For The Frugal At Heart: Budget-Friendly Tips For Planning Your Wedding 

As wedding costs continue to soar, couples face the daunting challenge of planning their dream day without emptying their pockets. This article is sponsored by Discover®, who believes in accessible experiences for everyone and is proud to share ways couples can create memorable moments within their means. 

With wedding season fast approaching, couples preparing to tie the knot are on the lookout for the perfect things to complete their dream day without breaking the bank. Planning a wedding is a lot of fun, and the quest can be exciting — but also taxing. So, if you’re looking for ways to save, there are an abundance of creative and affordable tips waiting to be explored. Keep reading for our top tips on budget-friendly weddings.

It’s safe to say good financial love stories start with transparent conversations about money. For many couples, a wedding is usually the first significant financial endeavor together, so before you or your partner spend anything, discuss your expectations. There’s no use in creating a budget for your wedding if you and your partner are not aligned. 

Talk about your range, which means discussing the limits in which you’re willing to spend and what factors of the day are most important to prioritize. If you set the standard with each other first, you can create a reasonable budget and feasible expectations without compromising what either person wants. Trust us; it’ll save you a ton of money and heartburn along your wedding planning journey.

Selecting a creative and budget-friendly wedding venue requires exploring other possibilities outside of tradition. But often, this step outside of the norm can lead you to unique and inexpensive finds within your budget. Here are a few options to consider: 

All-Inclusive Options: One can rarely go wrong with an all-inclusive package, which even applies to wedding venues. The same way you would shop around for the best flight and hotel vacation package can be applied to this search. 

Instead of going to several different shops for all the fixings for your big day, pick a venue that has it all. 

Art Galleries or Studios: Love the arts? Remember, due to its limited space, a gallery is ideal for smaller guest lists. And there’s no need to stress about adding decorations because the art within the space will definitely speak for itself.

Backyard Weddings: In most cases, you’ll find that this option is the most cost-effective on the list. The venue itself is usually free and the best part? This can feel the most personal to you and your families. Be sure to reach out to your city for more information on sound ordinances and parking requirements for your guests.

Historical Sites: If you’re a history buff, this one’s for you. Some historical sites or landmarks offer event space for weddings at reasonable prices. In addition, historical sites can provide a unique aesthetic to complement your wedding theme.

Libraries: Various libraries have event spaces that can be rented for weddings, offering a sophisticated and cultured atmosphere.

Public Parks: What do parks offer that many indoor venues do not? Beautiful outdoor settings for ceremonies. Even better, the views often come at a fraction of the cost of traditional venues. Public parks also offer greater guest capacity.

It’s crucial to create an action plan to cover your wedding expenses. If you’re partial to using a credit card, it’s important to pick one that allows you to maximize your rewards so you can earn and redeem leading up to your big day!

Go for a card that offers cash-back rewards on everyday purchases so you can earn money on purchases outside of your wedding expenses. This way, you won’t be limited in what and where you can earn. 

It’s also important to find a card that will allow you to redeem your rewards whenever and however you want. Rather than going for a card that will only let you redeem miles for your honeymoon flight, you can get a card that allows you to redeem on whatever you choose— whether that’s your honeymoon expenses, wedding expenses, or even life after you tie the knot.

Once you find the card that works best for your wedding journey, track all your purchases there. This will help you stay on budget and on top of your spending. For the sake of transparency, add your partner as an authorized user so they have no problem using the card even when you’re not physically together. You can even take it a step further by setting spending limits on your card, so you’ll be aware if you’re going over budget.  

Planning a wedding is one thing, but paying for one can feel impossible after adding everything up. But with these tips, thoughtful planning, and the help from Discover, your big day can be what you hoped for and more!