Planning a wedding can get expensive quickly! Between decor, food, attire, and all the little details, it's easy to spend more than you planned. The good news? You don't need every wedding trend to create a beautiful, memorable day.
As a Colorado Wedding Planner & Wedding Coordinator I encourage couples to focus on what matters most to them and spend their budget intentionally. Here are 10 wedding expenses you can consider skipping or scaling back, plus ideas for where that money could go instead!
1. Excessive Wedding Signage
Welcome signs, bar menus, ceremony programs, favors, and directional signs can add up quickly.
Spend it elsewhere: Choose one statement sign and keep other signage simple and practical.
2. Over-the-Top Floral Arrangements
Elaborate centerpieces and floral installations are beautiful, but they can take up a large portion of your budget.
Spend it elsewhere: Focus flowers on key areas, such as your ceremony and reception tables. Ask your florist about reusing ceremony arrangements at the reception - I am a HUGE fan of this!
3. Expensive Wedding Favors
Personalized keepsakes often get left behind or forgotten after the wedding.
Spend it elsewhere: Skip favors or offer a small edible treat guests can enjoy during the celebration.
4. Multiple Photo Backdrops
Flower walls, neon signs, and elaborate photo stations can be expensive for something guests may only use briefly.
Spend it elsewhere: Create one memorable photo, like a group photo and let your venue's natural beauty do the work - you can also ask your photographer to take a photo with each table!
5. An Oversized Wedding Cake
A large, elaborate cake can be costly when many guests may only want a small slice.
Spend it elsewhere: Consider a smaller display cake to cut with a simple sheet cake in the back that can be cut and served or a few favorite desserts like cookies!
6. Too Many Dessert Options
Wedding cake, donuts, cupcakes, candy bars, and multiple dessert stations can leave you paying for more food than guests can eat.
Spend it elsewhere: Pick one or two favorite desserts and make them special!
7. Extremely Elaborate Invitations
Specialty paper, wax seals, ribbons, and multiple inserts can increase stationery costs quickly.
Spend it elsewhere: Choose a beautiful, streamlined invitation and share travel details, FAQs, and registry information on your wedding website.
8. Multiple Bridal Outfit Changes
A ceremony gown, reception dress, and after-party outfit can quickly add up in cost, especially for something you may only wear for a few hours.
Spend it elsewhere: Instead of purchasing multiple outfits, consider switching up your accessories, adding a statement piece, or incorporating a hairstyle change into your existing wedding-day hair appointment. You can create a fresh look for the reception without the added expense of another outfit!
9. DIY Projects That Aren't Actually Cheaper
DIY decor can save money, but supplies, assembly, transportation (who will bring it & who is taking it at the end of the night), and setup time can cost more than expected.
Spend it elsewhere: DIY projects you genuinely enjoy and simplify the rest. Remember to plan who will handle setup and teardown!
10. Overlooking Wedding Coordination
It's easy to prioritize decor while overlooking vendor communication, timelines, setup, and backup plans.
Spend it elsewhere: Consider a professional wedding coordinator who can manage the details, troubleshoot problems, and help your day run smoothly. Your family and friends should be celebrating with you, not working behind the scenes!
Where Should You Spend Your Wedding Budget Instead?
Once you've identified areas to scale back, consider investing in what matters most to you:
Photography and videography to preserve your memories.
Guest experience through great food, drinks, and comfort.
Weather backup plans for Colorado's unpredictable conditions, especially at outdoor and mountain venues.
Professional coordination so you can relax and enjoy your day.
Your honeymoon or future goals to create memories beyond the wedding.
Your wedding should reflect your vision, not every trend on social media. If elaborate florals or a second dress are important to you, make room for them! If favors and specialty signage aren't your thing, give yourself permission to skip them.
At Limonaire Events, I help couples bring their wedding vision to life while keeping the details, logistics, and moving pieces organized.
Planning a wedding in Colorado or beyond? Visit my Services page to explore my offerings, and let's start planning a celebration that feels like you!
Your Wedding, Your Priorities = Your vision. Your day. Your way.
