Not wearing your grandmother\u2019s gown? Buying used or renting can be among some of the most cost-effective ways to save money<\/a> on your wedding. Because wedding dresses tend to be worn once and then preserved, they are usually in \u201clike new\u201d condition when sold secondhand. Many websites offer pre-owned wedding dresses from major designers when you are wedding planning on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe find it very rare that a bride finds sentimental value in her veil or headpiece unless it is an heirloom,\u201d says Brittany Haas, founder of a bridal rental website. \u201cAccessories are generally an expensive afterthought,\u201d she adds. \u201cFor example, the veil is something that you generally only wear for 15 minutes for your wedding day. Brides have so many more romantic things to spend on than an object only worn for 15 minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local consignment stores also frequently carry wedding dresses, and sometimes a formal evening gown can double for your big day, which can help you save money on your wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n 2022 national average: $2,4001<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Flowers are one of the easiest ways to decorate a wedding venue, but can also be among the priciest. Nicole Harris, owner of an event planning business, has advice for brides: \u201cShop at wholesale stores for a high quantity of decor and flowers. Typically, wholesale stores are more open to negotiation and will give you a better price for the quantity of items or flowers a bride will order.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n And once you have your flowers, if you have bridesmaids willing to help out, you can easily put together bouquets to help cut back on wedding costs.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n 2022 national average: $11,2001<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most wedding guides will tell you reception venues charge less if you get married \u201coff-season\u201d in January, February, or March, or during the week instead of on the weekend. The main way to really save on your venue and cut back on wedding costs is to keep your guest list low (100 or less). A smaller guest list can help you save money on your wedding by lowering the cost for food, tables, chairs, and drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When comparing the prices<\/a> of different venues, consider that going with an all-inclusive venue can be a good money-saving tip for your wedding, says Joyce Scardina Becker, veteran wedding planner. \u201cThe reception site and the vendors may have prearranged financial agreements, making it easy and more cost-effective,\u201d Becker says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2022 national average: $75 per person1<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sit-down or buffet? \u201cMany couples think that buffets are less expensive than a sit-down plated meal, but this is often not the case,\u201d Becker says. \u201cMany times, buffets are more expensive because you have to offer more choices and you cannot control the quantity of food a guest takes. So, you should check with your caterer before deciding on a buffet versus a sit-down dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re wedding planning on a budget, food trucks can be an alternative to cut back on wedding costs, while providing a memorable guest experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to alcohol, Becker suggests:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, if your venue allows you to bring your own alcohol, wholesalers tend to offer lower prices and typically allow you to return any unopened bottles for credit. Bringing your own alcohol could help you save quite a bit of money on your wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n 2022 national average: $2,6001<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the easiest ways to cut back on wedding costs is to limit how long your photographer stays. If you\u2019re getting married in the off-season, you\u2019ll likely find better deals than those getting hitched in the summer and fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An often-overlooked money-saving tip for your wedding: Contact local college students studying photography who are interested in expanding their portfolio. Some experienced photographers may also have assistants who charge less, while still providing good service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While looking for ways to save money on your wedding may not sound romantic, it may be the best gift couples can give themselves in the long run. Utilizing these money-saving tips to cut back on wedding costs can mean more savings to put toward other financial goals<\/a> as a couple\u2014goals like buying a home, starting a family, saving for a child\u2019s education or building an emergency fund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attending a wedding? That can be expensive, too. Learn how to save money as a wedding guest<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Wedding](\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-Money-Saving-Tips_1-INARTICLE-e1675970291321.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPurchase flowers at wholesale stores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/5-Money-Saving-Tips_2-FULL-755x222.jpg?v=4.jpg\")
\n <\/picture>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Minimize your guest list and go with an all-inclusive venue<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Work closely with your caterer and supply the liquor yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/5-Money-Saving-Tips_3-FULL-scaled-755x222.jpg?v=6.jpg\")
\n <\/picture>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Work with talented photographers who are looking for experience <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Happily (and financially) ever after<\/h2>\n\n\n\n