Getting together with friends and family to celebrate a wedding or other monumental occasion is fun, festive and memorable — and unfortunately expensive. Costs can add up quickly, making it easy to exceed your budget and creating an event that’s more stressful than celebratory.
But with a few tricks of the trade and tweaks to your plan, you can trim your budget back, allowing you to breathe deeper, enjoy the event and maybe even have a little extra money in your pocket after the guests have all gone home. (Put it into some high-interest savings accounts or investments!)
Here are a few ways to save on big celebrations.
Choose an off-peak day and date.
A Saturday in June sounds lovely — but it typically costs significantly more for everything from the venue to rentals to the officiant. Hold your event on an off-peak day in a less-popular month and you could save a good chunk of money. Pro tip: Look at US holiday weekend Sundays — think Memorial Day or Labor Day or Indigenous People’s Day — for an event that’s less pricey while also still travel-friendly.
Go paperless.
Weddings and other events come with plenty of printing costs: invitations, menus, programs, and more. For an event that is both eco-friendly and less expensive, cut down on paper expenses by opting for paperless invitations; printing out one large seating chart poster instead of hundreds of place cards; and posting one large fancy menu that all guests can see instead of one for every place setting. It’s a quick and easy way to save — plus, guests love the ease of a quick-click RSVP.
Be flexible with flowers.
From blooms at the altar to abundant bridal bouquets, flowers can eat up a large part of the event budget. If you still dream of a flower-filled event, you can maximize your budget by moving ceremony florals into a reception venue, or using bridesmaids’ bouquets as centerpieces. Or, if you’re not married to the idea of flowers, opt for candles as décor, which are less expensive while also dramatic and beautiful.
Strategic food and drinks.
Unless you’re serving up a four-star menu, event guests rarely remember what they ate and drank during an event, making food and drink a good place to tighten up the budget. Simplify your bar menu by offering only beer, wine and soft drinks, or by providing spirits through one signature cocktail. When it comes to the cake, opt for a giant, delicious sheet cake from a store like Target or Hy-Vee and add flowers, frosting and other decorations. We’re guessing few people will know the difference — or will even care.
Select the right venue.
Rental costs for chairs, tables, linens and other essentials can dominate much of an event budget. But if you hold your party at a restaurant instead of an event venue, you can eliminate these costs altogether. Restaurants have these supplies on hand already — think seating, serve ware, plates, tablecloths and serving staff — which will save you big bucks on rental costs and other fees.
Stay on top of social media and store sales.
Follow your favorite vendors, boutiques, stores and other event-centric outlets on social media and keep your eyes out for special offers and discounts available to followers. Additionally, keep tabs on your favorite local consignment stores for sales on gently used dresses, suits, jewelry, shoes and other dressy attire.
Tap your friends and family for help.
When it comes to throwing an event on a budget, no one can help more than enthusiastic friends and family. Ask your best friend to serve as officiant or emcee. Have your friendly aunt cut and serve cake. Tap your best college friends to play bartender. Get your music-loving sibling to create the perfect playlist. It will not only save money, but friends and family will likely feel honored to be part of your big day.
Cut the guest list.
Yes, it’s difficult not to have every person you like at your event. But cutting a few people off the list can yield significant savings — especially if your venue charges by the person. Take a good, hard look at your guest list and make a few cuts to help save money. (Plus ones are a great place to start, especially if your guest doesn’t have a significant other.)
With a few hacks and a strong financial plan, you can ensure your wedding or other big event falls within your budget, so you can enjoy yourself and truly celebrate the occasion.
