15 Wedding Expenses You Can Skip

While it's easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of wedding planning, just remember: Many "traditional" wedding elements you’ll come across are actually optional! When it comes down to it, all you need is yourself, the person you're marrying, and the legalities (like a marriage certificate) to make it official. Everything else is the proverbial icing on the wedding cake. So don’t feel pressured to buy into anything simply because it’s considered tradition.

By carefully considering which expenses you can forgo, you'll set yourselves up to save money while crafting a meaningful celebration that reflects your priorities as a couple. Let's explore the various wedding expenses you can confidently skip—without compromising the style or significance of your special day.

At Here Comes The Guide, we know firsthand that every wedding venue has its own distinct charm and unique superpowers—no matter the cost. Truth is, you don't need to break the bank to secure a venue that fits both your style and budget. From public parks and beaches to community centers or even your local college campus, unconventional wedding venues often come at lower costs than traditional venues. So skip the 5-star fancy venues in favor of something out-of-the-box and affordable!

These alternative spaces offer loads of character and ambiance, making them a budget-friendly backdrop to your celebration. Just keep in mind that some may require additional rentals (chairs, tables, sound equipment, etc.) or permits, which could affect the overall cost. Be sure to factor in these potential extras when comparing venues to ensure you're getting the best value for your budget.

Technically, you don't need a wedding party to get married. And it can get expensive when you consider paying for wedding party bouquets & boutonnieres, gifts, transportation, hair & makeup, and meals plus drinks at the rehearsal dinner. Having one or two of your favorite people standing by your side may be all you need to feel supported when you're standing at the altar. But loads of couples opt to keep their weddings attendant-free.

If you have a lot of people that you want to include in a special way, consider alternative options that don't require the full commitment (and expense) of a traditional wedding party. For example, you could ask your VIP guests to wear your wedding colors and organize a group picture together at the reception. A special touch such as this allows you to honor important relationships without the added financial burden.

If you're already on a tight budget for the wedding itself, don't feel obligated to throw additional events like an engagement party or bach celebrations. While fun, these pre-wedding festivities can quickly add up and strain your finances (not to mention your sanity).

Instead, consider more intimate and budget-friendly alternatives. We promise that an old-school slumber party with your best friends (and maybe some adult beverages) will be just as much fun as a big bash—and way less costly! These smaller gatherings can often lead to more meaningful connections and memories without the pressure of elaborate planning or excessive spending.

An engagement session is a photoshoot with your wedding photographer that happens in advance of the big day. Not only can you use those images in your Save The Dates and on your wedding website, but the session itself is an effective way to build a relationship with your photographer to feel more comfortable in front of the camera prior to the day itself.

Although we do believe engagement sessions are valuable, they're also an added expense that isn't entirely necessary. If you're on a tight budget, this photoshoot is one thing you can cross off your list. Instead, you could ask a friend with a good camera to take some casual photos of you and your partner before the date arrives, or simply wait until the wedding day for professional shots.

Sure, if we had an endless bank account, changing from a demure ceremony look to a razzle-dazzle reception outfit and even an after-midnight ensemble would be fabulous. But in reality, outfit changes aren't only pricey, they're also unnecessary. Finding one dress or suit that not only fits your style but also fits comfortably is key. (And if you really love it, you probably won't want to take it off anyway.)

Focus on selecting a versatile outfit that can transition well from ceremony to reception. This not only saves money but also allows you to enjoy your celebration without the stress of multiple costume changes. Though if you'd really like to change something, make it your shoes. Fancy ceremony shoes can be ditched in favor of sneakers or sandals that allow you to dance the night away pain-free.

It's true… You can have a magazine-worthy wedding without splurging on flowers. While we adore the look of bountiful blooms, it's not always the most budget-friendly option. There are numerous creative alternatives that can add beauty and style to your wedding décor without the high price tag of fresh flowers. (Though if you have your heart set on fresh flowers, choose ones that are in season and grown locally to keep costs down.)

Consider utilizing greenery, potted plants, branches, pampas grass, dried florals, or artificial silk flowers as an alternative to fresh blooms. These options can be just as stunning and often more long-lasting. Or forgo foliage entirely! Use décor elements such as string lights, artistic installations, balloon arrangements, feathers, or paper lanterns to achieve your desired aesthetic effect. 

Large centerpieces aren't the only option for your table décor. In fact, simpler centerpieces can be just as effective and far less expensive. Consider using small bud vases with a few blooms, candles of varying heights, fresh fruit and greenery, or even non-floral elements like books, vintage lanterns, or framed photos. These can add personality to your tables without the high cost of large floral arrangements.

Same goes for your ceremony décor. It isn’t necessary to line the aisle with arrangements when most guests direct their attention to the altar.

When it comes to tableware, linens, chairs, and glassware, stick with the basics and try to resist upgrading the base package inclusions. While fancy chargers or specialty glassware might look nice, they often go unnoticed by guests and can significantly increase your overall expenses.

To simplify things further, we recommend an all-inclusive package with your venue or using just one rental company for all your needs since you can negotiate better rates and delivery fees. This approach not only saves money but also reduces the complexity of coordinating multiple vendors.

When hiring vendors, start with the most basic packages. You can always upgrade and add on later if your budget allows. Many vendors offer tiered packages, and while the premium options might seem tempting, they often include elements that aren't essential to your day.

For example, with photography, you might be able to opt for digital files only instead of elaborate albums, or choose fewer hours of coverage. For catering, consider a buffet or family-style service instead of a multi-course plated meal. These choices can significantly reduce your costs without compromising the quality of your vendors' services.

Passed hors d'oeuvres can be pricey, so if you’re having a dinner reception, consider skipping them entirely. Instead, place large crudité and charcuterie platters on a table for a self-serve appetizer station. Your guests will still be able to nibble during cocktail hour, and you'll save a bundle on hors d'oeuvres + service staff fees.

Yes, you need to feed your wedding guests, but it doesn't need to be a pricey dinner! Consider alternative meal options that can be just as satisfying and enjoyable. A brunch or light lunch wedding can be a delightful yet more economical choice. Another option is a cocktail reception where you don't serve a formal meal.

A cocktail-style wedding reception typically features smaller bites as opposed to a full dinner. Think passed appetizers, grazing tables, finger foods, or even food trucks. Cocktail receptions have a more relaxed vibe that encourages socializing, mixing, and mingling. And possibly the best part? You won't have to stress about a formal reception seating chart!

Just make it clear on your invitations that dinner will not be served by inviting guests to join you for "cocktails and hors d'oeuvres" after the wedding ceremony. And keep dietary restrictions and allergies in mind by strategically picking a variety of diverse appetizer options.

While a champagne toast might seem like an essential wedding tradition, it's one you can easily skip. Very few guests actually drink the champagne, and they can toast to you with their favorite hosted beverage instead. This not only saves money on purchasing expensive champagne but also reduces waste from unopened or unfinished glasses.

Alcohol has the potential to take a big swig out of your budget. Instead of offering your guests unlimited alcoholic beverages, consider more budget-friendly alternatives like:

• Offering beer and wine only—a fantastic way to have that open-bar feel without the exorbitant price tag
• Hosting the bar for a set number of hours, then switching to a cash bar* 
• Using drink tickets to limit the number of free drinks per guest*

*Always inform guests in advance if they’ll need to pay for their own drinks.

These options still ensure your guests have a good time while keeping your alcohol costs under control.

It's fun to have a dynamic cover band or chef-action stations or a live painter on site, but when you're on a budget you'll want to pare it down to the basics. Namely: Eat, drink, and get married. Give your guests good food, drinks, dancing, and conversation, and they'll have a blast regardless of how much you spend.

Continuing with the theme of things very few guests actually use (or notice), fancy wedding favors are another thing you can skip. Many couples find that favors often get left behind or discarded. If you do want to offer a token of appreciation, consider something edible like local treats, or make a donation to a charity in your guests' honor instead.

Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment, not about how much money you spend! By carefully considering which expenses are truly important to you and which you can skip, you'll start your marriage off on a solid financial foot—and that is worth its weight in gold.