7 No-Brainer Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding Day
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- Updated: 14th February 2024
In 2023, the average cost of a wedding was around $29k in the US and £20k in the UK. That's a considerable chunk of change when you consider the average UK wage currently sits at the £35k mark.
Whilst there's evidence that these numbers will continue to grow with inflation and increasing costs for suppliers, a growing sector of Gen Z and Millennials are ditching the grand wedding and looking for cheaper alternatives.
If you have your heart set on being the belle of the ball but would rather not break the bank, this article is for you. Here are 7 simple ways to save money on your wedding day, without compromising on quality.
1. Consider a Mid-Week Wedding
Summer Saturdays are by far the most popular dates in the diary for wedding venues and suppliers. The benefit of a Saturday is that friends and family will likely have the day off work, and they'll have sufficient time to work off the hangover the following day.
However, that's not to say it's the only day of the week to consider. Over the last ten years, we've seen an upward trend in Friday weddings, escalated further by Covid, which practically made mid-week weddings the norm.
The benefit? Cheaper mid-week dates for couples looking to save cash on their wedding day. From Thirsty Thursdays to lazy Sundays, you can usually bag a mid-week wedding for a fraction of the cost of a Saturday.
Not only will this save a good portion of your venue budget, but you'll no doubt find a number of wedding suppliers who are eager to book a mid-week wedding for a discounted rate.
2. Off-Season Weddings
If a Saturday is a must, then perhaps a chilly winter wedding could be an option. With an array of romantic winter themes to work with, there are plenty of reasons to opt for an off-season wedding.
If cost-saving is your main focus, you'll want to avoid December, which remains a popular month for venues, suppliers and entertainers due to the flurry of corporate events and Christmas parties.
As the owner of a music agency, of which weddings are a significant part of the business, I highly recommend January or February weddings to get the most bang for your buck.
While some musicians and suppliers have a set price regardless of the date, many will offer a discount on their services (if you ask nicely!).
3. Get a Package Deal
Venues that include bubbly, wedding bands that offer ceremony music, DJs that offer photobooths - there are countless suppliers that offer cheap wedding deals when booking a package.
Suppose a supplier such as a DJ or band is already supplying their services. In that case, it makes sense to utilise everything they offer instead of hiring more people with additional travel expenses to fork out on.
Assuming the vendor is happy with their rate, they may consider any extras a bonus. For example, the average cost of an acoustic duo is around £450-£550, but if you've already booked a wedding band for the evening party, they'll likely offer a one-hour acoustic set in the afternoon for around £300. So, if you're looking to save money on your wedding day, a package deal is clearly a no-brainer.
4. Grab a Last minute Bargain
Booking last-minute deals can be a brilliant strategy to secure a budget-friendly wedding... if you have the nerve for it.
This approach does mean your choices will be more limited, so it's important to consider whether it aligns with your vision for the day. If you're flexible about details, such as the venue's style or the type of band, and you're happy to go with the flow, planning a wedding this way can be both exciting and economical.
Why consider a last-minute booking? As wedding venues and vendors fill their diaries, there are often a few outlier dates that remain unbooked or get cancelled. This opens up opportunities for last-minute discounts, as suppliers are keen to avoid empty slots. It's a win-win situation for both parties.
Personally, I might choose the less stressful route of advanced planning. However, as the owner of an agency, I see numerous clients successfully opting for last-minute bookings. We often have a selection of bands available for those who decide late in the game.
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5. Go Local
Opting for local suppliers is a straightforward yet effective way to cut costs on your wedding. The reason is simple: most wedding vendors calculate their fees by factoring in travel distance from their base. By choosing local venues, caterers, bands, and photographers, you'll not only reduce your environmental impact and support your local community but also secure the most competitive rates from suppliers.
6. Do It Yourself
Embracing DIY for your wedding decor is not just a budget-friendly choice; it's also a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your special day. From handcrafted table centres to bespoke signage, you and your partner can infuse your personalities into every little detail. It's amazing how a bit of creativity with items like mason jars, fairy lights, and hand-picked flowers can transform a space.
7. Go Minimal
It's human nature to express ourselves through material possessions, but when planning a wedding, it's worth asking: do we really need all of this? Are the extravagant decorations, bespoke suit, and lavish cake absolutely necessary? Some elements, like live music (a personal favourite!), might be non-negotiable for you. However, if certain items are just inflating your wedding budget without adding significant value to your day, have the confidence to ditch them and take a more minimal approach to your day.
Go Forth and Save!
As I wrap up this article, I realise that my wife and I used several of these money-saving strategies when planning our own wedding. With a new startup (this website), first house and puppy, there was good reason to save anywhere we could.
We tied the knot on a Friday, snagged an all-inclusive £5k package from a local venue, and embraced the DIY spirit everywhere we could (my wife was the crafty one there!). And of course, we had a fantastic rock 'n' roll band at 'mates rates' thanks to my industry connections.
If you're newly engaged and beginning your wedding planning journey, don't hesitate to drop us a message. We're more than happy to share our experiences and help out where we can.
