8 Ways to Save on Your Dream Wedding

One of the first questions newly engaged couples ask is, “How much does a wedding cost”? While everyone has a different budget, it is nice to know that you have saved a little bit of money ‒ whether it be for college loans, or a future home. As you begin to make purchases and sign contracts, consider these ways to save. Even just five dollars, spared for a cocktail on the honeymoon flight, is enough to make most of us happy.

1. Plan ahead – Sometimes a short notice wedding can not be avoided, but when it can, you are more likely to save. A variety of vendors offer specials throughout the year, especially during holidays and slow seasons. If you are able to plan a year or two in advance, look for and take advantage of them. This may be in the form of a percentage discount, or an additional service for free.
2. Refine the guest list – A head count is required for space, rentals and catering. While a few extra people may seem trivial, just a small handful can cost hundreds of dollars. Both brides and grooms can find themselves feeling indecisive, but for your pockets sake, narrow them down. For example, be strict about plus-ones, exclude children under a certain age, or exclude coworkers.
3. Try to DIY – Attempting to DIY your wedding is hit or miss. For some, it is an obvious option to cut costs. Brides and grooms can create their own wedding invites and RSVPs online, utilize fake flowers for bouquets and boutonnieres, and much more! We recommend you check out Pinterest for endless ideas. Just remember, it is possible to over DIY, and spend more than you would if something was purchased pre-made. It is all about determining the time required to put something together, in comparison to cost.
4. Price shop – Most people do some form of price comparison before making a purchase, but with ample time and research you will have better outcomes. Some people choose to buy secondhand, or pre-made wedding decorations, such as centerpieces. Many brides are beginning to buy dresses secondhand, or off the rack ‒ as they are just as beautiful for a fraction of the cost. In most cases, brides can also turn around and sell these items again, to regain the cost.
5. Be practical – Unless an extravaganza equivalent to the Kardashians is your wish, realize that your wedding is not a form of entertainment. Yes, your guests should be happy and enjoy themselves ‒ but not at the price of lifelong debt! Skip on the five-course meal, live band, and eight-tier cake. If you find it necessary to splurge on specific items, limit yourself to one or two. Most importantly, have a designated family member to hold you accountable.
6. Do your research – Recent brides love to share their new experiences, and that includes facts that they wish someone would have shared with them. One of the most common is to warn future brides on items not to waste their money on. Two of these include wedding favors and paper programs. Think about it, how often have you kept or used either of these items after attending a wedding? Chances are, not many. Spare yourself, and your guests, from the guilt of wasting. Have other questions for those more experienced? Take to Facebook to find local bridal groups.
7. Accept offered help – Look, we get it. You are getting married and that means you should be independent. That does not mean you should say no to every convenience offered to you! Friends and family love nothing more than to help, and it makes them feel appreciated and included. Maybe they can provide flowers from their garden, bake your wedding cake, or do clothing alterations. Do not make the mistake of turning down offers that will cause you more money, and stress, in the long run.
8. Set up a wedding fund – This idea has become more popular as the cost of weddings continue to rise. Instead of creating a honeymoon or house fund for guests to choose as a gift, create a ‘wedding fund’. This option is easy to create on most wedding planning sites, and will be deposited directly into your bank account. People are also likely to give more in the form of cash than they are typically willing to spend on a gift.

At Pine Lake Ranch, our wish is provide an unforgettable day for our couples and their guests ‒ all at an affordable price. Our venue packages are completely customizable, and full-service, so that you can get everything you want in one place. Contact us today to learn more, or to schedule a tour of our venue and the beautiful amenities.