• Home
  • About
    • About
    • Terms and Conditions + Privacy Policy
  • Press
  • Work With Us
    • Creatives + Brands
    • Interior Design + Decorating
    • Seasonal Home Decorating
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact

STAY AWHILE

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Terms and Conditions + Privacy Policy
  • Press
  • Work With Us
    • Creatives + Brands
    • Interior Design + Decorating
    • Seasonal Home Decorating
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Contact

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

A Hosting Home

Styling and Inspiration + Handcrafted Designs

Weddings

Simple Ways to Save on Your Wedding {Without Sacrificing Your Vendors!}

Simple Ways to Save on Weddings, Certified Atlanta Wedding Planner, Atlanta Wedding Coordinator

Let’s get real. Weddings are expensive.

It’s no secret. It’s probably why your wedding budget is treated like another awful four letter word. However, whether you want to admit it or not, your wedding budget is the necessary evil that doesn’t make our bank account cry too much. You may have started planning your wedding wondering how you’re going to stick to it. (Or you may be wondering how you’ll get your dream wedding on your budget!)

What if I told you I am a firm believer that every bride deserves their best day ever and can bring that to life with any budget?

I should also probably start off by saying this. I am not recommending that you sacrifice the quality of your vendors for the cost. I’m actually stating the opposite. Sacrificing some little details can possibly allow you to afford those dream vendors to bring your dream day to life.

Second of all, it’s important to realize that most amazing wedding vendors are expensive. (Spoiler alert: They’re expensive for a reason!) You’re paying for their experience, their time, and their effort to make your wedding day the most perfect day in the world. With that being said, keep in mind these simple ideas on how to save and where to cut back so that you can splurge on an amazing vendor team (and that dream photographer you follow on Instagram!)

Simple Ways to Save On Your Wedding Without Sacrificing Your Vendors

“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Scale Down the Guest List

This alone is going to save you so. much. money. I can guarantee it. Scaling down your guest list could probably save you the most money, to be honest. By inviting only close friends and family, you’re saving money on invitations, catering, favors, rentals, and space needed when picking out your wedding venue. It is really all like a snowball effect, and it all originates with your guest count. (Fewer Guests = Less Cost)

Don’t get me wrong. Having a more intimate wedding doesn’t mean it can’t be extravagant! It just means you can spend that extra money you saved on X number of guests in the details listed above on something else. Plus, how nice would it be actually knowing everyone in attendance at your wedding? By having a more intimate wedding, you can scale down your costs and splurge on an amazing vendor team who are passionate about making your day the best. (Like that amazing photographer who will give you tangible memories of your wedding that last a lifetime!)

Have a Smaller Bridal Party

It’s super hard as it is to choose who should stand by you on your wedding. You want everyone to feel included, and you can’t have Susie in your wedding without Angela. Sound familiar?

As you may be figuring out right now, it’s often the case that more bridesmaids equals more drama. It also equals more plus-ones (aka. higher guest count), more bouquets and boutonnieres to order, more gifts, and over-all more cost. Cut down on drama and your cost by only selecting your closest friends to be in your bridal party. Like I tell brides time and time again, it’s about quality over quantity when it comes to your bridal party. Just because you don’t include them in your bridal party doesn’t mean you can’t include them in on all your parties and gatherings along the way. There may be some hard feelings at first, but if they’re really you’re friend they’ll definitely understand.

Get Married on a Friday or Sunday

I’m sure you already knew that Saturdays are the most popular day for weddings. Because of this, it’s often true that booking some venues on a Friday or Sunday is cheaper than booking it for a Saturday.  This can also be true during their off season for weddings. If you’re in love with a particular venue, ask them about booking in the off-season and Friday/Sunday prices! You could get your dream venue at a lower cost.

Get Married Mid-Day

If you get married in the middle of the day on a Saturday or Sunday, say 2:00, you could have the option of serving heavy hors d’oeuvres to your wedding guests rather than a full meal. Most people will probably eat before they come, and if you’re having a shorter reception, they’ll most likely make dinner reservations afterwards. You’ll still have some amazing food that your guests will love, but you’ll still be saving some money in the end. Plus, you may also end up saving  on alcohol in the end as well if your guests aren’t that much of day-drinkers. (Please note this may not be the case with college students getting married. HAHA!)

Get Married in a Naturally Beautiful Venue

What I mean by choosing a venue that is naturally beautiful is choosing a venue that won’t need a lot of decorations to make it beautiful. Thus, choosing a venue that is naturally beautiful will save you a lot of money on decorations you’d otherwise need to dress up the space. For example, getting married outside in nature with a lot of greenery can easily be dressed up with flowers and an arch while getting married in a elegant ballroom with a lot of character can be enhanced with smaller details while letting the venue itself do the talking.

Skip on Printed Menus

Beautifully printed menus that match your stationary suite are a beautiful little touch on a wedding day. However, they aren’t mandatory. By skipping on menus, you’re saving that much more on stationary for the possibly pretty large guest list. Plus, they’ve already chosen their meal option if you opted for a plated dinner. Use that money instead by splurging on that calligrapher to address your wedding envelopes or make some lovely signs for you.


It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, but I’m here to tell you it’s possible to have your dream wedding on a budget without having to sacrifice the quality of your vendors. While it may be hard, cutting back on little things like these simple ideas will allow you to splurge on what truly matters to you in the end. Send me a comment below! What simple ways are you saving on your wedding?

January 23, 2017

« The Biggest Wedding Planning Mistakes You’ll Make
How-to Draft Your Wedding Guest List »

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

  • How-To Set Your Table Like a Professional This Holiday Season // A Hosting Home BlogHow-To Set Your Table Like A Professional This Holiday Season
  • How-To Host The Perfect Galentine's Day With Your Girls // A Hosting Home BlogHow-To Host The Perfect Galentine’s Day With Your Girls
  • How You Can Host the Perfect Valentine's Day at Home This Year // A Hosting Home BlogHow You Can Host the Perfect Valentine’s Day at Home This Year
  • Styled Photo // Atlanta Wedding PlannerThe Biggest Wedding Planning Mistakes You’ll Make

Comments

  1. Theresa Bailey says

    February 24, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    Spot on with the shrink your bridal party to save money, and drama!

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      March 1, 2017 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks, Theresa! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Keelie says

    February 24, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    This is a great read and it’s so refreshing to read wedding budget saving advice that doesn’t mean sacrificing quality supplies, as like you said, their expertise and experience in the industry is so important to make sure the day goes as planned. Cutting down the guest list will definitely have the biggest impact on the budget!

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      March 1, 2017 at 8:22 pm

      Thank you, Keelie! I am so glad you agree with me. It breaks my heart when couples think their only option is to cut corners on their vendors! I just want them all to know there’s a better way. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Misty says

    February 28, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    Simple ways to save money is always a good thing to know. I saved so much money on my wedding, I didn’t want a lavish affair. I wanted relaxed and intimate.

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      March 1, 2017 at 8:24 pm

      and I bet it was still absolutely perfect! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Jenna Urben says

    June 20, 2017 at 2:16 pm

    These are great tips! I had a 4 person bridal party and skipped the fancy printed menus. Can’t wait to read more of your wedding related posts 🙂

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      July 20, 2017 at 8:18 pm

      Thank you, Jenna! I hope you love them as much as this one. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Leah Weber says

    June 20, 2017 at 2:43 pm

    I’m already married but I have a friend who’s planning a wedding and I’m going to pass on these tips to her! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      July 20, 2017 at 8:19 pm

      Thanks, Leah, for passing this along to your sweet friend! I hope she finds it helpful. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jenny says

    June 21, 2017 at 4:35 am

    Awesome tips! I got married about 6 months ago and I wish I would’ve kept some of these in mind during the process.

    Reply
    • cathynugentweddings says

      July 20, 2017 at 8:20 pm

      Thanks, Jenny! 🙂 It is always something that brides forget about in the moment of planning their wedding.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Atlanta based Award Winning Interior and Event Designer and Home Blogger Cathy Nugent

Hi, friends! I'm Cathy, a nationally published award winning designer of spaces to gather and southern belle writer based out of a small(ish) town outside of Atlanta, Georgia. However, most people know me as the Monica Geller of my friend group – a coffee connoisseur and dog mom with a huge heart for hosting and an eye for design. The heart behind what I do is simple. I want to help you be intentional on creating spaces to gather and celebrating life's precious moments - whether that be weddings, parties, or something as simple as having loved ones in your home. Living Simply, Loving Generously, and Hosting with Heart.

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

CATEGORIES

ARCHIVES

POPULAR POSTS

Dark and Moody Study Lounge Design Plans | A Hosting Home Blog

Dark and Moody Study Lounge Design Plans | Study Mood Board

September 29, 2022

DIY Moody Staircase Shadow Box Trim Molding / A Hosting Home Blog

DIY Moody Staircase Shadow Box Trim

September 21, 2022

DIY Easter Keepsake Craft Ideas / A Hosting Home Blog

DIY Easter Keepsake Craft Ideas

April 2, 2021

How To Make a Design Board (for free!) / A Hosting Home Blog

How To Create a Design Board (for free!)

February 20, 2021

Chalk Paint China Cabinet Makeover with Wallpaper / A Hosting Home Blog

Using Rub n Buff to Update Antique Hardware

February 3, 2021


Spring gardening is right around the corner, and I Spring gardening is right around the corner, and I’m already starting to get ours prepped thanks to @walmart Lawn and Garden! #AD With a newborn and a toddler, running errands can be quite the task. But thanks to #WalmartLawnandGarden, I’ve been able to get everything I need to kickstart our garden this year in one place — from the convenience of snuggling my babies on my couch with Walmart.com and the app! The time it saved me from running all over town, I got to spend making core memories with John as we taught him how to start his very first set of seeds in the @jiffygroup seed starting tray. 

Here’s a look at what we got to kickstart our garden this year:
- The @jiffygroup Seed Starting Greenhouse Kit: to grow our own seedlings and get a head start on the season by starting them indoors! 
- The  @ferrymorseseed Seed Starting Heat Mat: to give our seeds the best chance possible to promote germination and improve transplant results 
- Ferry Morse Seeds (flowers, tomatoes, and peppers!) 
- @pennington Rejuvenate Potting Mix and Garden Soil: to give our seedlings the nutrients they need once transplanted into our garden 
- Pennington Rejuvenate Tomato Plant Food
- @scottslawn Landscaping Fabric: to keep our garden clean and free of pesky weeds
- The @flexonhose Flextreme Advanced 100ft Hose: to keep it all watered without fighting kinks as we move easily around our raised garden beds

Add this kit to your cart now ➡️ https://click2cart.com/59600bc

Get a jumpstart on your spring and summer garden this year by shopping everything you need at Walmart, in-store or online at Walmart.com. And stay tuned to see how our garden comes together and grows this year! 

#GrowYourGardenatWalmart #GreenThumbAndGardenVariety
Tired of constantly charging your Dyson? (Or reall Tired of constantly charging your Dyson? (Or really, are you tired of forgetting to charge your Dyson?) Because I was. 🙋🏼‍♀️ Enter in: a DIY-er’s solution ➡️ stick a @dewalttough battery on that thing and vacuum for weeks on a single charge. 

But really, I’ve been using the same battery charge for a couple weeks now on vacuuming the downstairs of our house — and with two kids and two dogs, I do a quick vacuum every single day (sometimes multiple times a day!) The best part? Can rotate and charge with all our other Dewalt tool batteries. 

Comment LINK 🔗 for a DM with links to shop or shop via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/432TF

#ahostinghome #ltkhome #diy #diyhacks #diyhack #diyprojects #diyproject #amazonfinds #dyson #ltkfamily #ltkfind
Wait for it… ✨ Still can’t get over this stu Wait for it… ✨ Still can’t get over this study transformation we finished right before baby got here! Officially my favorite room and project in the house right now. 😍 #ahostinghome 

Color Details: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in @behrpaint (Marquee, Eggshell) from @homedepot #swcolorlove #tricornblack #tricornblacksherwinwilliams 

Wallpaper : @wall.blush (See the full mural on the other wall on my stories saved to the ‘STUDY’ highlight bubble!) 

Comment LINK 🔗 for a DM with a link to shop sources or shop via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/42XaB

#diy #diyprojects #diyproject #diyhomeprojects #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomedecor #diybuilds #diybuild #diybuiltins #builtins #builtinshelves #bhghome #bhg #mybhg #bhglivebetter #whodatwithponderosa #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #diyideas #diylikeamother #diyhome #homedecor #homedesign #interiordesign #ltkhome
James Kayleb Nugent January 20th, 2023 💛 James James Kayleb Nugent
January 20th, 2023 💛

James was born last Friday morning, and spent the first 5 days in the NICU for some breathing issues and fluid in his lungs. While those days were extremely rough, trying, and brought back a lot of emotions from Layne’s birth — God is so good, and my heart is just overwhelmed by His faithfulness. My favorite moment in life thus far was surprising John before bedtime the night we were finally discharged to come home. I’ll never forget the look on his face when I walked through that door. Thank you, Jesus, for my babies. 🦋💛 #ahostinghome
10/10 recommend just going for it and painting the 10/10 recommend just going for it and painting the entire room black. ✨ #ahostinghome

Color Details: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in @behrpaint (Marquee, Eggshell) from @homedepot #swcolorlove #tricornblack #tricornblacksherwinwilliams 

Wallpaper : @wall.blush (See the full mural on the other wall on my stories saved to the ‘STUDY’ highlight bubble!) 

#diy #diyprojects #diyproject #diyhomeprojects #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomedecor #diybuilds #diybuild #diybuiltins #builtins #builtinshelves #bhghome #bhg #mybhg #bhglivebetter #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #diyideas #diyhome #homedecor #homedesign #interiordesign #traditionalhome #traditionalhomemagazine #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle
✨ STUDY REVEAL ✨ I got a lot of nervous respon ✨ STUDY REVEAL ✨ I got a lot of nervous responses when I said I wanted to design an all black formal study right off my entryway, but I’m completely obsessed with every detail of this space. Rob has always wanted a study, so my goal with this space when it’s finished is to have almost like a moody, swanky cigar lounge feel. When we moved into this house this spring, I told Rob I was done playing it “safe for resale” with designing projects. Here’s to more of doing whatever the heck I want design wise in 2023! 👏🏼✨ Next up: let’s get this space styled and furnished! #ahostinghome

// Paint Color: Tricorn Black by @sherwinwilliams mixed in @behrpaint Marquee (satin on built ins, eggshell on walls) at @homedepot #swcolorlove #tricornblack #tricornblacksherwinwilliams 

// Wallpaper: @wall.blush 

// Light Fixture linked via @shop.ltk ➡️ https://liketk.it/3Yy4l #ltkhome 

#diy #diyproject #diyprojects #interiordesign #homedesign #builtins #diybuilds #diybuild #diyideas #diyhomeimprovement #diyhomeprojects #diyhomedecor #diylikeamother #diydesigntherapy #traditionalhome #traditionalhomemagazine #traditionalhomedecor #traditionalhomestyle #homerenovation #bhg #bhghome #mybhg #bhgcolor #bhglivebetter #bhgstylemaker
It’s been a year. ✨ & I can’t wait to see wh It’s been a year. ✨ & I can’t wait to see what the next one holds. #ahostinghome
“And with that, the 2022 season comes to an end. “And with that, the 2022 season comes to an end.” ✨🎄 When do you take your Christmas decor down? The Christmas decor got put away earlier this week, and the house always feels so empty every year when it gets taken down! I was going to wait till next week to take it down, but with only 3 weeks left until baby arrives I’m finding myself in total nesting mode right now. Behind the scenes we’ve been putting finishing touches on the study while Rob was off work for Christmas, so I’ll be sharing all the photos and updates on that to the feed soon. In the meantime, who wants to come organize closets and baby stuff with me?! 😜 #ahostinghome

#bhghome #bhg #bhgholiday #bhghowiholiday #bhgchristmas #bhgcelebrate #homedecor #christmas #christmasdecor #christmastree #traditionalhome #traditionalhomedecor #traditionalhomemagazine #homedesign #interiordesign #tablescape #tablesetting #tabledecor #tablescapes #centerpiece #tablecenterpiece
✨ Christmas Karen-ing ✨ It’s like caroling, ✨ Christmas Karen-ing ✨ It’s like caroling, but from your least favorite neighbor. #ahostinghome 

#christmas #funnyvideos #funnymemes #funnyreels #momsofinstagram #christmasdecor #christmastree #christmastime #karen #bhghome #whodatwithponderosa #bhgholiday #bhghowiholiday #bhgchristmas #bhgcelebrate #sourhernliving #hgtv #hgtvmagazine #hgtvhome #countryliving #momlife #momreels #christmaskaren

CATEGORIES

 

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow A Hosting Home

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube