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21 Hacks Every Budget-Conscious Couple Should Know

Weddings can be expensive. The average cost last year was over $30,000, and engaged couples are using smart ways to save without compromising their big day dreams. For the pair who wants to save a little cash with clever shortcuts, here are 21 money saving hacks that every couple should know.

By: Alexia Conley for Loverly

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  • Choose a Friday or Sunday date.

    Choose a Friday or Sunday date.

     Saturday night weddings are prime time! To save money on venues and vendors, consider having your "I dos" on an off evening. Your big day will still be oh-so-fun, and with a Friday or Sunday wedding, you can host other celebratory activities that weekend.

    Photo Credit: Ueda Photography

  • Opt for a standing ceremony

    Opt for a standing ceremony

    Electing to use no chairs (save for a few chairs for elderly or disabled guests) can save money on the rental furniture costs. Just make sure your ceremony is short and sweet if attendees will be standing.

  • Buy a pre-owned wedding dress

    Buy a pre-owned wedding dress

    To stay on budget, consider buying a used dress or a floor sample gown. These gently-used versions retail at a fraction of the price.

  • Stock up on coupons for crafting

    Stock up on coupons for crafting

    Craft stores like Michaels and AC Moore offer discounts each week. If you're planning to do a little shopping in their wedding sections or if you want to get your DIY on, stock up on coupons or download the app to get the best deals. Insider tips: Both stores honor each other's coupons, and on the Michaels app, you can use the same coupon every day until it expires.

    Photo courtesy of 100 Layer Cake

  • Be your own DJ

    Be your own DJ

    Create a playlist on Spotify or iTunes and play music through the venue's sound system.

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    Photo Credit: Turn Loose the Art

  • Serve up a spread of delightful sweets

    Serve up a spread of delightful sweets

    Creating a dessert bar can be a cheaper alternative to the wedding cake. You can purchase the treats from local establishments, set up a candy or cookie bar, or even ask friends and relatives to bake some tasty confections for an on-budget dessert display.

    Photo Credit: Abby Rose Photo

  • Have your baker create a faux cake

    Have your baker create a faux cake

    Ask your baker to make the top tier of your cake real (for cutting). Then, create other tiers out of styrofoam and decorate it accordingly. Your presentation cake will still be gorgeous while saving a few dollars — and you can have sheet cakes in the back for serving.

    Photo Credit: Elegantly Iced

  • Use bouquet flowers as centerpieces

    Use bouquet flowers as centerpieces

    After the ceremony, have your florist or coordinator place the bouquets in vases for your tables.

  • Keep stemware simple

    Keep stemware simple

    Instead of going overboard with your glassware, go for minimal and classic. You'll keep more money in your pocket.

    Photo Credit: Rashon Carraway

  • Sometimes, buying is cheaper than renting

    Sometimes, buying is cheaper than renting

    When it comes to décor items, table settings, and linens, sometimes it's better to purchase outright. Once you get a quote from the rental company, determine whether it's more cost effective for you to purchase them. You may even be able to sell the items after to make a little money back.

  • Consider a buffet

    Consider a buffet

    With guests serving themselves, it can considerably cut some of the waitstaff fees.

  • Create wedding signage instead of printing hundreds of paper items

    Create wedding signage instead of printing hundreds of paper items

    Display the menu or program on a canvas or in a frame as opposed to printing one for each guest. Trust us, it'll be totally cost effective.

  • Serve a signature cocktail instead of having an open bar

    Serve a signature cocktail instead of having an open bar

    Get crafty with your mixed drinks to ensure that you don't over-spend on liquor. Serve guests beer and wine with one specialty drink, like a mint julep or a martini to wet their whistles.

  • Provide your own alcohol

    Provide your own alcohol

    If the caterer allows you to purchase alcohol for the reception, you could potentially save some big bucks. By eliminating the vendor's markup, your finances will stay in tact. However, you'll be putting in extra time to purchase and deliver the alcohol to your big day venue.

    Photo Credit: D. Park Photography

  • Purchase flowers wholesale online

    Purchase flowers wholesale online

    If you're planning to DIY your flowers, look into purchasing them online. A retailer like FiftyFlowers helps cut costs and increases the variety of blooms available to you.

  • Get creative with the bouquet

    Get creative with the bouquet

    Ask your florist to use a few impactful flowers, and then fill-in with less expensive blooms, like Queen Anne's lace and baby's breath. This will help make each arrangement cost less.

  • Let your fave market be the big day caterer

    Let your fave market be the big day caterer

    Some supermarkets, like Whole Foods, offer specialty floral and catering services. Check your local store to see if they provide any services you can incorporate into your reception.

    Photo courtesy of Publix

  • Have your ceremony and reception at the same place

    Have your ceremony and reception at the same place

    If you opt for one wedding site, you'll cut the costs associated with renting two venues and the transportation between spaces.

    Photo Credit: Aaron Delesie

  • Use credit cards to purchase services and get rewards

    Use credit cards to purchase services and get rewards

    You should invest in a card that offers cash rewards or airline miles. Then you can spend your perks on other "I do" items or put those bonuses toward your honeymoon.

    Photo Credit: iStockphoto

  • Follow vendors on social media for discounts

    Follow vendors on social media for discounts

    Sometimes, businesses will give special promotions or discounts to their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram fans! Follow along to see if they offer any deals.

  • Find a venue that

    Find a venue that's flexible with vendors

    Look for a space that allows you to use caterers, florists, and bakers outside of their preferred list. If you choose a location that requires you to use their partners, you'll be locked into using vendors that might be out of your range.

    Photo Credit: Rhee Bevere

21 Hacks Every Budget-Conscious Couple Should Know

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