8 clever and realistic ways to save on your wedding

It’s no secret that the cost of a wedding starts to add up quickly. From venue to decor to food, the list of “essential” elements can start to feel overwhelming—and expensive— quite fast. With 67% of survey-takers from our 2026 Pregame Report noting they’re ready for more budget-friendly hosting options, we thought it was time to get real about wedding expenses. 

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We’re breaking down 8 practical tips to help you determine which elements are essential for your event, and which you can get a little savvy with. And no, we’re not going to tell you to skip all the fun stuff or that your vision is totally out of range—we’re breaking down hacks and alternatives to help you get your dream wedding at your ideal price point. 

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1. Get creative with your florals

While flowers may seem like a given at weddings, they ultimately serve as a way to fill visual space at your event. The good news is that there are a bunch of equally eye-catching (and much more cost-effective) ways to decorate your venue than florals, which can break your budget! 

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Consider an alternative like dried flowers (which you can preserve and frame as a wedding memento, or share with your guests and wedding party as a thoughtful keepsake). Candles also make a much more affordable option than complex flower arrangements, and if you opt for simple pillar candles, you can keep these and use them after they serve as your decor. 

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Another flower alternative that still delivers color and visual impact without bringing as much sticker shock? Fruit! Not only are fruit-focused tablescapes totally trending, they’re also a luxe and unique option that is much cheaper than flowers. Consider fruits that go with your color scheme, such as your favorite citrus, pears, or cascading bunches of grapes to create a striking setup at a much lower cost. 

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2. Rethink the photographer

Look, we absolutely love photographers and supporting their work. But, if a daily rate and the additional fees start to feel out of your budget, never fear—you’ve got options! 

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If you still want to get professional shots but can’t swing paying for a full day, consider booking your photographer for just a few hours (versus a whole day) if they’re willing. Or, plan to have them come specifically for what you think are the most important part of the celebrations—whether that’s getting ready, your first look, or when you’re cutting the cake! 

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Another alternative we’re a huge fan of? Place 5 to 10 disposable cameras around your event and let your guests capture the day from their perspective! If you have a couple of artistic friends, don’t be afraid to delegate them to make sure they get shots of your most special moments. 

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These days, there are a variety of options when it comes to capturing your event. If you don’t want to go full-in on a photographer, wedding content creators are your new best friend when it comes to documenting your special day. Consider an on-demand creator service like Social Agent or find local content creators near you for a more budget-friendly alternative. 

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3. Opt for a DJ over a band 

Have you ever been at a wedding and thought to yourself, this would be so much better if it was a live band? Eh, not us (for the most part, at least)! Your guests will be so busy having a blast on the dance floor, they really won’t know the difference—but your budget sure will. Live music can be a high ticket item, so opting for a DJ or even a curated playlist paired with your venue’s sound system are great ways to save money. 

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Need a little music inspo to start? Check out our wedding playlist, made with our favorite wedding dance floor memories in mind. 

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4. Book your venue strategically

If the venue of your dreams is a little out of your budget, there may still be a way to make it work. 

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The first thing to check is their off-season rate. If you’re able to schedule your event in one of their less popular months, you may be able to get a pretty significant discount. Don’t forget to check the weather, though! 

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The day of the week that you book your event on can also impact your total cost. If your schedule allows, consider a weekday or Sunday ceremony. Keep in mind that this may make it a little more challenging for your guests to attend, but that’s your call to make. 

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Another way to avoid additional fees? If you’re hosting a reception or dinner event, consider not noting specifically that it is for a wedding when you are booking. At the end of the day, your reception is a dinner party or cocktail hour, so long as you don’t have too many guests or large elements you are planning to bring into the venue. Of course, if you’re having a ceremony, don’t be too sneaky—you want to maintain a positive relationship with the venue, and your event attire might just give you away! 

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5. Go digital for your invitations

Well, this one’s a bit of a no-brainer in our books. Save money and time by opting for a digital wedding invitation. Online wedding invitations can save you up to 70% or more compared to printed ones, and they come with a plethora of other tools to make your life easier. 

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You can link multiple registries, you don’t have to worry about people changing addresses when you mail your invitations, and you can get an entirely custom experience without any turnaround time or delays. Plus, with Evite, you get a free shared photo album with unlimited storage, so guests can drop their wedding day pictures in one place without you having to create any additional links or iCloud albums. 

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Want to talk more savings? You can get all of the invitations you need for all of your wedding events (from bridal shower to bachelor party to ceremony) at one fixed price with an Evite Pro subscription. Click here to learn more. 

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6. Think outside the box for your menu 

Your food and drink options are another great place to get strategic and maximize your savings. 

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Consider creating a set drink menu versus having an open bar to lower your alcohol costs. Plus, skip the champagne toast entirely or use an alternative sparkling wine for even more savings. 

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For your main meal, family style or a buffet will almost always be more affordable than a plated, per-person menu. 

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When it comes to the cake, you’ve got loads of options to help you save compared to steep bakery prices. Try getting one nice, small cutting cake for photos and then having a sheet cake that you slice in the back for guests. Or, save on dessert by choosing a more affordable—but just as exciting— alternative! An option we’re loving? Donuts (yes, still)! They’re a crowd-pleaser and can be easily displayed in a tower format for maximum impact. Plus, if you have a favorite local donut shop, it’s an easy and fun way to incorporate one of your local spots to share with guests. 

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7. Real talk: you don’t need wedding favors 

One thing our in-house experts say you can cross off your budget entirely? Party favors. When it comes to weddings, favors can seem like a thoughtful gesture, but they just aren’t necessary. Your guests are there to celebrate a milestone with you, and the memories and experience itself is enough of a gift. Unless there is something specific that comes to you naturally, a good rule of thumb is not to force the wedding favor. Take the money you were planning to spend on favors and either delegate it elsewhere to cover a part of your party you’re genuinely excited about, or save it for something down the road! 

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8. See if your venue comes with a day-of coordinator

Look—it’s definitely helpful to have someone on-site to keep track of timing, manage vendors, and help with anything else that pops up. If hiring an additional person to be your day-of coordinator is out of your budget, try asking if your venue has anyone in-house who can help. Venues often come with an in-house planner, and you should absolutely feel empowered to ask if they are available to support on the day of your event as well.  

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So, whether you’re modifying your menu or reimagining your event decor, there are loads of ways to adapt your vision to fit your budget. 

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Remember: at the end of the day, what sticks with people is how your wedding made them feel (and how happy you were)... not how fancy or expensive your table linens were. 

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Get creative, think strategically, and don’t be afraid to skip something just because it’s “traditional”. Best of luck with your planning, and don’t forget to enjoy the process, too!