Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and with so many aspects to consider, it’s easy to get carried away. While it’s important to create your dream day, sometimes the budget can spiral out of control. To help you keep your spending in check, wedding planners have shared the top things they believe couples should stop wasting money on. These are the expenses that, in the grand scheme of things, often don’t add value to your celebration.
1. Over-the-Top Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a sweet gesture, but many guests end up leaving them behind at the end of the night. Planners recommend skipping expensive or elaborate gifts in favor of something more personal or simple. A meaningful note or a donation in guests’ names can often feel more impactful.
Pro Tip: Consider donating to a charity in your guests’ honor instead of spending on material favors.
2. Excessive Floral Arrangements
While flowers are beautiful, you don’t need an extravagant floral budget. Many couples go overboard with floral centerpieces, bouquets, and installations that can quickly eat up your budget. Wedding planners suggest focusing on key focal points (like your altar and reception table) and using greenery or artificial arrangements for the rest.
Pro Tip: Use seasonal flowers or consider faux florals for a more budget-friendly alternative.
3. The Expensive Wedding Dress You’ll Only Wear Once
While your wedding dress is a symbol of your special day, it doesn’t have to be a designer piece that costs thousands of dollars. Wedding planners recommend looking at options that fit your style but also allow you to save money for other important aspects of your wedding.
Pro Tip: Consider shopping for pre-loved wedding dresses or renting a gown for the day.
4. Overpriced Wedding Cake
A towering wedding cake may look beautiful, but when it comes to actual consumption, guests may barely take a bite. Many couples opt for an expensive cake, only to find that the leftovers end up going to waste. Wedding planners suggest opting for a smaller cake or alternating dessert options like a cupcake tower or a donut bar.
Pro Tip: Serve cake in smaller slices or even consider non-traditional desserts that guests can enjoy without leaving excess behind.
5. Elaborate Photo Booths
Photo booths are fun, but they can quickly add up with expensive backdrops and props. While they can be a hit at a wedding, they often don’t have the same lasting value as other aspects of the event. Planners suggest DIYing a photo booth with a simple backdrop and a few props or skipping it altogether.
Pro Tip: Set up a guest-created Instagram hashtag for a digital alternative to the photo booth.
6. Expensive Hair and Makeup Trials
While it’s important to find the right hair and makeup artist, many brides end up spending extra on multiple trial runs, especially when the wedding day is still far off. Wedding planners recommend sticking to one trial with your chosen stylist to save money and reduce the pressure of making decisions too far ahead.
Pro Tip: Ask for before-and-after photos of previous clients to better understand the artist’s work.
7. Open Bar with Too Many Liquor Options
While an open bar is a wedding tradition, you don’t need to offer every type of liquor on the planet. Limiting the options to a select few (beer, wine, and a signature cocktail) can save you a significant amount of money while still keeping the celebration fun.
Pro Tip: Choose a signature drink that reflects your personality and cut back on top-shelf liquors.
8. Elaborate Invitation Suites
While wedding invitations set the tone for your big day, you don’t need to spend a fortune on over-the-top invitation suites that include additional inserts and customizations. Planners recommend keeping your wedding invitations simple and opting for digital RSVPs when possible.
Pro Tip: Consider online invites or simpler designs that still feel elegant but at a fraction of the cost.
9. Extensive Transportation Costs
Hiring a fancy car for the bride and groom is traditional, but many couples spend excessive amounts on transportation for the wedding party and guests. Wedding planners suggest limiting the transportation to just the essentials (like a limo for the couple or a shuttle for guests between venues).
Pro Tip: Share rides with your wedding party or consider rideshare services to cut down on transportation expenses.
10. Extra Wedding Day Décor
Over-decorating can quickly overwhelm the space and cause you to miss out on what really matters. Wedding planners encourage couples to focus on the overall vibe of the day rather than getting caught up in excessive decorations. Think minimalist centerpieces, simple lighting, and using your venue’s natural beauty to its advantage.
Pro Tip: Invest in high-impact décor like lighting and statement centerpieces rather than covering every surface with extra items.
Final Thoughts: Be Mindful of Your Priorities
When it comes to weddings, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend money on things that don’t add lasting value. Working with a wedding planner who knows where to save can help you create a beautiful, memorable celebration without breaking the bank. Focus on the aspects that truly matter to you and your partner, and don’t be afraid to skip the unnecessary extras.
By cutting back on these unnecessary expenses, you’ll have more room in your budget for the elements that truly matter, whether that’s hiring a top photographer, providing a unique guest experience, or spending more on your honeymoon.