Imagine saying "I do" without saying goodbye to all your hard-earned money. Between booking the venue, choosing the rings, buying the wedding cake, hiring a wedding photographer, and purchasing beautiful floral arrangements, the price can add up quickly. 

The good news is that there are ways to save that won’t negatively impact your big day. In this guide, we’re going to break down 15 smart methods to save and still have that ultimate wedding! Let’s dive into ways to cut costs without cutting corners.

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While you can work on creating savings across all components of your wedding, there are some areas that offer more room for savings than others. Identifying the big-ticket items that typically cost the most will give you more opportunities for cutting back on expenses. 

Here are the top three areas to save:

Wedding venue

A huge chunk of your wedding budget usually goes into securing the venue. In some cases, you may have two: one for the ceremony and one for the reception. 

But there's a workaround: less conventional spaces, such as:

• Serene park
• Historical building
• Backyard of your childhood home
• Community hall

These alternatives not only slash the venue cost but can also offer a more personalized setting with finishing touches. 

And here's a bonus tip: Choose off-season dates for additional savings on your venue selection.

Flowers and decorations

Wedding flowers often come with a hefty price tag. But guess what? Seasonal and locally sourced flowers can give you the same aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. 

Trying alternatives to flowers or DIY-ing the decorations are two examples of things you can also do to help you save big. 

Catering

Let's talk about food and drinks: Often the life of the party but also a major budget eater. 

Buffet-style or food trucks can drastically cut down your catering costs. If you're looking to save on drinks, consider a limited bar with one or two signature cocktails. 

And for dessert? Ditch the five-tier wedding cake for a simpler yet equally delicious alternative.

Now that you have an idea of where you may want to focus your savings, let’s discuss some more specific, actionable ideas you can adapt for your wedding. 

1. Choose single-bloom bouquets

Less can be more, especially with wedding flowers. Single-bloom bouquets can make a stunning impact and focus the attention on the beauty of individual flowers. 

Think one dramatic sunflower, rose, or even an exotic bloom, like an orchid. Your photos will thank you!

2. Hire local talent for entertainment

There's probably a wealth of untapped talent right in your community. Local bands, DJs, or even theater groups can offer entertainment that’s unique and personal, not to mention more affordable because you save on travel expenses.

3. Plan an outdoor, picnic-style reception

An alfresco setting opens up possibilities for a less formal, more relaxed vibe, especially for a small wedding party. 

Arrange picnic tables or even lay down cozy blankets and cushions on the grass. Throw in some fairy lights, and you've got yourself an enchanted evening and truly unique outdoor wedding.

4. Request family-made foods

There's nothing like home cooking to make an event feel special. Have a dessert table filled with family favorites — cakes, cookies, and pies — all made by your loved ones. It's a heartfelt and budget-friendly way to feed your guests.

This is an especially clever option if you have passed-down recipes or family members with a particular affinity for the culinary arts.

5. Have a BYOB bar

If you celebrate in a private venue with no restrictions on alcohol, a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) bar can be a fun and inclusive option. Not only does this save money over an open bar, but it also allows your guests to bring drinks they actually enjoy.

6. Get wedding attire at a thrift store

Second-hand doesn’t mean second-best. Thrift stores offer the possibility of finding unique, vintage outfits that add a distinctive touch to your wedding day. From dresses to suits and accessories, there's a whole world of affordable options for your entire wedding party, including bride, groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen.

7. Create DIY save-the-dates and invitations

Crafting your own save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and RSVP cards adds a personal touch and can save you hundreds of dollars. Websites offer free templates; all you need is good-quality paper and a printer.

8. Use ceremony decor for the reception

Get the most bang for your buck by reusing ceremony decor at the reception. You can easily transport flower arrangements, banners, or even aisle runners to give your reception space added flair.

9. Consider non-traditional seating

Who says you need rows of chairs? For an outdoor event, hay bales with linens can offer comfy and unique seating. It adds a rustic charm and lowers your rental costs.

If you have a smaller guest list, it may be easier to figure out ways to create comfortable seating without spending too much on rented chairs or benches.

10. Create your own music playlists

Why hire a DJ when you can be your own music master? Create playlists that truly capture the spirit of your relationship and the celebration on a stellar sound system. 

Focus on songs that represent the big day, but also incorporate a variety of music styles to ensure all guests have a good time.

11. Try local small businesses for catering

Supporting local businesses isn't just good for your community; it's also cost-effective. Local food trucks, mom-and-pop catering services, or even your favorite neighborhood restaurant could provide a budget-friendly yet delicious menu. Think less fancy steak or more savory BBQ!

12. Get greenery-focused floral arrangements

Plants like ivy, ferns, or even succulents can offer a lush look without the expense of fresh flowers like roses or orchids. You can also source greenery more sustainably from local florists, offering another opportunity to support your community.

13. Create DIY wedding centerpieces

With some craft supplies and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create magical centerpieces that suit your theme. Think mason jars filled with fairy lights or vases with single blooms and floating candles.

14. Host a cocktail hour wedding reception

Sometimes, less is more. A few well-crafted hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails can satisfy guests without the need for a full, expensive meal. It also encourages more mingling among guests.

15. Repurpose your wedding decor as favors

Offer your wedding guests favors that have a second life. Small pieces of decor used for the ceremony or reception can go home with the guests, serving as lasting memories of your special day.

Accrue Savings can help you save even more for your budget-friendly wedding

You've just absorbed a variety of fantastic, wallet-friendly wedding ideas. But what if you could amplify your savings even more? That's where Accrue Savings steps in. 

We help you create a customized savings plan for that dream wedding. And guess what? Once you've saved enough, the company you're purchasing from will even kick in some extra bucks. From the wedding dress to wedding rings and beautiful honeymoons, Accrue Savings can help you stretch your budget.

Start rewarding yourself today by making saving a vital part of your wedding plans. Try Accrue Savings now, and make your happily-ever-after start with financial savvy.