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If you’re looking for ways to cut wedding costs without sacrificing the things that truly make your day special, you’re in the right place. As a wedding planner who’s worked with hundreds of couples, I’ve helped clients save thousands while still having beautiful, meaningful celebrations. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite wedding cost cutting strategies so you can save money on your wedding and still love every detail.

And if you want all 50 ideas, you’ll definitely want to watch the full YouTube episode or listen to the podcast version on Spotify or Apple; that’s where I spill every single tip in rapid-fire style.

1. Trim the Guest List First

If you do one thing to lower wedding costs, make it this: invite fewer people. Every guest means more chairs, more food, more drinks, and more invitations.

Quick ways to save:

• Cut 10 guests, then cut 5 more.
• Skip plus-ones for guests you don’t know.
• Keep the wedding party small; fewer bouquets, boutonnieres, and gifts.

It’s not about excluding people, it’s about creating a day where you can actually connect with the people you love most.

💍 Free resource: Grab my Ultimate Wedding Planning Kit to get my guest list tracker, vendor email templates, and complete planning checklist with deadlines.

2. Be Strategic with Date, Time, and Venue

Your venue choice has one of the biggest impacts on your budget, and a few tweaks can save thousands.

Ways to cut costs here:

• Book a Friday, Sunday, or weekday wedding. Many venues offer discounts.
• Get married in the off-season (winter or early spring).
• Opt for a morning ceremony and brunch reception; it’s less expensive for food and drink.
• Choose a venue that offers a ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception space for one rental fee.

Looking for more ideas? Read my post on Vendor Red Flags Every Bride Needs to Know, and don’t forget that I share even more in the full episode. 

3. Repurpose, Rent, and Rethink Decor

Decor can eat up your budget fast, but there are so many ways to make it gorgeous and affordable.

My go-to wedding cost cutting strategies for decor:

• Reuse ceremony flowers at the reception (aisle arrangements → head table).
• Use candles and greenery instead of full floral centerpieces.
• Skip floral aisle decor and use petals or bouquets instead.
• Borrow or buy secondhand vases, jars, or even your wedding dress.

Remember, guests rarely notice if something was DIYed or secondhand. They’ll notice the atmosphere, not the price tag.

4. Get Smart About Vendors and Extras

Vendors want your business and there’s often room to save if you ask.

Expert tips on how to lower wedding costs with vendors:

• Book photographers or videographers for 6–7 hours instead of a full day.
• Ask about discounts for paying in full or via check.
• Bundle services (photo + video) for package savings.
• Hire talented newer vendors with strong portfolios.
• Limit the bar to beer, wine, and one signature cocktail.

And always negotiate kindly. You’re more likely to get a yes if you’re respectful and clear about your budget.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to give up your dream wedding to cut wedding costs, you just need to spend with strategy. Every dollar you save here can be put toward something you’ll remember forever (or even your honeymoon).

These are just a handful of my best ideas. To get all 50 tips, make sure you watch the full YouTube episode or listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple so you don’t miss a single money-saving hack.

💍 Ready to plan smarter, not just cheaper?

• Grab my FREE Ultimate Wedding Planning Kit. It includes my ultimate checklist, guest list tracker, and vendor negotiation email templates.
• Join WedSmart, my monthly membership for couples who want pro-level help, vendor trainings, templates, and exclusive pre-negotiated vendor discounts.

And if you loved these tips, check out my related post on Why Pinterest Weddings are Ruining Your Budget.