How to Save Money for Wedding on a Tight Budget in 2023

Weddings are one of the most memorable and important events in life, but they can also be very expensive. According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in the US was $19,000 in 2020, and it is expected to rise in 2023 due to inflation and post-pandemic demand. However, you don’t have to break the bank to have a beautiful and meaningful wedding. With some planning, creativity and smart choices, you can save for a wedding on a tight budget in 2023 and still have the day of your dreams. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Set a realistic budget and stick to it

The first step to saving for a wedding on a tight budget is to set a realistic budget that reflects your priorities, preferences and financial situation. You can use online tools like The Knot’s Wedding Budget Calculator or Mint’s Wedding Budget Planner to estimate how much you can afford to spend on each category of your wedding, such as venue, catering, photography, attire, flowers, entertainment and more. Once you have a budget, stick to it and track your expenses regularly. You can use apps like WeddingWire or Zola to manage your wedding finances and keep track of your payments and deposits.

Choose an off-season or weekday date

One of the easiest ways to save money on your wedding is to choose an off-season or weekday date. Most weddings take place on Saturdays from May to October, which means that venues and vendors charge higher prices and have less availability during these peak times. By choosing an off-season or weekday date, you can save up to 50% on your venue fee and negotiate better deals with your vendors. You can also avoid competing with other couples for popular dates and locations. Some of the best off-season months for weddings are January, February, March and November, while some of the best weekdays for weddings are Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Opt for a smaller guest list

Another way to save money on your wedding is to opt for a smaller guest list. The number of guests you invite has a direct impact on your wedding cost, as it affects everything from catering and drinks to invitations and favors. By inviting only your closest family and friends, you can reduce your expenses significantly and create a more intimate and personal atmosphere for your wedding. You can also save money on postage by sending digital invitations instead of paper ones, and by using online RSVPs instead of mail-in cards.

Find a low-cost or free venue

One of the biggest expenses of any wedding is the venue, which can account for up to 50% of your total budget. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on renting a fancy hotel or ballroom for your wedding. There are many low-cost or free venues that can offer a beautiful and unique setting for your big day. Some examples are:

• Public parks or gardens: These are usually free or very cheap to rent, and they provide a natural and scenic backdrop for your ceremony and reception. You may need to obtain a permit from the local authorities and follow some rules regarding noise, alcohol and decorations.
• Backyards or farms: If you or someone you know has a spacious backyard or farm, you can use it as your wedding venue for free or for a small fee. You can decorate it with lights, flowers and rustic elements to create a cozy and charming vibe. You may need to rent some equipment such as tents, tables, chairs and generators.
• Libraries or museums: These are often available for weddings at a reasonable price, especially if you are a member or donor. They offer a sophisticated and elegant ambiance for your wedding, as well as access to interesting exhibits and collections.
• Churches or temples: If you are religious or spiritual, you can get married in your place of worship for free or for a nominal donation. You can also use their facilities for your reception if they have enough space and allow it.

DIY or outsource some aspects of your wedding

Another way to save money on your wedding is to DIY or outsource some aspects of your wedding that don’t require professional expertise or equipment. For example, you can:

• Make your own invitations, programs, menus, place cards and thank-you notes using online templates or software like Canva or Adobe Spark.
• Bake your own cake or cupcakes, or ask a friend or family member who is good at baking to do it for you as their wedding gift.
• Make your own bouquet, boutonnieres, centerpieces and other floral arrangements using fresh or artificial flowers from local markets or online shops.
• Hire a local band or DJ from Craigslist or Thumbtack instead of an expensive agency or company.
• Ask a friend or family member who has a good camera and photography skills to take your wedding photos and videos instead of hiring a professional photographer or videographer.
• Use your own car or borrow one from a friend or family member instead of renting a limousine or other transportation service.

Shop around and compare prices

One of the most important tips to save money on your wedding is to shop around and compare prices before you book or buy anything. You can use online platforms like WeddingWire, The Knot, Zola or Thumbtack to find and compare vendors and products in your area, read reviews and ratings, and request quotes and discounts. You can also use coupons, promo codes, cashback offers and other deals to save money on your purchases. You can also ask for referrals from your friends, family or other couples who have recently gotten married and had a similar budget and style as you.

Conclusion

Saving for a wedding on a tight budget in 2023 is not impossible, but it does require some planning, creativity and smart choices. By following these tips, you can have a beautiful and meaningful wedding without breaking the bank. Remember that the most important thing about your wedding is not how much you spend, but how much you love and enjoy each other.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about saving for a wedding on a tight budget in 2023.

• Q: How much should I save for a wedding on a tight budget in 2023?
• A: The answer depends on your personal preferences, priorities and financial situation. However, a general rule of thumb is to spend no more than 10% of your annual income on your wedding. For example, if you earn $50,000 per year, you should aim to spend no more than $5,000 on your wedding.
• Q: How can I save money on my wedding dress?
• A: There are many ways to save money on your wedding dress, such as:
  • Buying a pre-owned or sample dress from online platforms like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com or StillWhite.com.
  • Renting a dress from online platforms like Rent the Runway or Borrowing Magnolia.
  • Buying a dress off the rack from bridal shops or department stores during sales or clearance events.
  • Altering or customizing an existing dress that you already own or that belongs to someone you know.
  • Choosing a simple and classic style that doesn’t require too much embellishment or alteration.
• Q: How can I save money on my wedding rings?
• A: There are many ways to save money on your wedding rings, such as:
  • Buying them online from reputable and certified sellers like Blue Nile or James Allen.
  • Choosing alternative metals like titanium, tungsten, stainless steel or silver instead of gold or platinum.
  • Choosing alternative stones like moissanite, cubic zirconia, lab-grown diamonds or gemstones instead of natural diamonds.
  • Engraving them with meaningful words or symbols instead of buying expensive designs or settings.
  • Using heirloom rings that belong to your family or friends.
• Q: How can I save money on my honeymoon?
• A: There are many ways to save money on your honeymoon, such as:
  • Booking your flights and hotels in advance and using online platforms like Expedia, Kayak or Priceline to find the best deals and discounts.
  • Choosing a destination that is close to your home or that has low-cost flights and accommodations.
  • Traveling during the off-season or weekdays when the prices are lower and the crowds are smaller.
  • Using credit cards, loyalty programs, rewards points or coupons to pay for your travel expenses.
  • Planning your activities and attractions ahead of time and using online platforms like Groupon, Viator or TripAdvisor to find the best deals and discounts.
• Q: How can I make my wedding more eco-friendly?
• A: There are many ways to make your wedding more eco-friendly, such as:
  • Choosing a venue that is close to your home or that has green practices and policies.
  • Using recycled, biodegradable or reusable materials for your invitations, decorations, favors and other items.
  • Choosing local, organic or seasonal food and drinks for your catering and bar service.
  • Donating your leftover food, flowers and other items to local charities or organizations.
  • Offsetting your carbon footprint by planting trees, buying carbon credits or supporting environmental causes.