5 tips to cut costs on your wedding day

Weddings are memorable occasions, but many people assume that for a wedding to be truly unforgettable, it must come with a hefty price tag.

However, wedding and events planner, Sharon Maduekwe, believes it’s possible to have a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank.

According to her, it all comes down to understanding the couple’s priorities and knowing where to cut costs.

The Director of Shamol Experiences shared five tips to help couples avoid overspending on their big day.

Choose an off-peak date

“I always say this – if you want to have your wedding, it’s not compulsory to get married in December, as everything is always more expensive then,” says Maduekwe. “Vendors are fully booked, so they’re less likely to focus on you, and when they do, they’ll quote higher prices.”

She recommends getting married during an off-peak season to save on costs.

Keep your guest list small

If you are serious about cutting costs, Maduekwe advises keeping your guest list intimate.

“Have a cute, small wedding,” she says. “Although people often think a luxury small wedding is more expensive than a large one, trust me, the small wedding will still be cheaper. Always choose the people who matter most to you as a couple. This way, you can save money on the wedding and spend more on your honeymoon.”

Focus on what’s important to you on the day

Maduekwe advises couples to focus on what matters most to them when allocating their wedding budget.

“It could be photography, videography, décor, food, or the outfit. Whatever it is, prioritise what’s important to you on your big day.” For example, if photography and videography are crucial to preserving memories, invest in a high-quality photographer and videographer to capture the moments.

Don’t buy, rent

Instead of buying a new wedding gown or reception attire, Maduekwe recommends renting them. “Some of the items you’ll use on your wedding day, like dresses or bouquets, can be rented instead of purchased,” she says. Renting can be a more affordable option while still allowing you to look stunning on your big day.

Skip some popular traditions

It is often assumed that the bride must have a uniform dress style for her bridal train and that couples must give souvenirs. However, Maduekwe insists these traditions are not compulsory.

“You don’t necessarily have to give souvenirs on your wedding day,” she explains.

“And you don’t need to have a matching style for your bridal party. You can ask your bridal train to wear a specific colour, and the styles don’t have to match.”

By simply following these tips, couples can enjoy a beautiful wedding while staying within their budget.