Your Wedding Doesn’t Have to Take You to the Cleaners

WorkMoney shares ways to save on your big day!

Published on 2/19/25

Weddings can be the moment of a lifetime. But whether you’re attending one or throwing your own (congratulations!), they can get expensive – quickly.

Check out our tips for you to save on weddings either as an attendee or a host:

Save while going to a wedding

Travel as a group: got a lot of friends attending the same wedding? Look into a group rate on flights, where 10+ people buying together can often get a discount. And consider sharing a rental house instead of that often-pricey “official” wedding hotel. You can even split a rental car to cut down on costs.
Buy an early gift: check out the registry early so you have the widest selection of options, whatever your budget may be. Plus the happy couple will be especially thrilled to see you planning in advance and thinking of them before others.
Style smartly: don’t buy a dress you’ll only wear once – consider renting a piece for less if you’re unlikely to wear it again. Have multiple weddings coming up? Look into buying some staple pieces that fit and feel great so you can wear them a few times.
Go your own way: if you’re really on a budget squeeze, consider some DIY alternatives: make your own homemade gift, like a photo collage of favorite moments or maybe show off your ceramic skills. Stay a bit outside of town to save on hotels. Or maybe look into staying one night less if the wedding is at an expensive destination.

Save while hosting your own wedding

Venue value: go with an off-peak date to get the best deal on your venue. Or try a nontraditional location to save while still having a memorable night – reach out to your favorite restaurant, bar, brewery, or music venue. And always see if the venue has any amenities built-in or available, from tables and chairs to linens, speakers, and more.
Interesting invites: go paperless to save money on expensive letterhead – and make it easier for guests to see the weekend’s full details and to RSVP! Or consider printing your own invites: ask a friend with a good eye for design and print at home or at a local FedEx store.
Save on style: don’t sleep on sample sales or bridal consignment for the dress for your big day. Consider department stores, especially around holiday sale times, for key pieces. And ask around about accessories instead of draining your budget there!
Economical eats: food & drinks are often where weddings can get way over budget – so be careful! Price out multiple dinner options, consider a buffet, or even a more casual theme (did someone say mobile pizza oven?). Simplify your drink options to beer, wine, and maybe a signature cocktail to save on liquor costs. And even be cautious with your cake: try a store bought one and dress it up with special candles and trinkets, or even consider a nontraditional dessert like local pies or ice cream from your favorite shop.

Hope you attend (or throw!) a fun, memorable wedding that doesn’t break the bank.

Save while going to a wedding

Travel as a group: got a lot of friends attending the same wedding? Look into a group rate on flights, where 10+ people buying together can often get a discount. And consider sharing a rental house instead of that often-pricey “official” wedding hotel. You can even split a rental car to cut down on costs.

Buy an early gift: check out the registry early so you have the widest selection of options, whatever your budget may be. Plus the happy couple will be especially thrilled to see you planning in advance and thinking of them before others.

Style smartly: don’t buy a dress you’ll only wear once – consider renting a piece for less if you’re unlikely to wear it again. Have multiple weddings coming up? Look into buying some staple pieces that fit and feel great so you can wear them a few times.

Go your own way: if you’re really on a budget squeeze, consider some DIY alternatives: make your own homemade gift, like a photo collage of favorite moments or maybe show off your ceramic skills. Stay a bit outside of town to save on hotels. Or maybe look into staying one night less if the wedding is at an expensive destination.

Save while hosting your own wedding

Venue value: go with an off-peak date to get the best deal on your venue. Or try a nontraditional location to save while still having a memorable night – reach out to your favorite restaurant, bar, brewery, or music venue. And always see if the venue has any amenities built-in or available, from tables and chairs to linens, speakers, and more.

Interesting invites: go paperless to save money on expensive letterhead – and make it easier for guests to see the weekend’s full details and to RSVP! Or consider printing your own invites: ask a friend with a good eye for design and print at home or at a local FedEx store.

Save on style: don’t sleep on sample sales or bridal consignment for the dress for your big day. Consider department stores, especially around holiday sale times, for key pieces. And ask around about accessories instead of draining your budget there!

Economical eats: food & drinks are often where weddings can get way over budget – so be careful! Price out multiple dinner options, consider a buffet, or even a more casual theme (did someone say mobile pizza oven?). Simplify your drink options to beer, wine, and maybe a signature cocktail to save on liquor costs. And even be cautious with your cake: try a store bought one and dress it up with special candles and trinkets, or even consider a nontraditional dessert like local pies or ice cream from your favorite shop.

Hope you attend (or throw!) a fun, memorable wedding that doesn’t break the bank.