Wedding Tips from a 2024 Bride: Smart Advice to Save Money and Enjoy Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be as exciting as it is overwhelming, especially with the costs and countless details to manage. Drawing from my own experience as a bride who got married in May 2024, I want to share practical, realistic tips that helped me save money, stay organized, and truly enjoy the journey. Whether you’re just starting to plan or in the thick of it, these insights will hopefully ease your process and inspire confidence as you prepare for your special day.

Wedding Overview: Setting the Scene

Before diving into the tips, here’s a quick snapshot of my wedding: We had a church ceremony followed by a reception at a nearby hotel. The guest list included around 90 people during the day and about 20-30 guests in the evening. This medium-sized celebration shaped many of the decisions I made, especially regarding budgeting and logistics.

Money-Saving Tips That Really Work

Weddings are famously expensive, and the industry can sometimes feel like it inflates prices just by adding the word “wedding.” Here are some of the best ways I saved money without compromising on style or sentiment:

1. Don’t Overspend on a Veil

Veils often come with a hefty price tag, with many costing between £200 and £400. I found a beautiful veil on Amazon for just £27, which looked stunning in photos and served its purpose perfectly. Since I only wore it until around the meal, splurging on an expensive veil didn’t make sense for me.

2. Choose Comfortable, Affordable Shoes

I’m not a “shoe person,” so I opted for simple, comfy shoes from ASOS’s bridal range priced around £35. My dress covered the shoes most of the day, so spending hundreds on designer shoes wasn’t necessary. Plus, I can wear these shoes again, making it a practical choice.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Haggle

When booking our videographer, I expressed my budget expectations based on the photographer’s quote. This led to a reduced price without losing any service quality. I also saved on wedding favors by purchasing directly from a local factory instead of expensive websites, cutting costs significantly. Always ask if discounts or deals are available—you might be surprised!

4. Embrace DIY Where Possible

I DIYed almost all our wedding stationery, including invitations, place settings, menus, welcome signs, and table plans. Doing this saved hundreds of pounds compared to buying from Etsy or hiring a decor company. While it was a massive time commitment (especially close to the wedding day), the cost savings were worth it. If you have the time and some creativity, starting early is key.

5. Ask for Favors from Friends and Family

People want to help! For instance, a close friend sang at our ceremony, and my manager played the bagpipes. These personal touches were special and saved us from costly professional bookings. Don’t hesitate to ask for help—it makes the day more meaningful and budget-friendly.

6. Use Online Shopping Hacks

On platforms like Etsy, adding items to your cart or favorites and waiting a day or two often earns you discount codes. This simple trick helped me save an extra 10-15% on various purchases.

7. Use Rewards Credit Cards

Since weddings involve large expenses, using a rewards credit card can earn valuable points or upgrades. We used a Barclays card linked to Avios points and earned a British Airways upgrade from our wedding spending. Always research the best card options and use them wisely.

8. Shop Around for Quotes

Vendor prices vary widely. For example, one transport quote was significantly cheaper than others just because I kept looking. Don’t settle for the first price—shopping around can save you hundreds.

9. Optimize Your Savings Strategy

We used different savings accounts, including a regular saver with better interest rates than standard accounts. This approach helped grow our wedding fund more efficiently. Remember to keep cash available for payments due close to the wedding date.

10. Sell Wedding Items Quickly After the Big Day

Don’t let wedding items linger unused. I delayed selling some things and regretted it. Selling on local Facebook groups was the easiest and fastest way to clear out excess items.

11. Get Your Cake from a Familiar Baker

Instead of a pricey wedding cake specialist, I asked a baker we already trusted for a simple two-tiered heart-shaped cake. The price was the same as a standard cake, saving us money without sacrificing quality or appearance.

Organizational Tips to Keep You Sane

Create a Joint Wedding Email Address

This is a tip I wish I had followed! Having a dedicated email for all wedding correspondence keeps everything in one place and prevents missing important messages.

Use a Comprehensive Spreadsheet

I tracked our budget, savings, guest list, payments, and accommodation details in a multi-sheet spreadsheet. This became my daily go-to tool for staying on top of everything. If you want, I can share my spreadsheet template to help you get started.

Use Online Tools for Table Planning

Table planning can be tricky with guest dynamics. I used Wedding Wire, a free website that allowed me to input guest information and easily rearrange seating without messy sticky notes.

Keep Track of Wedding Gifts

Many guests give gifts before the wedding, so keep a list of who gave what. This makes writing thank-you cards easier and more personal. I’m still working on mine—6-7 months later—and feeling a bit guilty, but it’s never too late to send gratitude.

General Tips to Enhance Your Wedding Experience

Hire a Videographer

I was hesitant because of the cost, but having a video of the day was priceless, especially since my dad passed away shortly after our wedding. The video captured moments and emotions photos alone can’t convey. If budget allows, I highly recommend it.

Book a Makeup Trial and Experiment

Try different makeup styles before your wedding day. I tried two distinct looks and ultimately chose the one I felt most comfortable and beautiful in. A trial helps avoid surprises and ensures you love your bridal look.

Hire Help for Getting Dressed

We hired a company called Don’t Stress to Dress to assist with dressing and organization on the big day. This service was invaluable, helping everyone get ready smoothly and reducing stress, especially for my mom who hosted the morning at her house.

Be Firm About Photos You Want

Make a list for your photographer and insist on those shots. On our day, some photos didn’t happen due to time pressure, which was disappointing. Communicate clearly and prioritize the moments you want captured.

Make Dress Shopping Fun

Turn dress shopping into special days out with loved ones—try new restaurants or hotels to balance the intensity. Also, trust your instincts when choosing a dress; it’s okay if it’s not a dramatic “all eyes on you” moment. Comfort and personal style matter most.

Assign Guest Book Duty

Our Polaroid guest book was a flop until a groomsman took charge late in the night. Having someone dedicated to encouraging guests to participate can make a big difference in capturing memories.

Give Disposable Cameras to Trusted Guests

Rather than placing cameras on every table, I gave a few disposable cameras to select people from different friend and family groups with instructions. This approach captured diverse candid moments throughout the day.

Extend the Celebration

If possible, keep the wedding party going beyond the big day. We had a relaxed gathering at my parents’ house the day after the wedding, which was a lovely way to keep the joy and laughter flowing.

Gift Experiences, Not Things

For bridesmaids and mothers, I chose gifts like a shared brunch experience rather than material items. It created more meaningful memories and was something we all enjoyed together after the wedding.

Go on Your Honeymoon Soon After

Traveling shortly after the wedding kept the excitement alive. We flew out two days later, which helped extend our “love bubble” and gave us a chance to relax and reflect on the celebration.

Final Thoughts

Weddings can feel overwhelming, but with thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, they can also be joyful and memorable. Remember, it’s normal for things to go a bit off-script—often those moments become the funniest stories later on. Keep your focus on the love and celebration, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

If you’re planning your wedding, I hope these tips help you save money, stay organized, and most importantly, enjoy every moment. You’ve got this!