Planning a wedding is no small feat—and if you’ve already started down that road, you know just how quickly costs can add up. But here’s the thing: not everything needs to be a splurge. With a little planning and prioritizing, you can cut costs on certain areas without sacrificing the magic of your big day. Let’s talk about a few things we’d recommend saving on, and how Honeyfund can help save you even more!
1. Invitations, Stationery, & Signage
In the digital age, splurging on high-end, printed invitations may not be worth it. Yes, they’re beautiful, but many guests will RSVP online and store the details on their phones anyway. Consider a digital alternative or a more budget-friendly printed option—sites like VistaPrint always have amazing deals. Websites like Paperless Post offer beautiful designs at a fraction of the cost of custom invitations. Also, most people know what wedding they’re going to so if you’re looking to save consider doing away with the non-essential signage too!
2. Wedding Favors
Personalized wedding favors are a sweet gesture, but are they really necessary? Most guests will either leave them behind or forget about them soon after the wedding. Instead, consider something simple like DIY favors or skip them altogether. You can opt for a more meaningful experience for your guests, like a charity donation in their name.
3. Over-the-Top Cake
Wedding cakes can be beautiful, but they’re also incredibly expensive. A stunning three-tier cake with intricate details may not be necessary if you’re on a budget. Instead, consider a simple design or even a smaller cake to cut with sheet cakes for guests. Cupcakes or a dessert table with a variety of sweets are also fun, cost-effective alternatives.
4. Excessive Decor
While it’s tempting to transform your venue into a Pinterest-perfect dreamland, over-the-top decor can drain your budget quickly. Instead, focus on key decor pieces—like a statement ceremony backdrop or elegant table settings—and keep the rest simple. Many venues are beautiful on their own and only need a few personal touches. You’re much more likely to want to take pictures of the people and your guests are much more likely to remember the activities—dinner, music, etc!
5. Unnecessary Attire Costs
Designer wedding dresses, pricey bridesmaid dresses, and custom suits are beautiful, but they’re also pricey. Instead, look into sample sales, pre-loved wedding dresses, or renting suits to save hundreds. Your attire should make you feel amazing, but that doesn’t mean you need to go all out. Also shoes are often not even seen, so consider opting to borrow or getting a cost effective pair of heels or comfy sneakers instead!
6. Consider An Alternative Registry
If you don’t need a bunch of new appliances or china—consider setting up an alternative registry (like Honeyfund!) that lets your guest assist with costs. By letting your loved ones contribute to the costs of your honeymoon—such as flights, experiences, hotels, dinners, etc—that leaves more budget to allocate on your big day. So consider skipping the blender and let your loved ones help invest in the experiences themselves, memories that will last much longer than any physical item.
When planning a wedding, it’s easy to feel pressure to splurge on everything to make the day perfect. But remember, perfection isn’t in the price tag—it’s in the love and joy shared with your partner and guests. Be intentional with your budget, focus on what matters, and let Honeyfund help with the rest. Happy planning!
