How to save money on your wedding without any for your guests noticing

As special and magical weddings are, it’s undeniable that they’re maddeningly hectic, stressful and most importantly? They’re wallet draining. If you’ve ever been the part of the insider squad in any wedding, you’re bound to notice how much cash goes missing for stuff that nobody even asked for or remembers, or for things that were completely useless for the wedding. Yet still, the hosts still broke the bank trying to afford it. Now, we know how much value this day holds in everybody’s hearts, but does it really have to be, y’know… that expensive? Weddings can be just as expensive-looking and phenomenal without literally going broke trying to achieve the wedding of your dreams. That’s why we’ve collected a couple of sneaky ways for you to save some money on your wedding — without your guests even getting a hint about it!

The wedding invitations that will save the date and some cash

We’re all for the fancy-schmancy laser-cut gold-accented wedding invitation cards, but as fairytale-like they look, their pricing will make you recall a horror movie. Decent to expensive looking wedding cards can cost you $700 to even $3000, and all they’ll end up being is a relative’s tea coaster or a child’s scrapbook addition for school. You could always go for cheaper invitations, but they probably won’t replicate the feel that you want for your wedding. Instead, try going for a wedding website! Most domain names will only cost you $10-$15 per year, and you can either design your website for free or at dirt cheap prices on websites like WordPress and Wix. Even better, they have all your desired design elements. All you need to do is simply direct all your guests to it! You’ll be saving up on invitation (as well as postage costs!), and your guests will be wowed by the new and unconventional invitation too.

Hire your photographer friend at mates-rates…

…and end up not having to pay them at all! Friends, we’re kidding on that one. We’re frugal, not monsters. However, a professional wedding photographer often charges a $2,500 minimum for a full day. If you really want to cut costs on that one, you can try booking out an up and coming photographer to do the job for you. Most newbie photographers are pretty good at their craft, and hiring them will not only save you some money, it’ll also allow them to build their portfolio and gain some experience. Just make sure that you look at their work and make sure that they have enough experience in handling such events before signing them up for the task.

Keep it local

If you’re really adaptable and trying to be thrifty this wedding season, let us tell you this: there can’t be a wedding more magical than one in your own backyard. You’ll be able to invite all of the people you want to attend your wedding without spending a dime on venue costs. Yay for saving up on transportation costs as well! Additionally, hire local caterers and decorators that you’re familiar with to get good food and a stunning venue at cheaper prices. Most unknown caterers and decorators in a distant location will at least charge around $4000, but your local uncles will do that in half the budget (or even less for you)! If you don’t have the largest backyard, or really want to book a venue, we’ve got a tip for you there too. Choose the wedding day wisely. You can save up to $400 by simply booking a location on a weekday. Caterers also offer special discounts on weekdays, so do your research in order to make the most out of your wedding.