20 Genius Wedding Cost Cutters

Off-peak is on the money.

With the exception of the holidays, dates from November through April are less coveted—so less pricey—than other times. Set on June vows? Book them on an off-night, like Monday – Thursday or Sunday

Know who your friends are.

Nipping the guest list can shrink costs big-time. To avoid offending non-invitees, pepper wedding convos with words like small and intimate.

Say okay to day.

Throw your party before 5 p.m: Brunches and lunches mean a lower tab for the location, meal, and bar.

Find a furnished space.

Reduce rental costs by picking a site that’s already outfitted with tables, linens and chairs.

Stamp out overspending.

Instead of shelling out a ton on custom favor bags and stationery, personalize plain paper goods with a rubber stamp of your monogram or wedding motif.

 Streamline the bar.

Spare yourself some major moolah by nixing a full bar and serving only wine, beer and soft drinks. Want a hit of hard liquor? Have the bartender concoct one delish mixed drink, and offer it as your signature cocktail.

Bare your budget.

Be clear about what you can spend when you meet with vendors. It saves time and will spare you from browsing fancier options that may tempt you to spend above your means.

Navigate your nuptials.

Instead of printing up maps to enclose with your invitations, send guests to your wedding website for directions to your I DOs.

Have a plus-none policy.

Kindly nix plus-ones for all your single pals, with the exception of friends in committed relationships. (In their cases, you should include the name of their significant other on the invitation.)

Rethink your bouquet.

A hand-wired one can take a florist three hours to make, while a hand-tied posy can be created in about 30 minutes. Guess which costs less?

Pare down your petals.

Variety may be the spice of life, but it makes for expensive floral arrangements. Stick to two or three inexpensive flowers for your ceremony and reception. Better yet, go for one variety—simple and chic!

 Plan for a small party.

Before you ask a bevy of friends to be in your wedding, consider the cost for yourself and for them. Having fewer attendants lets you spend less on bouquets, prezzies and limos.

Hire Mother Nature.

Picking a space that’s already lush with flora—a botanical garden or a wooded grove, for example—makes elaborate arrangements unnecessary.

Mark your calendar.

Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day are peak times for florists—and costly times for brides; avoid holiday weddings.

Be charitable.

Instead of spending a gazillion on favors, make a charitable donation in your guests’ names. Your DJ can announce it.

Shut up and drive.

Get your hair and makeup done at a salon. It will cost way less than having stylists come to you, and you’ll still be treated like a princess.

Snag some mail money.

Save $0.15 per invite on postage by having your guests RSVP via postcard.

Get double the fun.

Table assignments are a must to avoid a free-for-all at the reception. Seat assignments, on the other hand? Totally optional. Cut your stationery budget by saying no to place cards.

Share your joy.

After the I DOs, have a loved one drop off your centerpieces at a nursing home or a shelter. (The gift is tax-deductible!)

 Buy the right bubbly.

Don’t want to spend beaucoup bucks for pricey French champagne? Opt for an affordable (and yummy) sparkling wine.