How to save money on your wedding costs

In a nutshell

While the average cost of a wedding may be rising, there are plenty of opportunities to trim expenses without affecting your enjoyment of the big day.

• Weddings cost so much due to demand, expectations and the importance placed on the event.
• Choosing a more affordable venue and modest food options help reduce costs.
• Décor can be rented, thrifted or crafted to keep expenses low.
• When in doubt, seek a “less is more” approach and choose a minimalist approach to modern style.

Why are weddings so expensive?

Weddings are expensive for several reasons. First, the total number of services and products purchased for a wedding can be large. A wedding is one of the few events where everything from clothes to food to live doves could end up on the “must-buy” list.

Second, the industry relies on high demand for items considered to be wedding related. Jewelry, dresses and event venues can command a higher price because they know they can get it. This is especially true during certain times of the year, such as June, when weddings are more popular and high demand drives up prices.

Finally, weddings are expensive because they are highly personalized to the bride and groom's whims. If everything could be ordered from a standard wedding catalog, pricing might be straightforward, with multiple companies competing on the same terms. Add an elephant safari or exotic flower to the mix, and you get a very personalized, high-end wedding item that can't be easily fulfilled. It costs a lot to pull in so many separate elements to make a completely custom wedding experience.

Even if you are planning a modest wedding with only the basics, it's easy to overspend. The wedding industry encourages indulgence, and it's hard to say "no."

How to save money on your wedding costs

Even if you have expensive tastes, you can trim your wedding bill to make it fit your budget.

Seek out affordable wedding venue options

Securing the location for a wedding is often stressful. Some destinations require a reservation years in advance and a large deposit. However, many couples look to more modest venues to celebrate their big day. Free or low-cost options include the following:

• Your local city, state or national park: Check with your city or municipality for rules around hosting gatherings. Some require a permit or reservation.
• Church: While mainly limited to members of the faith community, churches, mosques and synagogues often host weddings for a nominal fee.
• Backyard or porch: Yes, it's OK to host a wedding right where you live — and it's cost-effective, too!
• Historic museums and buildings: Often priced lower than a dedicated event venue, these locales bring some charm and nostalgia to your wedding festivities.

Is this a complete list? Not at all. In fact, it can be helpful to drive around your community to find places that appeal to you. Whether it’s a sandy lake beach or the community garden, if it’s beautiful, available and affordable, it may be the best place for your wedding.

Save big on the catering bill

It’s often expected that there will be food at a wedding, but feeding everyone can be a huge financial burden. Fortunately, food is one area with a lot of flexibility in terms of what you serve and how you service it.

Here are some ideas to bring down the cost:

• Work with your local catering company to find a day or week that they aren’t as busy and can make you a deal. Then, plan the wedding date around when it’s most affordable.
• Consider alternative eats, such as charcuterie, fresh fruit and veggie trays and soups or sandwiches guests can serve themselves.
• Skip the service. If you have family and friends to help put out the food, serve it and clean up, you can cut the cost of catering entirely and just pay for the meals. Also, buffet-style food costs less than most individually packaged items.
• Some dishes, like tacos, baked potato or pasta bars, provide an affordable foundation that guests can build on with unlimited toppings like sauces and veggies. These toppings give diners more food at less cost, and they can easily personalize their meals to account for taste or dietary requirements.
• Rethink alcohol. If you want to serve beer or wine, do so in a way that limits what guests can have. Consider a two-drink maximum, doled out with drink tickets, so guests don't overindulge and run up the bill.

Cut costs on wedding decorations

You can still get the perfect look and feel for your wedding without spending a fortune on new, trendsetting décor. Here’s how:

• Look for free and thrifted items: With enough advanced planning, you can find some of what you need through local “Buy Nothing” Facebook groups and by asking friends and family. You may also find a wide variety of table décor, candles, place mats and lighting from thrift shops, such as Goodwill — often for a fraction of the new price.
• Make it yourself: Some of the most beautiful decorations can be made with simple and affordable materials. For DIY wedding inspiration, check out YouTube or Pinterest.
• Rent it: Did you know that you can rent most wedding décor items? From chair covers to candy dishes, you can find a wide selection of wedding rental companies specializing in these small details.

Other money-saving tips

One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to reduce the size of the wedding. It’s far cheaper to host a wedding for 50 to 100 guests than 200 guests. While it can be hard to whittle down the guest list, it may be the most important way to keep costs low and your budget on target.

The same goes for your wedding party. Having 10 bridesmaids gets expensive, especially when adding in thank you gifts and rehearsal dinners. If you can keep the wedding party to your closest friends or family, you’ll have more to spend on essential elements.

Ask for help. You may be surprised at how many gifts and skills your loved ones possess that can be especially useful during your big day. Don't be afraid to ask that aunt who bakes delicious cupcakes or a friend with photography skills, if they would be willing to offer their abilities to help make your event special. While it's not always seen as tasteful to ask business owners for free services, hobbyists may be willing to lend a hand in this situation. Many people just want to help the happy couple.

The AP Buyline roundup

Weddings may be the most expensive milestone in a couple’s journey, but they also have a lot of flexibility in terms of budget. By cutting costs in some more areas — including food and décor — you can still have your dream celebration without getting into debt.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How can I reduce my wedding expenses without compromising quality?

No one wants their wedding to look cheap, but there are many ways to save and still show class. Start planning far before the big day and scour deal and bargain websites, as well as local thrift stores, for easy ways to cut costs. You can also negotiate with service providers, who may be willing to offer discounts for offseason weddings or those on slower days of the week. You should also consider a location close by, reducing travel expenses for you and your wedding party.

Is it possible to have a stylish wedding on a tight budget?

It’s possible to create an on-trend and sophisticated wedding without spending a fortune. Start by prioritizing the most important items for your wedding, whether that’s a theme, color palette or location. Work around those nonnegotiables with modest details that help bring out the overall style. Consider repurposed décor from the rehearsal dinner or ceremony as centerpieces for the reception. When in doubt, the minimalist look is always in style, less is more, but it is also more affordable.