Budgeting for your big day can be one of the most meticulous parts of planning a wedding. We’ve asked some wedding pros to share advice and ways you can save through their best learned wedding budget hacks.
“Utilize a photo booth that offers more than just one type of photo strip. Not only will you and your guests have fun posing for the camera, but you can also use the pictures as extra favors, decorations, or even media for your thank you cards. Plus some photo booth vendors offer discounts for early bookings or packages that bundle services like prints and digital copies. By taking advantage of these hacks, you can creating lasting memories without breaking the bank.”
CHRISTA E. ELLIS
Lumen Events KC
“One of my recommendations for saving money in the hair and makeup space is to really take your time to do your research while looking for a vendor. Social media is incredibly helpful with vetting your hair/makeup artist. You can find out more about their personality, get a glimpse into their process, and watch them showcase their work over time. So, rather than booking trials with a few people and spending $75+ on each trial, take your time and book just one or two trials. This saves time, energy, and money!”
KELSEY SHANNON
Mind & Muse
“Don’t underutilize your caterer. More and more caterers are offering value beyond just the dinner. You can relieve a lot of potential headaches by using your vendors well. Tablescape, linens, apps, desserts, even mobile bar options. Check to see what your caterer really offers, keeping as much as possible under one roof will give you one point of contact for several components of your evening, which will be a major help. Making sure you are informed on all your caterer offers will save you time, and more importantly, can save you money as well. It is typically far more economical to add things into a package deal than it is to find a completely new vendor.”
JOHN BEDDALL
Q39
“If you love the idea of upgraded rentals or tablescape details, but don’t want to outfit the entire room, just focus on the focal tables like the head table, cake table, and/or cocktail tables. You can add details like chargers, specialty linens or napkins in smaller quantities while still adding to the overall look and feel of your setup.”
ASHLEY BROOCKERD
Citrus Table
“Repurpose your rehearsal dinner flowers to be used for your wedding ceremony and/or reception. While we so often see arrangements left behind or unused following the pre-wedding festivities, incorporating them into your big day is a great budget hack!”
JORDAN BROWN
Rye KC
“There are so many wedding budget hacks when it comes to floral:
Option 1. Re-purposing ceremony florals at the reception. For example, grounded aisle markers are perfect for lining the aisle at your ceremony, but they are also stunning in front of the head/sweetheart table! Instead of paying double, these arrangements can be moved from one space to the other.
Option 2. Using bridal and bridesmaid’s bouquets as head/sweetheart table decor. The bouquets (especially bridal) are the star of the show! Instead of only utilizing them during the ceremony and in pictures, they can be placed in a vase and used as centerpieces as well.
Option 3. Greenery – If you love the lush look of big and full arrangements, but not the cost, arrangements with most of the greenery as the base may be the route you want to take!
Option 4. Centerpiece Variety – I always recommend having a variety of centerpieces throughout your reception space. If you love the grand look of floral stands but don’t have it in the budget to do every table, then choosing 3-5 statement tables with those large arrangements is a great way to still have the look in the space overall. Then, something more cost effective on the rest of the tables (like candles, compote vases, bud-vases, etc.) will give the overall reception space some different height and dimension, which will draw your eye around the space and make for a perfectly romantic reception!”
LEXI NARDINI
Love, Lilacs
“Find vendors that offer multiple services for your wedding. For example Avenue Blue offers discounts with booking multiple services. Instead of researching and paying multiple vendors for all your needs, see if you can utilize few for more. It not only saves money, but also time.”
ASHLEIGH BRODIN
Avenue Blue
“Your bridal jewelry should be the final piece that completes your look, accentuating your best self, it shouldn’t be the piece that sends you over budget. That’s why here at Anne-Marie we have made it possible for you to find the perfect piece without having to worry about the price tag. Our newest feature allows you to substitute any real pearl for a faux glass pearl cutting your cost significantly while not altering the look or quality you desire.”
KATHERINE
Anne-Marie Designs
“When looking at your overall floral budget, don’t skimp on the bridal bouquet! It’s your signature floral piece and accompanies you down to the aisle to the love of your life! Also, consider plants for centerpieces – a simple 4-inch plant softens the table and brings the outdoors in. Plants are also a wonderful option to donate after your ceremony or take home and watch your love grow! “
SHELLEY RUNDBERG
Executive Hills Polo Club
Planning your wedding budget doesn’t have to be overwhelming—small, strategic choices can lead to big savings without sacrificing style. By using these wedding budget hacks from the pros, you can make the most of every dollar and create a celebration that feels both thoughtful and unforgettable. With a little creativity and smart planning, your dream wedding can come to life without breaking the bank.
Enjoy Wedding Budget Hacks? Ready to start finding vendors for your wedding? Check out our collection of Kansas City Wedding Vendors.
