Where to Splurge and Where to Save on Your Wedding
Your wedding budget is one of the most important planning tools, and deciding where to allocate your funds can make or break your day. While every couple’s priorities are unique, some splurges are well worth the investment, and there are strategic ways to save without sacrificing style or guest experience. Here’s a guide to help you decide where to splurge and where to save for your big day, based on my experience with over 100 weddings.
Splurge on: The Food
Your guests will remember the meal long after the night ends, so it’s worth splurging on high-quality catering. A delicious and well-presented menu makes your wedding feel special and shows your guests you care about their experience. Take advantage of your tasting to choose the perfect meal, and consider a duet entree if you don’t want your guests to have to choose between steak and fish.
Pro Tip:
Buffets aren’t always the cheapest option anymore, and can sometimes be even more expensive than plated! Make sure to get all the pricing details from your venue/caterer before making a decision.
Save on: Upgraded Chairs and Linens
While stunning chairs and elaborate linens can elevate your décor, they often come with a hefty price tag. Opt for classic rental options (your venue may include most of these!) and let your floral arrangements, table settings, and lighting create the atmosphere.
Pro Tip:
Your venue will likely carry standard and potentially some upgraded linens at a much lower cost than you could find by renting them elsewhere. Additionally, banquet chairs tend to be much more comfortable for your guests than prettier, but more expensive, rental chairs!
Splurge on: The Bar
An open bar can be one of the largest expenses, but it’s a splurge many guests will appreciate. To stay within budget, you can skip the top-shelf liquor and focus on a curated selection of beer, wine, and a signature cocktail butler-passed to guests upon arrival.
Pro Tip:
If your budget requires a cash bar, make sure to communicate this to guests in advance, and advise them whether the bar actually only takes cash or if they can pay with a credit card.
Save on: Décor
Instead of spending a fortune on decorations, get creative! Use seasonal flowers, repurpose ceremony décor for the reception, or incorporate personal items like family heirlooms or photos. The venue’s natural beauty can also serve as décor, so choose a location that doesn’t need heavy embellishment—while gorgeous venues can come with a steep up-front cost, they can save you a ton in decor later!
Pro Tip:
Your venue may have some basic vases, votive candles, or other table decor items that you can use for free or low cost. Don’t forget to confirm whether your venue requires flameless candles or hurricane vases for real candles.
Splurge on: Entertainment
Your DJ or band sets the tone for the entire evening. Investing in a professional who can read the crowd and keep the energy up is crucial for a seamless celebration. A great entertainer doesn’t just play music; they create an atmosphere that gets your guests dancing and having fun. If you don’t have much of a dancing crowd, there are plenty of creative options to keep your guests entertained: consider a palm or tarot reader, live painter, photobooth, or cigar roller.
Pro Tip:
See if you can attend an event where your preferred DJ or band is performing to get an idea of their style.
Save on: Wedding Favors
While wedding favors are a sweet gesture, they’re often left behind. Skip the trinkets and put that money toward something guests will enjoy more, like a late-night snack, upgraded dessert bar, or fun photobooth. If you love the idea of giving favors, opt for something consumable like mini bottles of local honey or custom cookies, or write each guest a heartfelt note thanking them for attending.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to be mindful of how your guests are traveling—if most of them traveled by air to get to your wedding, make sure anything you give as favors can be taken on a plane.
Splurge on: Guest Experience
Think about ways to make your guests feel comfortable and stress-free. Providing transportation to and from the venue, arranging room blocks at nearby hotels, or even including thoughtful touches like welcome bags can make a big difference in their overall experience. Think about the weddings you’ve attended in the past: what were the challenges you ran into, and what did you really love about your experience?
Pro Tip:
Hotels may charge a fee to deliver welcome bags, so make sure to check their policies before committing to making them!
Save on: Paper Goods
Fancy invitations and intricate programs can be gorgeous, but they’re also one of the first things guests toss after the event. Save by going digital for save-the-dates or opting for simple, elegant designs. You can also forgo extras like menu cards or escort cards and use a single, beautifully designed display board instead.
Pro Tip:
If you have your heart set on paper invitations, save on both printing and postage by skipping the inner envelope, tissue paper, and physical response card—you can still ask your guests to RSVP digitally from a paper invitation.
Splurge on: Photography & Videography
After the last toast and final dance, your wedding photos and video are the best way to relive your wedding day. Hiring experienced wedding photographers and videographers is a splurge you’ll never regret. They’ll capture the moments you’ll treasure for a lifetime, from emotional candids to beautifully composed portraits. (For those wondering if they’ll watch their wedding video “enough”: We’ve only watched ours a couple times in 11 years, but knowing it’s there and I can watch it whenever I want is priceless.)
Pro Tip:
Check out photographers’ and videographers’ social media to see what sorts of styles you like! Prioritize working with independent photographers so you know exactly who you’ll be working with on your wedding day. Large photo/video conglomerates often don’t assign photographers/videographers until much closer to your wedding, leaving you a lot less time to get to know them and their style.
Save on: Specialty Rentals
Luxurious lounge furniture or specialty lighting can be tempting, but these items can quickly eat into your budget. Use what your venue offers or strategically invest in one or two standout pieces rather than outfitting the entire space. Your venue may also have options you can use for free or lower cost than renting from an outside decor company.
Pro Tip:
Other vendors, like florists and coordinators, may have rental items you can use at a lower cost than if you went to a rental company. Ask there first!
Finding the Right Balance
When deciding where to splurge and save, think about what matters most to you as a couple. What memories do you want to cherish? What do you want your guests to rave about? Splurge where it will make the most impact, and look for smart ways to save on the rest.
And remember, every couple’s wedding priorities are unique—if these suggestions don’t align with your vision, that’s perfectly okay! With thoughtful planning and a clear sense of your priorities—and a great planner to help you manage your budget—you can create a wedding that feels luxurious without breaking the bank. What will you splurge and save on for your big day? If you need expert guidance to make the most of your budget, contact me—I’d love to help!