Planning your dream wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. With the average American couple spending around $30,000 on their special day, it’s no surprise that savvy spenders are looking for ways to save on wedding costs without compromising quality.
In this blog, we’ll explore 14 effective strategies to help you save money on your wedding and keep your budget on track. Whether you’re organizing a grand celebration or a more intimate wedding, these tips will ensure you get the most bang for your buck. These tips can apply to a wedding or any large event, so buckle up!
How to Save Money on Wedding Venues
1. Choose a Date During Off-Peak Seasons
To save money on your wedding, consider getting hitched during the fall or winter! Generally, the most affordable months to get married are during the fall and winter. Spring and summer are typically the most sought-after seasons, leading to higher prices due to increased demand.
If you really want to maximize savings, consider having your wedding on a weekday. Most folks go for weekends, so venues and vendors—like caterers and photographers—are likely to offer better deals during the week when they’re less busy. This includes rental companies, too! Rentals are usually more expensive during peak seasons like spring and summer. This means that you can often get items like tents, chairs, and tables for less during off-peak seasons.
2. Consider Non-Traditional Venues
One of the most significant expenses when planning your wedding is the venue. Traditional venues like hotels and country clubs often come with a hefty price tag due to high demand and the comprehensive services they offer. However, opting for a non-traditional venue can not only add a unique flair to your wedding but also significantly reduce costs.
Here’s a couple options to consider:
- Public Parks: Public parks offer a beautiful, natural setting that can dramatically lower your venue costs. Many parks have designated areas for events like weddings and typically charge a nominal fee compared to traditional venues. However, depending on the park’s facilities, you’ll need to consider the logistics of bringing in your own seating, catering, and possibly portable restrooms.
- Art Galleries: Art galleries often have lower rental fees than traditional wedding venues because their primary business isn’t hosting weddings. They are usually well-equipped with lighting and seating, which can help you save on these rentals.
When you go with a non-traditional venue, you may need to arrange for additional amenities that are typically included in traditional venues. These might include catering and audiovisual equipment.
TIP FOR SMALLER WEDDINGS: The average cost to cater a wedding is $50-100 per person. If you are planning a smaller wedding, do you have some family members or friends willing to cook? You can always rent catering equipment and DIY the food to save a TON of money!
3. Ask About Package Deals
When venues and vendors bundle services like catering, decorations, and additional amenities, they often offer them at a reduced rate compared to hiring individual service providers. Here’s how to approach negotiating package deals:
- Before you meet with vendors, research typical costs for each service included in the package. Knowing the market rate will give you the leverage you need to negotiate effectively.
- Don’t settle for a generic package. Ask the vendor if they can tailor their packages to better fit your needs and budget. For example, if the package includes a service you don’t need, ask if it can be swapped or removed for a reduction in price.
Some venues offer all-inclusive packages that cover everything from the space rental to catering and decorations. This is especially common with hotels and banquet halls. Make sure you understand what is and isn’t included in the package. Sometimes what seems like a good deal might have hidden costs or missing elements that are crucial for your day. Additionally, ensure that the quality of each service within the package meets your expectations. Sometimes, in an effort to cut costs, providers might compromise on service quality.
Always approach these negotiations with clear goals and flexibility, ensuring that both you and the vendor feel satisfied with the final agreement.
How to Save Money on Wedding & Event Rentals
Did you know that couples and event planners typically allocate between $425 and $1,000 for rentals, with an average expenditure of $650?
This figure can fluctuate based on factors like location, guest count, and the specific items rented. Given that rentals encompass essential elements such as tents, tables, chairs, linens, and decor, strategic planning in this area can lead to substantial savings. In this section, we’ll explore practical tips to help you minimize rental expenses without compromising the quality and ambiance of your special day.
4. Have Your Rentals Delivered & Picked Up During Standard Business Hours
5. Ask Your Venue What They Have Available
When you’re picking out your wedding venue, remember to ask what is included with the rental space. You’d be surprised how many venues offer tables and chairs at no extra cost or for a very small fee. This can be a great way to save money on your wedding budget! These items are often plain, but that doesn’t mean your setup has to be basic or boring.
Instead of splurging on fancy furniture, you can allocate some of your budget to what’s already available. For example, renting linens and chair covers can completely transform the look of simple chairs and tables. These accessories are available in various colors and patterns, which allows you to add a personal touch and elevate the elegance of your venue without breaking the bank.
6. Avoid Venues With Required Vendors
Sometimes when you’re choosing a wedding venue, you might find that they have specific rules about using certain vendors for rentals like tables, chairs, or even lighting and sound equipment. It’s not very common, but it does happen, especially with venues that have exclusive partnerships with rental companies. These preferred vendors often charge higher prices due to their exclusive relationship with the venue, which can limit your ability to shop around for better deals. If you’re looking to save money on wedding expenses, this can make it practically impossible to cut costs or negotiate deals.
If you’re absolutely in love with the venue and are willing to adjust other budget areas to accommodate these higher rental costs, it might be worth the investment. But if budget is a concern, look for a venue with more flexibility in vendor choices.
7. Use as Few Vendors as Possible
Managing multiple vendors can quickly become a headache, not to mention the increased costs associated with delivery and service fees from each separate provider. One of the simplest ways to cut down on both stress and money spent is to consolidate your rentals as much as possible.
Using fewer vendors means fewer delivery fees, simpler coordination on the day of the event, and, often, the ability to negotiate better deals due to the higher volume of business you’re bringing to a single vendor. This is where Reventals can be a game-changer for your wedding planning!
Reventals simplifies the rental process by serving as your single point of contact for all your rental needs. Instead of having to research and reach out to multiple companies for everything from chairs and tables to linens and decor, Reventals does the legwork for you. We offer a vast range of rental options, allowing you to find exactly what you need to match your wedding theme and vision. Whether you’re looking for something specific like vintage furniture or just the essentials, we’ve got you covered.
8. Purchase Linens If It Makes Sense for Your Wedding
When planning your wedding, you might wonder if it’s better to buy or rent your table linens. If you’re trying to save money on wedding expenses, your personal situation plays a huge role in whether this is worth it.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- For Smaller Weddings: Buying your own linens could save you some money. You can find affordable polyester linens and make them look great with nice table runners, fancy centerpieces, and pretty place settings. If your wedding is small, washing and ironing these linens yourself might not be too much work.
- For Larger Weddings: It might seem like buying would save money, but it often isn’t worth it. You might save around $200 after you sell them off, but think there’s a ton of extra labor involved! After the big day, you’d have lots of linens to wash, dry, and iron. And if your linens show up wrinkled or with a factory smell, you’re looking at washing and ironing before the wedding as well.
For a more detailed breakdown of the costs associated with purchasing linens, check out our blog “Should You Rent or Buy Linens for Your Event?”
So, if you plan on renting linen, let Reventals find the most affordable deal in your area!
9. DIY Your Decor.
Creating your own wedding decorations is not only a great way to save money, but it also adds a personal touch that can make your big day feel even more special. Here are some specific ideas on what you can easily DIY for your event:
- Centerpieces: One of the most popular DIY decor projects for weddings and events is creating unique centerpieces. Use items like mason jars, vintage bottles, or rustic wood slices as bases. Fill them with combinations of flowers, candles, or fairy lights.
- Table Runners and Tablecloths: If you have basic sewing skills, making your own table runners and tablecloths can be a cost-effective way to customize your wedding decor. Choose fabrics that match your wedding colors or themes. Simple patterns or even burlap can create an elegant or rustic look, depending on your style.
- Signage: Welcome signs, seating charts, and directional signs can all be made at home using materials like wood, chalkboards, or even upcycled frames. Check out Instructables for step-by-step guides on how to create professional-looking signs that guide your guests while adding to the decor.
- Favors: DIY wedding favors are a lovely way to thank your guests for celebrating with you. Homemade items like scented candles, teas, or even jars of local honey or homemade jam can be both cost-effective and charming.
10. Skip Expensive Lighting & Rent or Buy String Lights
If you want to save money on wedding expenses, cutting lighting costs is a great way to do it! String lights are generally inexpensive to purchase, especially if you keep an eye out for sales at places like Costco or Amazon. Often, you can buy them for less than it would cost to rent other types of wedding lighting. Unlike more complex lighting setups, string lights are easy to install. You can drape them over trees, line walkways, wrap them around beams or columns, or hang them above the reception area to create a starry night effect. This DIY approach saves on labor costs and rental fees.
If you prefer not to buy, string lights are also one of the more affordable lighting options available for rent. This is ideal for couples who don’t want to store them after the wedding or simply don’t want to deal with the labor associated with getting them set up. Rental companies often offer various styles of string lights, including fairy lights, globe lights, and Edison bulb strings, so you can choose the type that best fits your wedding’s theme.
How to Save on Catering for Weddings and Events
Did you know that catering can be one of the most substantial costs of a wedding? On average, couples in the United States spend about $4,000 on their wedding catering, which often includes both food and service costs. This figure can vary significantly based on the number of guests, the type of menu selected, and the formality of the service. With such a large portion of the budget at stake, it’s smart to explore different ways to make this aspect more affordable without compromising on a memorable dining experience.
11. Forego the Open Bar to Save Money
Alcohol is often one of the largest expenses at a wedding or large event, but there are smart ways to offer delightful beverages without draining your budget. One effective strategy to save money on wedding expenses is to simplify your offerings to wine, beer, and a couple of signature cocktails instead of hosting a full bar.
By limiting your alcohol offerings, you can control the variety and amount of liquor you need to purchase. Signature cocktails allow you to buy specific types of alcohol in bulk, which is often cheaper than stocking a full bar with a wide range of spirits. But before you decide on your drink options, check with your venue to see what types of glassware they provide. Many venues offer basic wine glasses and beer pints, but you may need to rent specialty glasses for cocktails if they aren’t available.
Include the cost of glass rentals in your beverage budget. Although there’s an added expense, renting glassware is usually more cost-effective than purchasing it outright, especially for a one-time event. Plus, rental companies often handle the cleaning, which means one less thing for you to worry about after the day is over.
Need to know how many drinks you’ll need for your wedding or event? Check out our party drink calculator!
12. Limit Your Menu to Only a Few Options
Fewer dishes use fewer ingredients, and buying more of fewer ingredients often costs less. Think about it like buying in bulk—generally, the more you buy of one thing, the cheaper it is. This can really help lower your food costs.
A menu with fewer options also means your caterer can prepare meals faster. This is because they’re making larger amounts of fewer dishes rather than smaller amounts of many dishes. It also means there’s less chance for mix-ups or delays in getting the food to your guests.
13. Choose a Non-traditional Meal Option
More and more couples are getting creative with their wedding catering to stretch their budgets further. Instead of sticking to the traditional seated meal, they’re opting for fun and less conventional options that can really cut down on costs.The average cost of a traditional sit-down meal at a wedding can be quite steep, typically ranging from $30 to $100 per guest depending on the menu and the caterer. This can add up quickly, especially if you have a large guest list.
On the other hand, alternative catering options like brunch, buffets, or cocktail receptions with appetizers can cut down costs quite a bit:
- Brunch: Hosting a wedding brunch can cost between $20 and $50 per guest. Brunch items are generally less expensive than dinner entrees, and you can delight your guests with a mix of breakfast and lunch dishes that are both affordable and enjoyable.
- Buffet: Buffet-style catering can vary, but it generally ranges from $15 to $50 per guest. Buffets eliminate the need for individual service, reducing staffing costs, and they allow guests to choose from a variety of dishes, which can be more cost-effective.
- Cocktail Reception: A cocktail reception with appetizers might run you between $10 and $30 per guest. This setup involves serving smaller bites rather than full meals, which can significantly reduce food costs. Plus, it creates a fun, mingling environment that many guests enjoy.
When you opt for one of these options, you can cut costs quite a bit and offer your guests a unique experience. Additionally, when you forego the plated event, you actually give your guests the opportunity to mingle and socialize freely.
14. DIY Catering When It Makes Sense
When planning a more intimate wedding or if you have helpful friends and family, taking a DIY approach to your catering can lead to substantial savings and add a personalized touch to your celebration. Here are some fun and easy meal ideas that you can prepare ahead of time and simply warm up on the day of the event to serve in chafing dishes:
Easy Wedding & Event Meal Ideas:
- Macaroni and Cheese Bar: Set up a macaroni and cheese bar with a basic, creamy macaroni as the base. Offer a variety of toppings like bacon bits, broccoli, different types of cheese, or anything else you want to pair with this meal! We found this awesome list of 50 unique macaroni and cheese recipes!
- Chicken and Waffles: This classic comfort food can be prepped in advance with the chicken pre-cooked and waffles pre-made. On the day, simply reheat and serve with syrups, hot sauce, and honey butter for a sweet and savory treat. You can complement this with a table full of fruits, bagels,
- Baked Potato Bar: Bake your potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm in chafing dishes. Provide toppings like sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon, and chili, allowing guests to build their own perfect potato. You might consider pairing this with simple entrees like chicken tenders, burgers, chili, or soup!
- Hotdog Cart: For a laid-back, picnic vibe, a hotdog cart can be a hit. You can have hotdogs steaming in chafing dishes along with a variety of condiments and sides like sauerkraut, onions, relish, and assorted mustards. Complement this meal option with a buffet table filled with an array of snacks like chips, pretzels, and dips. This might also pair well with the baked potato bar!
- Taco Bar: Use slow cookers to prepare and keep various shredded meats warm, such as chicken, pork, or beef. Offer a spread of fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa, alongside soft and hard taco shells for a customizable taco bar.
While DIY catering can be more labor-intensive, the cost savings are significant, making it a great option for smaller gatherings. However, it’s crucial to have a team of family and friends ready to assist with food preparation and setup to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Planning a Wedding or Event? Reventals Can Help!
As you plan your special day, remember that managing a wedding budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality or the unique elements that make your celebration stand out. For all your rental needs—from tables and chairs to specialty decor—Reventals is here to simplify the process and help you find affordable options in your area.
So, let Reventals take the hassle out of finding and booking your wedding rentals. With us, you can focus more on enjoying the journey to your big day, confident that the details are being handled with care. Start planning with Reventals today!
