Let’s be honest — weddings can get expensive fast. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a huge budget to have an unforgettable, beautifully curated day. As a wedding planner, I see behind the scenes of every cost, every supplier conversation, every “must-have”… and every “actually, you really don’t need that.”

So today, I’m sharing my top insider money-saving secrets — the real ones that make a difference, without making your wedding feel watered down.

1. The Fake Cake Trick (…and it works every time)

A gorgeous display cake out front, and a secretly-cut sheet cake in the kitchen.Your guests never know — and you save hundreds. Often thousands.

2. Choose Flowers That Are in Season

A bouquet of out-of-season blooms can double your floral bill.In-season, local flowers look fresher, last longer, and cost far less.

Bonus savings: Mix real bouquets with faux table arrangements. No one notices.

3. Pick an Off-Peak Date

Fridays, Sundays, and winter weddings = 20–40% cheaper for many venues and suppliers.

Same wedding, smaller price tag.

4. Reuse Your Ceremony Flowers

Aisle arrangements become reception décor.The arch moves behind your top table.Bridesmaid bouquets become bar styling.

This one trick saves couples a HUGE amount.

5. Keep Your Guest List Intentional

Every guest adds to the cost of:

• catering

• drinks

• stationery

• chairs

• place settings

• favours

• décor

Cutting even 10–15 people can save £1,000–£3,000 instantly.

6. Skip the Favours (trust me on this one)

Half of them are left behind.Put the money into entertainment or styling instead.

7. DJ + Live Element = Band Vibes, Low Cost

Want live music energy without a £3k+ price tag?Pair a DJ with:

• sax

• percussion

• electric violin

It’s modern, exciting, and far more budget-friendly.

8. Keep Dessert Simple

You don’t need:

• cake

• dessert

• AND a dessert table.

Choose one or two and your guests will be perfectly happy.

9. Go Digital With Your Invitations

Eco-friendly, elegant, less admin, and a fraction of the cost of full paper suites.

10. Rent, Don’t Buy

From neon signs to candleholders, hiring gives you the luxe look without storing everything afterwards.

11. Choose a Venue That Already Matches Your Style

Blank canvas venues are beautiful — but they’re also a money trap.Filling a space adds up quickly.

A venue that already matches your vision = less décor needed.

12. Keep the Bridal Party Small

Bouquets, gifts, hair, makeup, outfits… Multiply everything by the number of people.

A smaller wedding party feels intimate and saves money.

13. Serve a Signature Cocktail Instead of a Full Cocktail Menu

Still stylish, still Instagram-worthy, and far more cost-effective.

14. Look for Hidden Venue Inclusions

Some venues include:

• lighting

• signage

• furniture

• ceremony arches

• sound systems

These extras save you hundreds in hire costs.

15. Hire a Wedding Planner (yes, really!)

A good planner saves couples thousands through:

• supplier recommendations

• cost-saving swaps

• timeline efficiency

• avoiding costly mistakes

It's an investment that often pays for itself.

The Perfect Wedding Doesn’t Need a Perfect Budget

Your day should feel like you — joyful, beautifully curated, and full of personality — not stressful or financially overwhelming.

If you’re planning your wedding and want expert guidance tailored to your budget, I’d love to help.

✨ Book your free consultation:thedorsetweddingco@gmail.com