Let’s be honest—weddings are expensive. Between the venue, the dress, food, photography, and a million tiny details, costs add up fast. If you’ve ever googled “how to save money on a wedding,” you’re not alone. Many couples feel the pressure to have the “perfect day,” but perfect doesn’t have to mean pricey.

As someone who recently planned a small wedding in a small town in Ontario (even though we live in Toronto) with a tight budget, I can tell you: you can have a meaningful, beautiful wedding without going broke. In this post, we’ll walk through real ways you can cut wedding costs while still keeping your celebration memorable.

Whether you’re just starting to plan or already knee-deep in wedding spreadsheets, these tips on how to save money on a wedding can help you make smarter financial choices—without feeling like you’re compromising too much.

1. Set Your Budget First (And Stick to It)

Before anything else, decide how much you can afford to spend. This is your foundation. Be honest with yourself (and your partner). It’s easy to get swept up in Pinterest-perfect dreams, but the reality is: weddings are one day, and debt can last a whole lot longer.

Example:
If you have $10,000 saved, don’t plan a $25,000 wedding assuming “we’ll figure it out.” Work backwards: allocate rough amounts to categories like venue, food, attire, and so on. This helps keep spending in check and shows you what really matters to you.

Tip: Use a free wedding budget spreadsheet from Google Sheets or Excel to track your spending. Every dollar has a job!

2. Trim the Guest List (Your Wallet Will Thank You)

This might be the hardest one, but it’s often the most effective. The size of your guest list impacts nearly every wedding cost—from the venue to catering to table rentals.

Example:
Catering is usually charged per person. If you’re paying $75 per head, cutting 20 guests could save you $1,500 instantly. Ouch, but also—wow.

How to do it:

• Create your “must-have” list (immediate family, best friends).
• Then add “nice-to-haves.”
• Be selective with plus-ones.
• Consider a child-free wedding if appropriate.

Remember: smaller weddings often feel more intimate and personal anyway.

For our wedding, we only invited immediate family members, plus our best friends and their plus-ones or families. It was so memorable—we actually had time to talk to everyone during the reception, and it felt truly special to celebrate with the people closest to us.

3. Rethink the Venue

Venues can eat up a huge chunk of your budget—often thousands just for space rental. Instead, think creatively.

Budget-friendly venue ideas:

• Local community centers or libraries: Some have surprisingly nice rooms for low rental fees.
• Parks or beaches: Permit costs vary, but outdoor weddings can be magical.
• Restaurant buy-outs: If your guest list is small (under 30), many restaurants offer private dining rooms or full buyouts without rental fees—you’re just paying for the food.
• Family backyards: Free (or close to it) and cozy. Just plan for tent rentals or backup rain options.

Real Example:
I had my wedding in a private upstairs room at an Italian restaurant. We avoided rental fees, used their tables and chairs, and guests could order from a fixed menu. Easy and budget-friendly!

4. DIY What You Can (But Be Realistic)

Do-it-yourself isn’t always cheaper if it’s costing you time, stress, and money. But some DIY elements can help you save—especially if you’re crafty or have friends willing to help.

Easy DIY areas:

• Invitations: Use Canva and print at Staples or send digital invites (eco-friendly too!)
• Décor: Dollarama and thrift stores are your best friends.
• Centrepieces: Mason jars, candles, wildflowers = done.
• Signage: A chalkboard and some nice handwriting go a long way.

Avoid DIY if:

• It’s time-sensitive (like cooking or photography).
• You’ll be too stressed to enjoy your day.

For our wedding, we made the pew flowers for the church ceremony and the flower wreaths for the reception ourselves. It was actually a really fun experience—my spouse and I spent a few weekends about two months before the wedding working on them together. We ordered most of the materials from Amazon, and it felt special to have a DIY touch in our celebration.

That said, there was so much more to prepare for the big day. To save time and reduce stress, we decided to work with a local flower shop for the rest. They provided the fresh bridal bouquet, boutonnieres for the groom and other male family members, and corsages for the women. On top of that, they handled a lot of the décor—chair covers, table runners, flower vases, a welcome sign, a money box with floral arrangements, and even took care of the setup and takedown.

By combining both the flowers and decorations with them, we were able to get a really good deal. It was such a relief to have that part handled by professionals, and everything turned out beautifully!

5. Consider an Off-Peak Date or Time

Saturdays in summer? $$$. But if you’re open to a weekday, brunch wedding, or off-season month, you can save thousands.

Why it works:

• Venues and vendors often offer lower rates for less popular dates.
• Travel and accommodation for guests can be cheaper too.

Pro Tip: A Sunday lunch or weekday evening wedding can feel just as special—and you may get better vendor availability.

For our wedding, we had it on a Saturday during the off-season, which helped us negotiate a better price for the flowers, decorations, and food. I’d say we saved around $1,000 on those items!

6. Skip the Fancy Cake (No One Eats It Anyway)

Hear me out—tiered wedding cakes are beautiful, but often over $500+. Most guests don’t even eat it, especially if there’s a dessert table.

Budget cake options:

• A small decorated cake for cutting, plus sheet cakes from Costco.
• Cupcake towers.
• Dessert buffet with homemade treats or local bakery goods.

Example:
We bought a simple 12-inch cake from a local bakery for $150, and all the guests loved it.

7. Borrow Instead of Buying

You don’t need to buy everything new for your wedding. Tap into your network!

What to borrow:

• Décor (lanterns, vases, signs)
• Jewelry
• Veil or hair accessories
• Speakers or mic system (if not hiring a DJ)

Bonus Tip: Join local Facebook wedding groups or buy/sell communities. You can find amazing deals or even free items from couples who’ve just finished their weddings.

For our wedding, we borrowed the bride’s jewelry from my mom and used the music available at the restaurant. It saved us a ton and crossed two things off our wedding prep list!

8. Go Digital Where Possible

Going digital is not only modern—it saves money.

Ways to digitize and save:

• Invitations: Send via email or use a wedding website like Zola or Joy.
• RSVPs: Use Google Forms.
• Seating Charts: Display one poster instead of printing individual place cards.
• Guest Books: Use a digital guestbook app or iPad instead of a printed one.

Not everyone needs a wax-sealed envelope invite. Most guests care more about being there than about paper quality.

For our wedding, we used the website Joy to send out invitations and collect RSVPs. We didn’t have a seating chart because we wanted our friends and family to mingle and connect with each other. But we did ask our guests to sign the digital guest book! These little choices made the whole wedding preparation process so much simpler.

9. Hire Freelancers or Students

Professional photographers, DJs, and florists are wonderful—but also expensive. You can often find talented freelancers or students who charge a fraction of the cost.

Where to look:

• Local universities (check arts, photography, or event management departments)
• Facebook groups
• Instagram portfolios

Just make sure to:

• Review their work
• Get a contract
• Have a clear backup plan

Example:
We found a talented university student who charged $1,000 for full-day photography—and the photos turned out beautifully. She was just as excited as we were, since it helped build her portfolio!

10. Simplify Your Wedding Attire

Wedding dresses and suits can be incredibly expensive, but they don’t have to be.

Money-saving ideas:

• Buy secondhand (Facebook Marketplace, Stillwhite.ca, Poshmark)
• Rent instead of buy
• Shop off-season or sample sales
• Choose a non-traditional dress or simple suit

Personal Tip:
I bought my wedding dress from a vendor in China and had it shipped to Canada for just $300. Then I had it altered by a local seamstress for $100. No one asked if it was Vera Wang—they just said I looked happy and beautiful on my wedding day.

11. Trim the Extras No One Remembers

Here’s a list of wedding “extras” that sound fun but rarely make a lasting impression:

• Favors (most are forgotten)
• Elaborate programs
• Champagne toasts (just use what’s already on the table)
• Custom cocktail napkins
• Giant flower arches

Ask yourself: Will anyone really notice this? If not, skip it.

12. Focus on What Matters Most to You

This is the most important tip on how to save money on a wedding: spend where it counts for you, and cut what doesn’t.

Love live music? Splurge on a band. Don’t care about flowers? Cut them back.

Your wedding is YOURS. It should reflect your priorities—not what wedding blogs or TikTok trends say you “should” have.

13. Ask for Help Instead of Gifts

If you already live together, you may not need a traditional registry. Instead, consider asking for help instead of things:

• “Instead of gifts, we’d love your help with photography or setup.”
• “We’re accepting contributions toward our honeymoon fund.”
• “We’d be grateful for your help running the playlist or emceeing.”

Your friends and family want to support you—and often feel honored to be part of your day in a meaningful way.

We asked two friends to help set up the pew flowers at the church, and two others to give us rides to the church and the restaurant. We felt so honored to have their support on one of the happiest and most important days of our lives.

14. Track Every Dollar

During the chaos of wedding planning, it’s easy to lose track of expenses. Use budgeting tools or simple spreadsheets to track every cost.

Categories to track:

• Venue and permits
• Food and drink
• Attire and alterations
• Décor and rentals
• Officiant
• Transportation
• Music or entertainment
• Tips and taxes

Knowing your actual spend helps you make informed decisions and avoid “oops” expenses.

We used Google Sheets to track our spending. If you want more control over your wedding budget, consider using a tool like EveryDollar. They help you give every dollar a job—so you don’t accidentally overspend on flowers and end up cutting the cake budget!

15. Use Cashback Credit Cards for Big Purchases

When it comes to paying for big-ticket wedding items—like your venue deposit, catering, or decoration—using a cashback credit card can help you get a little something back on those expenses. It’s like earning rewards just for spending money you would’ve spent anyway!

Example:
Say your catering deposit is $3,000, and you use an Amex Cobalt card that gives you 5X points on eats and drinks (up to $2,500 in spending per month). That’s up to 12,500 points—worth about $125. Over time, those points can really add up and help cover other wedding costs—or even go toward your honeymoon!

Tip: Look for credit cards that offer no annual fees and generous cashback on everyday purchases. Also, make sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, so the rewards don’t get eaten up by fees.

Related content:

• Credit Card Stacking to Multiply Your Discount While Shopping
• Amex Cobalt Review: The Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Your Daily Rewards in 2025

16. Remember: It’s Just One Day

It’s easy to feel like this one day has to be the most beautiful, most expensive, most unforgettable day of your life.

But you know what? The real magic isn’t in $200 centerpieces. It’s in the people, the vows, and the laughs you’ll share.

Saving money on your wedding doesn’t make it any less special. In fact, many couples say it made their day even more personal and stress-free.

Final Thoughts: How to Save Money on a Wedding and Still Make It Magical

When people search “how to save money on a wedding,” they’re often hoping to find permission to do things differently—and you absolutely can.

Weddings are about love, not luxury. You can celebrate your relationship in a way that feels true to you, your values, and your budget.

Here’s a quick recap of how to save money on a wedding:

• Set your budget and prioritize
• Trim the guest list
• Rethink the venue
• DIY (smartly)
• Choose an off-peak date
• Go digital
• Borrow and buy secondhand
• Ask for help instead of gifts
• Focus on what truly matters

And most importantly—don’t let Instagram or wedding culture pressure you into overspending.

Your wedding is just the start of your journey together. Why not start it on solid financial ground?