When you think about cutting costs to stay within your wedding budget, you might think it is impossible if you want to have the wedding of your dreams.
I am here to tell you it is completely possible. When you cut out some little things here and there that guests likely won't notice or miss, the savings add up and might allow you to spend a little extra on that one thing you are DYING to have at your wedding! Here are a few places where you can cut costs on your wedding day:
Favors
If you've been to any weddings, you probably have a plastic cup, a koozie, a deck of cards, or a box of matches with someone's name on them. Would you be upset if you did not have these things laying in your junk drawer? I'm going to say it is very unlikely. Cutting out favors can save you hundreds of dollars! Guests aren't there to receive gifts...they are there to celebrate your marriage!
If you feel guilty not giving favors, check out my favorite wedding favor EVER here (that you might already be paying for!).
Programs
I am a HUGE fan of programs and all of the creative things that you can do with them, but if you are tight on cash, this is an expense that you can cut completely. There are of course alternatives to programs that you are already paying for. Instead of giving programs with your wedding party on them, when you do your grand entrance into the reception, you can either have the DJ announce how you know each other, or if you want to get really creative, you can make a slideshow with a short bio and how you met each of your party members!
Champagne
When guests raise their glass for a toast, they can do this with the drink that they already have...from the bar that you already paid for!
Alcohol (No, you're not cutting this completely!)
I know what you're thinking...cutting alcohol is NOT an option. I know, I know. You don't have to cut alcohol completely, and you shouldn't. Alcohol is a HUGE expense when it comes to your wedding budget. What I recommend is choosing two signature cocktails, and two to three of your favorite beers. This will cut back on the variety of alcohol you have to purchase, and will make it easier for your bartenders to serve your guests fast so they can get back on the dance floor!
Use Food as Centerpieces
Sounds crazy, doesn't it? Using food as centerpieces can save you money in more ways than one. First, you don't have to spend money on florals or other pieces for your tables. Second, you might save some cash because you don't have to hire wait staff serving hor d'oeuvres during your cocktail hour. This also makes it easy for guests because they can find their table and have some appetizers ready for them when they arrive at the reception venue.
If you already have a wait staff, you can have them change out the food throughout the night from appetizers to desserts and anything else that you can imagine!
There are so many ways to cut small and large costs here and there to stay within your wedding budget. What are your secrets for cutting costs to stay within budget?
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