How To: Save $10,000 on Your Wedding!

According to The Knot, weddings cost an average of $30,000. Obviously, this depends on many factors like when and where you're getting married, size of the guest list, and your personal style. While the big ticket items are certainly worth the money (a great caterer and a great venue - to name a few!), there are ways to save.

1. Skip the Subscription Services

Bridal boxes have become extremely popular in recent years. While it's always fun to receive a mystery box in the mail, it isn't always worth the cost. I signed up for a bridal box after getting engaged, and it wasn't for me. While there were a few great items in the boxes, items branded with "I'm engaged!" and "Sweating for the wedding!" just aren't my style, especially not for $49.99 every other month. After a few disappointing boxes, I cancelled my subscription.

Potential Cost Savings: $300

based on six $49.99 payments or a one year subscription

2. Pass on Wedding Planning Calendars or Books

If you consider yourself to be detail-oriented, it's probably safe to assume that you use some type of calendar or planner. So, I'm sure you've seen all the wedding planners on the market! They are super cute and some of them have great information, but how practical is it to carry around and keep up with another calendar? Instead of having a separate planner for you wedding, find a planner with plenty of room for your daily life and your wedding planning notes/reminders. Day Designer and Happy Planner have several options with plenty of room!

If your draw to a wedding planner was the guidance and timeline provided, we have a solution! Find a digital download of a wedding planning timeline on Etsy and add all of those important dates and reminders to your personal planner.

Potential Cost Savings: $48

3. Designer Shoes - Want or Need?

Many of us dream about that magical pair of Jimmy Choo's or Louboutin's for our big day. But, are they worth the cost? If your dress is floor length and your shoes will be hidden, maybe opt for a more affordable option. "Cost effective" doesn't have to mean cheap or ugly - there are so many affordable brands out there these days! Here are dupes for two of the most popular bridal shoes:

Potential Cost Savings: $4,435

based on the purchase of Badgley Mischka vs. Jimmy Choo

4. Consider a Buffet Over a Plated Dinner

Plated meals are beautiful, seamless, and save a ton of space in your reception venue. However, they cost significantly more than a buffet dinner. Flexibility on plated vs. buffet will depend greatly on your venue as many country clubs and event centers require plated dinners and a full staff. If your venue gives you the choice, consider opting for a buffet.

While many people aren't interested in the idea of having their guests get up and serve themselves, it actually gives the guest more options for their dinner! Instead of having to choose between chicken or steak 3 months in advance, the guest can eat what they are craving at that time. Maybe they want to mix and match, or they are feeling kind of crazy and want two different types of pasta! If you're looking for something in between a plated meal and a buffet, talk with your caterer about a partial-plated option. This option could include plated bread and salad with a buffet for the main course.

Speaking from experience, opting for a buffet over a plated dinner saved me $4,300 for a wedding of 160 people in the Washington, DC area. Typically, plated meals cost 20% more than buffet dinners.

Potential Cost Savings: $4,300

based on wedding of 160 people in the Washington, DC area

5. Consider Photo Booth Alternatives

Photo booths are super fun, but they can be expensive and many guests skip out on them entirely. Instead of spending $850+ on a photo booth rental, leave disposal cameras out at each table and let guests take their own photos! They're sure to capture some funny moments! To take things a step further, get the photos developed before you send your thank you notes. You can send some funny photos out to the guests as you thank them for celebrating with you!

Potential Cost Savings: $550

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Highview Weddings is an online boutique and planning service for the detail-oriented bride (or groom!). Shop with us on Etsy, plan with us, and follow us on Instagram @shophighviewweddings!