When you start planning your wedding, the options seem endless -- and they are. So keep your budget (every bride and groom has one) on track by cutting corners where nobody will notice. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with these five tips on how to scale back without hurting your wedding vision.
Budget Breaker #1: Expensive save-the-dates
How to Avoid It: Go DIY with your save-the-dates.
Get creative with a card kit from craft stores like Michaels or Jo-Ann, or make life easy and print out free save-the-dates on a website like WeddingChannel.com. Remember: Your save-the-dates give guests their first glimpse at your wedding style, so consider using a postcard theme if you’re having a destination wedding or incorporating a black-and-white engagement photo for a more vintage vibe.
Budget Breaker #2: Bulky invitation suites
How to Avoid It: Ditch the inserts.
You know those blank pieces of paper that go inside most invitations? Guess what? They’re totally unnecessary! Save hundreds of dollars by skipping this super-formal tradition. The extra paper may be a little too much, especially if you have a casual wedding style, and your invites will be more eco-friendly as well. Plus, there are some details you can just put on your wedding web page, like lodging information.
Budget Breaker #3: Hidden costs on chairs
How to Avoid It: Say good-bye to chair covers.
Depending on your wedding vision, fancy chair covers might be one more “don’t really need it” item to scratch off the list. Skipping this decorative add-on can save you anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. If you’re having a formal reception and want your chairs to have an extra detail, avoid renting or buying covers and go with a sash in your wedding colors instead.
Get your budget on track with our Budget Calculator