As we all know wedding costs can add up very quickly! Have the wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget with these 25 tips. Would you consider doing any of these for your wedding?

1. Buy, don’t rent

   Instead of paying hefty rental fees from vendors, try looking on eBay or Craigslist to find the supplies you need. You will most likely find them for cheaper and you can sell them after the wedding!

2. Do your rehearsal dinner low key

   Think about doing your rehearsal dinner with just the bridal party and family. Instead of renting out another venue you could also do a casual backyard BBQ and put the money you saved towards your wedding venue costs.

3. Try unique wedding venues

   Renting out a ballroom, farm, or any venue can get pricey. Try and think of other places that wouldn’t cost as much money since they normally aren’t used for weddings.

4. Make yourself beautiful

   Do your own makeup and hair or have a bridesmaid or family member help. Now you will cut out the costs of hiring a makeup artist and hairstylist for you and even your whole wedding party!

5. Use home decor

   Search your house (and maybe even your family’s) to see if you can use any of the items to decorate for your wedding. I used a lot picture frames and paper flowers to decorate for my reception and I actually already had them all around my house.

   

6. Try the barter system

   Can you volunteer for the venue or vendor in exchange for services? It never hurts to ask!

7. Cut coupons

   I am not a crazy coupon lady no worries. If you check your local craft store’s website or fliers weekly though you can save a lot of money by only buying things on sale or with a coupon.

8. Skimp on stamps

   Think about sending your save the dates as postcards. You will save on the costs of stamps plus also the envelopes.

9. Set a spending limit

   For each item that you are purchasing or renting set a spending limit for it and try to come under the limit. If you save a little on each item your savings will really add up!

10. Choose an off-day

    Saturdays and Sundays are the most expensive days to rent a wedding venue. Think about getting married on a Friday night or even a weeknight to get really discounted rates.

11. Downsize the cake

    Order a specialty cake for pictures and for guests to see. Also order a sheet cake for the caterer to serve the guests with. You could even put the sheet cake in the back and I bet your guests don’t even notice.

12. Plan destination I do’s

    If your guest list is getting way too big think about having a destination wedding. You will save a bundle because a lot of your guests won’t want to travel that far.

13. Take your own video

    Instead of hiring a pricey videographer, go with a company that gives your guests video cameras so that they can record it. You will still get a great wedding video and it will also be more personal because you will have special moments with your friends on it.

14. Restrict your list

    Choose a venue that has a max capacity. It gives you a good reason to shrink your list down and not invite all of your acquaintances.

15. Check out Groupon

    Group buying sites like Groupon and LivingSocial sometimes run deals on things for weddings like wedding cakes and photo booths.

16. Bribe your Bridesmaids

    Have a fun party with the girls having cocktails and snacks. Its a great way to have fun and also get their help with your DIY projects. This really saves a lot of time!

17. Pick a public place

    Check out your local state parks. They are normally very affordable and are kept in great condition.

18. Pick blooms online

    Order your wedding flowers online in bulk for both your bouquets and centerpieces. Then have some friends or family help you arrange them. Your flowers still look great but for a fourth of the cost!

19. Don’t rent tables and chairs

    Book a venue with tables and chairs included and you can save a lot on cost. Plus you won’t have to stress the day of the wedding about setting them all up by yourself.

20. Learn a new skill

    There are tons of online classes and kits to teach yourself a new skill like calligraphy or embroidery. You can then use this skill for wedding decorations and save yourself from buying those things. Just remember to factor in enough time to learn!

21. Forget the favors

    If your budget is tight cut out the favors and just focus on giving your guests a night to remember.

22. No open bar

    Liquor can add up very quickly so think about just offering beer and wine to your guests. You could even make a specialty cocktail for the bride and groom to give options. If you open the whole bar up to your guests though I promise it will cost you!

23. Check out Etsy

    If you have a vision of tons of DIY decor but don’t have the time to make it check out Etsy. There are a lot of shops that have handmade things for weddings and you get to help out an independent artist as well.

24. Have a morning wedding

    Some venues will book two weddings in a day. The morning venue rental from 10-4 will cost less than the evening rental from 5-11.

25. Wear comfortable shoes

    If you have a long dress your shoes will be covered up anyways so why not wear affordable shoes that your feet will thank you for. Yes the stilettos are pretty but if no one can see them anyways then save yourself the cost.

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