Let me preface this post before I drop the list of my top budget wasters. There may be items on this list that are important to you or the aesthetic you’re hoping to create on your wedding day. This list is by no means meant to offend, but it does include items that I can promise your guests do not notice or care about.
No fluff or introduction needed. Here’s my list (IMO) of what you can safely skip or adjust, to save big bucks:
- Guest Book: unless you are doing something unique that will hang on the wall of your home, you will never look at this as a reminder of who attended your wedding. That’s what your photos are for. Historically, guest books were for guests to note their attendance and address for the purpose of a thank you note. If they got an invite, you likely already have their address.
- Favors: unless the favor is edible AND unique to you, I generally see 75% or more wedding favors left behind on tables or the floor. See blog/workshop #17 for more on this!
- Chargers: this may be an item important to the look of your seating tables, but if not, they are not needed. If rented, they need to be cleaned before returned. And I PROMISE you that if you have a buffet style dinner, at least a handful of guests will take it to the buffet as their plate.
- Brand Name Attire/Shoes/Accessories: have you ever been to a wedding where guests are whispering as the bride walks down the aisle “OMG her dress is a (insert designer here)”? Nope. Me neither.
- Dance Floor Rental: unless the wedding reception is on grass or uneven surface, a separate dance floor is not necessary.
- China Service: this is a cost saver in more than one way. When utilizing china service, it is the more expensive dinnerware option. It also requires more catering staff, as it needs to be bussed from tables, washed and repacked. If you rent, you will likely be required to return it clean. Save on both the dinnerware AND the staffing by opting for a high-end disposable. Clear options, patterns, and colored edges are all available on Amazon at a much more manageable cost (and can be returned if not opened!).
- Multi-Tier Wedding Cake: as I write this, the current cost of eggs in my area is $5.99 a dozen, so yes, cakes are getting more expensive to accommodate. If you are set on a cake for cutting photos, a 6” cake will achieve that. Guests will be just as happy with sheet cake (cut out of sight) from Costco or a variety of other desserts. This will also potentially save you on cake cutting fees.
- Multi-Piece Invites: while beautiful to look at, much of the info on multi-piece invites can be conveyed to guests on a free wedding website. Keep in mind, the lighter the envelope, the cheaper the postage!
- Save-The-Dates: this one might ruffle a few feathers, but they really are not necessary if you’re trying to save money. Yes, I prefer a printed/mailed invite as a physical reminder to people to RSVP, but save the dates can absolutely be sent digitally or not at all. It’s 100% okay to reach out to those traveling and provide the date so that they may start travel plans.
- Custom Signs: directional, welcome, reserved, bar, and thank you signage is a nice touch, but is onetime use if it has your name and wedding date included. Up your chance of reselling signage (that isn’t necessary to begin with), by not using your names or date. If signage is a must for you, be sure to check wedding resale pages for a great deal on non-custom signs.
- Saturday Weddings: while a Saturday does make attendance easier for some guests, weekday weddings are gaining huge popularity (and usually mean cost savings). Not big on late night dancing? Consider a Sunday!
- Chair Covers/Sashes: if the chairs at your venue are in good shape and visually appealing (they will be in many photos), save the money and skip covers and sashes. If the chairs are not looking stellar, I’d be inclined to rent other chairs before using covers. They are a bit outdated and are INSANELY time consuming to set up.
- Aisle Runner & Décor: when a runner is placed on grass, heels will puncture holes. Wind may catch it if outdoors and blow the runner around (tripping hazard). Guests may trip on aisle décor and knock it over. Yes, it looks beautiful. No, it’s not necessary.
- Bride & Groom Cake Server and Champagne Flutes: plain & simple, you’ll never use them again and most guests won’t see them.
- Engagement Photos: another that may ruffle feathers. If these photos are not included in your wedding package, skipping a separate session when you’re about to have beautiful wedding photos done is a HUGE cost savings.
Helping YOU say ‘I-DO’,
Your WedUcator