Ways to Save Money on Your California Wedding

Wondering about ways to save money on your California wedding? I've got you covered!

I am a wedding photographer in Los Angeles, California. Interested in wedding photography? You can view my portfolio, HERE.

Now that we got that plug out of the way, let's talk about saving costs! ;)

I am all about saving, but WITHOUT compromising the integrity or quality of an event. With that said, when it comes to wedding planning, I believe there are areas where one can save, but there are other areas where one definitely shouldn't try to cut corners because at the end of the day, the saying "you get what you pay for" really is true.

With this in mind, I'm covering 12 ways where one can definitely save money on their wedding day without losing quality.

1. Cut Down on the Guest List - Ways to Save Money on Your California Wedding

The first way to save money on your California wedding is to cut the guest list amount.

Out of all the tips I can offer, this is the main one.

The reason being that the guest list is the main determining factor when it comes to wedding costs. A wedding of 50 people is going to cost VASTLY less than a wedding of 200 people.

The pros of an intimate wedding is that since it allows couples to save SO MUCH on guest count costs, it provides a buffer so that money can be spent for what the couple really loves and prioritizes, such as live music, amazing food, their dream wedding photographer, etc.

With this said, I'd be quite judicious when it comes to your guest count, especially if your goal is to save money. Focus on keeping the guest list to only include people you truly cannot imagine your wedding day without.

2. Select a Wedding Venue with a Naturally Beautiful Environment

The possibilities are endless here. Think by the ocean, in a forest, in a building with grand architecture. Why do this? One ends up saving a ton on decor cost. When you have a space that is already in a naturally beautiful setting, one doesn't need to add much.

3. Go With A Wedding Venue that Already Includes Rentals

By rentals, I mean the chairs, linens, tables, silverware, dishes, and more.

There is a common misconception that one can save money when a venue doesn't include all of this, by instead renting everything out oneself via a rental company.

Realistically, this isn't the case.

Often times it ends up costing more to rent everything individually because in more cases than not, couples end up having to rent things they didn't take into consideration before, such as lighting, a dance floor, etc.

Also, renting everything out oneself takes up a lot more time and energy and causes stress. At the end of the day, our time and energy is our most valuable asset.

Keep in mind that venues that include all of these things have already the process nailed down. They have everything you need and have streamlined everything, making things easier for you. Also, because of this, they are able to offer it all for a reasonable bulk price.

4. Re-use your Florals - Ways to Save Money on Your California Wedding

During the wedding ceremony, there usually is a floral arch. These flowers can be repurposed and used again for the reception, which will save money. I would talk to your florist about them repurposing your florals.

5. Book Your Vendors for Less Hours

There are certain vendors where you may not need them for as long as you think you need them. In the case of wedding photography, most wedding photographers are booked for 8 hours. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that you will need them for 8 hour. I would say the very minimum is 6 hours. Anything less then that would work better for an elopement.

What does 8 hours cover?

It covers the entire day - everything from getting ready shots up until a good portion of the reception.

What does 6 hours cover in comparison?

Well it means there will be less coverage at both ends of the day - getting ready and the reception.

IMPORTANT:

If you're booking your photographer for less than 8 hours, if possible, I'd have your wedding photographer start earlier, so that he or she captures MORE getting ready shots and LESS reception shots.

Why?

For the reception, one really only needs 60 - 90 minutes of coverage. One needs enough time to cover all of the formalities, things like the first dance, parent dances, speeches, etc. After that, there's mostly a lot of candids/dancing shots. Couples usually want some of these, but they don't necessarily want two hours worth of dancing shots.

So what does this all mean?

Well...say there is one photographer who has a portfolio you LOVE, but booking he or she for 8 hours is over your ideal budget, I would say it's much better to book that person for 6 hours, rather than book a photographer whose style you don't really love for 10 hours.

Quality over quantity every single time...ESPECIALLY when it comes to your photos.

6. Forgo the Bridal Party - Ways to Save Money on Your California Wedding

Having a bridal party adds up (bouquets for all the bridesmaids, gifts, etc.). BUT, here's the thing - you save on NOT having a bridal party, but you don't save TOO much.

If you've always imagined having a bridal party, have the bridal party. The amount you'll save here is nominal. So it isn't worth the potential regret of not having one.

However, if you're on the fence about having one and don't particularly care for the idea, you will save some money by choosing not to have one.

These day, I'm seeing more and more couples choosing to forgo having a bridal party because not having one often saves time, energy, and sometimes...stress & drama.

You can always choose to have your friends and family participate in your wedding in other ways to help everyone feel included. And keep in mind, just because you're not having a wedding party, doesn't mean you can't have a bachelorette or bachelor party.

7. Have your wedding on a Sunday Vs a Saturday AND in Off Season Vs Peak Season

Peak season is typically May, June and September - November.

Off season is typically December - February.

Venues usually offer the same service at a discounted price when weddings are booking on days that aren't a Saturday and/or during off season.

8. Go with a DJ

A band involves more musicians, which will cost more. The great thing about a DJ is that they can play a wide variety of music.

9. Skip the wedding favors

Unless you REALLY want to give wedding favors, it's just an added expense. And as much as I don't like saying this, I can't tell you how many weddings I have photographed where wedding favors are often left behind by guests.

If you DO decide to give wedding favors, my biggest suggestion is to put yourself in the perspective of your guests to give them something they will actually use.

10. Limit the Bar - Ways to Save Money on Your California Wedding

The most expensive option is of course an open bar.

Two saving money options are to limit the open bar to the cocktail hour only and have beer and wine afterwards during the reception. The other choice is to have beer and wine, along with a signature cocktail or two the entire night.

The one option I would stray away from is an all cash bar. Let's keep it honest, guests notice this.

They love some sort of bar situation...AND they are taking time out of their lives to be there for you and support you. I think some sort of bar situation is an expense that most guests actually really appreciate and enjoy.

11. Stick to Your Wedding Outfit Budget

Of course, everyone's budget is different, but these days, on can find absolutely gorgeous dresses online for very reasonable prices.

One company that comes to mind is Anthropology's wedding dress line, BHLDN.

12. Skip the Save the Dates

These days I am seeing more and more couples opt to skip save the dates and instead forward their guests to a website that includes their date.

This will save some money.

If you have any questions about wedding photography, you can reach me HERE.