendors for food

Image source: Reddit

Local food vendors will have excellent quality food, without the huge price tag of a big food company. Get to know your local food vendors and what is good and you; 'll be able to find yourself a much better deal for your wedding food than you would with a wedding caterer.

10. Buy second-hand decorations or make your own

Image source: Reddit

Think about the huge waste of a wedding, all of those things that are used for one day and never used again. This happens for every person. But some people sell their things as they have been used for less than a few hours. This reduces the price massively, despite the quality being the same.

11. Cut back on the cake

Image source: Reddit

Professionally made and decorated cakes will set you back hundreds if not thousands of dollars for your big day. Yet there are things you can do to save. For example, have a smaller cape with lots of cupcakes underneath on a big cake or wedding stand. This reduces the cost by a huge amount!

12. Instead of a sit-down meal, do a buffet

Image source: Reddit

Sit-down meals cost a fortune, and you'll always find someone to complain about it no matter how much money you spend on it. A buffet is so much cheaper, and people can choose their own food. Instead of a sit-down meal try a buffet instead to save you a LOT of money.

13. Pick a less popular venue and make it look nice yourself

Image source: Reddit

Like we said earlier, the wedding is about the two people getting married, and sharing it with loved ones. It's not really about the venue. And a smaller venue can look just as amazing with some extra decorations. You could save some big bucks by choosing a less popular venue or location.

14. Skip out the wedding favors

Image source: Reddit

Wedding favors come in many shapes and sizes, it may be edible, it may be a candle, it really depends. But then again, there may not be any. Wedding favors are by no means necessary and actually a lot of the time they get left behind. That's hundreds of bucks for nothing!

15. Use second-hand websites like Facebook Marketplace

Image source: Reddit

When it comes to planning a wedding and trying to save some money, you're best friends truly are websites like Facebook marketplace, Gumtree, etc. There will be amazing things that have barely been used but for a fraction of the retail price. It could be for decorations or bridesmaid dresses...you name it!

16. Buy a last-season wedding dress

Image source: Reddit

There is a lot of pressure about getting the DREAM dress. But the only person that needs to love it and feel comfortable in it is you. So if you want a gorgeous dress without paying huge prices, try looking at the last season which will dramatically reduce the price tag.

17. Be flexible with venue dates

Image source: Reddit

Although you may be set on the 3rd of May, this may not be helping your budget. If you are flexible you may be able to get a date which is slightly less expensive. Essentially, if 10 people want the same date, it's a matter of the highest bidder. If you have flexibility you aren't competing.

18. Schedule your wedding out of season

Image source: Reddit

One of the biggest things that puts the price of venues up is the dates. A lot of people want the exact same dates for their wedding and so the price dramatically rises. If you are okay with having a wedding out of season, you will find that you can save a lot of money.

19. Provide cheaper drink and snack options

Image source: Reddit

Weddings don't have to be full with prepaid for booze. In fact, having some cheaper drink alternatives. You could have a tea and coffee station for example - you'd be surprised how popular they are and they cost next to nothing in comparison. Even try lemon and iced water stations too!

20. Buy your own booze instead of a free bar

Image source: Reddit

Open bars on average have been found to cost around $2000. But you don't have to do this. You could buy some wine and beer for the wedding day which will cost a lot less than buying it yourself. If you go to the wholesalers you could buy crates at a discounted price,

21. Look for a second-hand dresses

Image source: Reddit

Secondhand wedding dresses have only been worn for a matter of hours, just somebody's wedding day and that's it. So it's basically like new and with a trip to the dry cleaners you'll never know any different. But, it could reduce the price by up to 60% and save you so much money.

22. Practice your makeup, rather than hiring a professional

Image source: Reddit

When you hire a professional makeup artist to do your wedding makeup there's always the worry of whether you might not like it. Even if you liked it during the practice, will you like it on the day? Will you feel like yourself? On the other hand, you could practice your own and save money.

23. Order a plain white cake and decorate yourself

Image source: Reddit

When you buy a wedding cake the huge expense comes mainly from the quantity and the decorations. If you buy a plain white cake, you could pay half the price. Then, order some decorations that you can stick on and nobody will even know any different...apart from your wallet!

24. Have a pay-for-your-own-bar policy at the night do

Image source: Reddit

There really is no obligation to pay for an open bar, you're already providing the food. At the night time celebrations have a bar for guests where they can pay for their own drinks. This way, they can have what they want and you don't have to pay for everything. It's much more common in modern-day wedding etiquette!

25. Use a talented friend for photography

Image source: Reddit

When you know people who are talented, ask them! You can pay them for their services but it will be at a price you both agree with. Ask a friend with a talent for photography to do the photos. Ask a friend who is great at makeup to do your bridal glam! It's more personal and saves bucks.

26. Get a wedding dress with a lace bodice to save on alterations

Image source: Reddit

Once you get the wedding dress you don't even think about the wedding dress alterations and how much they can cost. And they cost a LOT. Try finding a dress that can adapt to your body. For example, a dress with a lace bodice can be adjusted to you without having to make any alterations.

27. Have a photographer on their usual day off

Image source: Reddit

Booking a wedding on a Sunday will save you SO much money. For the venue, for the photographer, for basically everything. The resources won't be being used and so the price will be drastically lower so it is worth considering a different day - Sunday for example.

28. Have a wedding in a marquee somewhere you love

Image source: Reddit

The main cost of the wedding is usually the venue. Instead of hiring out somewhere for a LOT of money, why don't you consider putting up a marquee somewhere special to you and decorating it exactly as you want? Not only is it cheaper, but it actually means a lot more to you too.

29. Hire a single musician

Image source: Reddit

Hiring a band that plays regularly for weddings can set you back a buck or two. But hiring an individual musician who isn't frequently used will not only help you out but also them. You can come to an agreement on a process that suits you both, and you have live music!

30. Check with your favorite takeout for food prices

Image source: Reddit

We all have a favorite takeout place, where we can guarantee that the food is going to be delicious. For a personal and yummy twist, some people like to ask their favorite takeout to cater for them for the nighttime celebrations - or even the daytime if you prefer!