selective focus photography of women holding wedding flowers

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It’s no secret that weddings are an expensive event. From the venue and food to the outfits and decorations, it all starts to add up. But your wedding day doesn’t have to break the bank. There are a few ways you can cut back on the cost without sacrificing class and style. If you’re looking for ways to save on your big day, while keeping it tasteful, here are a few ways you can achieve exactly that.

Choose your venue carefully

The saving really does start at the beginning of the planning process. Different venues have different costs depending on a number of factors; size, exclusivity, package types, just to name a few. And just because a venue is affordable, doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful. Choosing a venue that isn’t exclusive use is a simple way to save money, or outdoor venues that embrace a natural, more rustic feel also come with a lower price tag. If you’re on the lookout for a more affordable venue, one of these budget wedding venues might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Sent out e-vites rather than paper ones

Wedding stationery can take up more of your budget than you might think. From RSVPs and invitations to thank you cards, there’s a lot of it throughout your wedding planning. An easy way to cut out the cost is to send all of your invites via email. There are companies like Greenvelope and Paperless Post who specialize in online wedding invitations, or if you’re feeling creative, you can create your own on a platform such as Canva. Not only is it free, but it’s also much more sustainable, so you’re helping to save the planet as well as your finances!

Grow your own wedding flowers

This might seem a bit out there, but growing your own wedding flowers is easier than you might think and will save you a big chunk of money in the end. Once you’ve set the date for your wedding, all you need to do is research the best types of flowers for the season. Make sure you gather all of the information well in advance so you are fully prepared and can ensure you plant your flower seeds at the optimal time. This works best for spring and summer weddings, but if you are clever about it and plan well, you can easily make this work in the autumn and winter, too.

Consider more casual menu options

A sit-down, three-course wedding breakfast can cost upwards of $100 per person, and if you’re having a big wedding, this really does add up. Instead, why not go for something a bit different, like a BBQ, buffet, or themed live cooking. Food like fajitas, curry and paella can be cooked in big bulks for less money, but still delicious! Another option is to hire a food truck to serve food to your guests. At first, it might seem less tasteful, but there are actually vendors who cater specifically to weddings with themed decor that look amazing! And for dessert, why not just serve up a slice of wedding cake for every guest? This way, you know it won’t go to waste and you’ll be saving money.