Image by Ariana Tennyson. See more of this real wedding here.

Visualize your wedding budget as a puzzle. Various pieces need to fit together in order to bring your dream celebration to life. That’s why it’s crucial to discuss finances with your partner beyond just setting an overall budget. You’ll need to break down the percentage allocated to each category, such as catering, florals, fashion, and more.

While there’s no shortage of advice on what to do and what not to do during wedding planning, it’s important to recognize that there are no concrete rules, especially when it comes to budgeting. Every couple’s financial situation and wedding priorities will be unique, which should give you some relief.

Fortunately, there are ways to rework your budget to pull off your dream wedding. For those who wonder where to save versus where to save, here are some Junebug vendor-approved strategies on where to save versus splurge on your wedding day.

Where to Save During Wedding Planning? 

Save on Venue Costs by Choosing a Weekday or Off-Peak Date   

Your venue plays an important role in our wedding theme and aesthetic. So, if you’ve found the perfect venue space but it’s a little outside your budget, skip the Saturday celebration for a weekday or Sunday wedding. Going with an off-peak time based on the local seasons will also save you the money you can allocate towards different wedding details. 

Trim Your Guest List 

Photographer Lynn Shapiro Photography suggests you can save money by trimming your guest list. By keeping your guest count on the smaller side, you can allocate more of your budget toward your photographer and other vendors, ensuring you have exactly what you want for your special day.

Skip Bridesmaids Proposals 

Popping the question to your bridesmaids has become an internet sensation thanks to social media. With many going all out with full bridesmaid-themed boxes, this proposal isn’t cheap. But we’re here to remind you that you can skip the massive gift boxes and reallocate that money towards other wedding expenses. Saving this money at the beginning of your wedding planning journey will ensure you’re leaving room in your budget for unplanned finances down the line.

Image by Sav and Cam. See more of this real wedding here.

Repurpose Ceremony Decor During Your Reception 

When it comes to decorating your ceremony space, there are so many details to consider. You have to think about the backdrop, seating, floral arrangements, signage, and so much more. That takes a lot of time, effort, and money. Replicating this effort for the reception just adds to the financial and planning stresses. To alleviate this, consider repurposing your ceremony decor for the reception.

For instance, your ceremony backdrop can serve as a charming sweetheart table backdrop. Bridesmaid’s bouquets can be used as centerpieces, adding a cohesive decor touch. Repurposing chairs around reception tables can reduce those rental costs. The possibilities are truly endless, and with the help of a planner, you can brainstorm more creative ways to repurpose decor.

Have a Limited Bar 

Having a limited reception bar doesn’t mean resorting to a cash bar. You can still offer an open bar at your wedding, but choose to provide limited alcohol options. Consider offering beer and wine, forgoing the more expensive spirits. Additionally, some venues allow couples to purchase their own alcohol, providing another opportunity to save money. Although this may add another task to your wedding checklist, it can result in significant savings in the long run.

Images by Jenny Quicksall. Designed by Nicole Alexandra Designs. Floral design by Tularosa Flowers. Wedding venue Cielo Farms. Signage by Kelly Patrice. Rentals from Premiere Party Rents and Theoni Collection.

Alternative Dessert Options 

While you may envision a grand five-tiered wedding cake to share with all your guests, it might not be the most practical choice financially. Instead, consider opting for a smaller wedding cake to enjoy with your partner and for the cake-cutting photo. For guests, offer alternative dessert options such as donuts, s’mores, or other treats. This not only saves on costs but also adds a sense of variety.

Skip Physical Wedding Favors 

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on guest favors that may be left behind, consider investing that money into another must-have wedding detail. But what if you want to save this money but don’t want to skip favors? Get creative with some cost-effective ideas. 

There are many special–and free–ideas to show your appreciation without breaking the bank. One of our favorites is to create a custom playlist for guests to remember your big day. This not only saves money but also provides guests with an enjoyable keepsake from your wedding.

Where to Splurge on Your Wedding Day?   

Photographer and Videographer 

It’s no surprise that photographers and videographers top our list of wedding splurges. Your wedding day is a special occasion filled with unforgettable moments, and hiring a top-notch photographer and videographer ensures that these moments are captured and preserved forever. By entrusting professionals, you can focus on soaking up those soon-to-be memories without the stress of trying to document every moment yourself.

Day-Of Coordinator or Wedding Planner 

When it comes to recruiting planning help, you have two options: a wedding planner or a day-of coordinator. A wedding planner assists you throughout the entire planning process, from start to finish. A day-of coordinator typically steps in during the final weeks leading up to your big day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Regardless of which option you choose, do yourself a favor and splurge on this vendor. 

Music and Entertainment 

Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone for every aspect of a wedding day, which is why it’s on our splurge list. From the walk down the aisle to the first dance and mother-son dance, the right songs can enhance these important moments. While music will impact the overall vibe of the day, your choice of DJ or live music will also be responsible for getting your guests to hit the dance floor during the reception. 

Splurge on Your Wedding Day with Food and Catering 

When planning a wedding, it’s standard to provide a variety of food options for your guests. Your choice of food can impact the overall guest experience, and unfortunately, in the wedding industry, this isn’t cheap. So, whether you opt for a plated meal, buffet, or grab-and-go food truck options, it’s essential not to skimp on catering. This will save you from having a group of hungry guests hitting the dance floor with rumbling stomachs. 

Setting a budget is typically one of the first wedding planning tasks you’ll take care of. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for couples to underestimate wedding costs. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. 

To avoid this situation, it’s essential to have realistic budget expectations from the start. Understand where you want to save versus splurge on your wedding day. This will give you a better understanding of the wedding expenses involved and allow you to plan accordingly. So, before moving forward, check out our expected vs realistic wedding costs breakdown so there are no surprises down the line.

Image by MK Zach Photography. See more of this real wedding here.