How To Save Money When Planning a Wedding

Who Loves Their Pinterest & Lemon 8 Boards! Brides LOVE their mood boards!

If you’re newly engaged (congrats, by the way! 💍), you’ve probably found yourself in the deep end of Pinterest, pinning everything from cascading floral arches to 12-tier cakes that could double as architectural masterpieces. But when the reality of wedding budgets sets in, it can feel like your dream day is slipping through your fingers. Don’t panic! Keep reading 😀

The good news? You don’t have to give up your dream wedding – you just have to get a little creative. Here’s how to bridge the gap between Pinterest-worthy and budget-friendly without sacrificing the vibes you’re after.

1. Set Your Priorities (a.k.a. Choose Your Must-Haves)

Every couple has that one thing they can’t imagine their wedding without. Maybe it’s a live band, an epic dance floor, or a jaw-dropping floral installation. The trick is to identify these non-negotiables early on and allocate your budget accordingly.

For everything else? Consider dialing back. Not every corner of your venue needs to be dripping in flowers or covered in custom signage. Prioritizing means you can invest in the wow moments that matter most to you, without blowing your entire budget. By picking a historic venue like The Postmark— the building speaks for itself being unique and classic, so you might be able to scale back on the decor.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a wedding budget worksheet or app to break down your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. This can help you stay on track and avoid last-minute splurges.

2. Get Creative with Wedding Decor

Pinterest is packed with stunning decor ideas, but those perfectly styled tablescapes and custom arches can add up fast. The good news is, you can achieve a similar vibe without the jaw-dropping price tag.

Swap fresh flowers for greenery or dried arrangements for a trendy, budget-friendly look.
Use candles, fairy lights, or textured fabrics for ambiance without the cost.
DIY where you can, or hit up thrift shops for vintage glassware, brass candlesticks, or statement vases.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider renting statement pieces or decor instead of buying them – you get the look without the long-term storage headache. We know some great vendors to help with decor! Just let us know this is a priority for you.

3. Rethink Your Wedding venue and Date

Your venue will likely be your single biggest expense, but choosing a space that offers a lot of things inside the packages, you could save so much money. Think historic or vintage venues. Plus, opting for a Friday, Sunday, or even a weekday can slash your venue costs significantly.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask about all-inclusive venues that include tables, chairs, and decor in their packages – like the beautiful historic venues you’ll find right here in Ohio. 😉

4. Trim the Guest List (Yep, I Said It)

It’s not the most fun part of wedding planning, but it’s one of the most impactful. Fewer guests mean fewer meals, fewer drinks, and a smaller venue – which all add up to major savings. Create an A & B list! The A list is the first 50 people you can’t imagine having your wedding without. The B list can always fill in those who on A list are unable to make it. If the venue holds more and budget permits, you can always do the A list and make it 100 guests to start with.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with this one, set a hard rule, like “no plus-ones unless they’re married or engaged” or “no coworkers.” Trust me, future-you will thank you.

5. Simplify the Wedding Cake (But Keep the Sweetness)

Yes, those towering wedding cakes are gorgeous, but they’re also pricey. Consider a smaller, beautifully decorated cake for the Instagram moment, and serve guests a simple sheet cake or dessert bar instead. Dessert bars are also a hit! Who doesn’t love a variety to choose from?

💡 Pro Tip: Naked cakes, donuts, and even cupcake towers can be a budget-friendly (and delicious) alternative.

6. Embrace Digital for Wedding Stationery

Printed invitations, custom menus, and elaborate programs are beautiful, but they can eat up your budget fast. Going digital for save-the-dates, RSVPs, or even the full invitation suite can save hundreds.

💡 Pro Tip: Platforms like Canva make it easy to design professional-looking invites without the custom price tag. Plus, digital RSVPs are way easier to track.

7. Stay Focused on What Really Matters

At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating the two of you – not just impressing your guests. Focus on the moments that matter, like your vows, the first dance, and that “just married” glow, and the rest will fall into place. 🩵

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a Pinterest-worthy wedding without the sticker shock. Remember, it’s not about cutting corners, but about being intentional with your budget and focusing on what truly makes your wedding day special.

If you’re ready to start planning or need a little help figuring out where to save and where to splurge, just reach out! I’d love to chat about your vision and help you bring it to life. 💍✨

Learn more

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope that you will consider hiring a locally owned wedding venue for your big celebration. Locally owned wedding venues provide the best wedding experience, they tend to have little to no turnover, they support the local economy and they are part of the community. Choosing a locally owned wedding venue means the world to our small owned wedding venues. In an effort to support locally owned wedding venues, we will feature five small business wedding venues in each of our blogs. Here are just a few we love and support:

Thistle Dome House , La Bella Luna , OxBow Acres , Sparks Museum , Lizton Lodge

How to Save Money on a Wedding (Without Giving Up Your Pinterest Dreams)