Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting seasons of your life, but it can also come with sticker shock. Many couples are surprised by how quickly expenses add up, especially when imagining the perfect celebration. Weddings have always required significant resources and in today’s world, costs can escalate fast. The good news is that you can still have a beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable wedding day without overspending or stressing about your finances.
This guide breaks down the best ways to save money on your wedding, how to understand the true cost of a wedding, how venues are priced, where to splurge, where to save, and which money saving strategies actually make a real difference.
Understanding the Cost of a Wedding
According to a recent Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a ceremony and reception in Florida is around thirty three thousand dollars, with the venue alone averaging thirteen thousand dollars. Many couples underestimate their budget because they do not account for décor rentals, service fees, or add ons that are not included in the initial venue price.
Wedding cost calculators can help estimate expenses, but they often miss hidden fees, seasonal pricing differences, and essential services. This is why choosing the right wedding venue is the biggest factor in staying on budget.
How Venues are Priced
Day of the Week and Time of Year
Your wedding date can dramatically affect your total cost. Saturdays and peak seasons like fall, winter, and spring are the most expensive. Fridays, Sundays, and summer months can offer major savings.
For example, a Sunday wedding in July may cost far less than a Saturday in November. In Florida, shaded ceremony spaces and air conditioned barns make summer weddings surprisingly comfortable and incredibly budget friendly.
Wedding Guest Count
Some venues charge a flat rate, while others increase pricing based on guest count. If you have a large family and do not want to limit attendance, choosing a venue with flat rate pricing can save you thousands.
Venue Quality and Amenities
Quality and value matter. Higher priced venues often include important features like:
- Air conditioned reception spaces
- Handicap accessible bridal suites
- Backup generators
- Decor options
- Comfortable getting ready spaces
- Smooth guest flow between indoor and outdoor areas
Rather than compromising on the venue, consider adjusting the date or season. You may not remember the day of the week, but you will remember the venue, service, and experience forever.
Inclusive Pricing vs A La Carte Pricing
A la carte venues begin with a low base price, then charge extra for necessities like chairs, tables, linens, décor, and signage. Couples often think they are saving money, but once everything is added, the price can double or even triple.
Example of A La Carte Costs
Base Fee: 7,000
Chairs: 2,000
Tables: 2,000
Linens: 500
Décor Rental: 3,000
Signage: 500
Vintage Car Photo: 500
Extra Guests: 500
Total: 16,000
Inclusive Pricing
Inclusive venues offer a clear, upfront price that includes everything the venue provides.
Example of Inclusive Pricing
Inclusive Fee: 9,000
Includes chairs, tables, linens, décor, signage, lanterns, centerpieces, and more
Total: 9,000
Inclusive pricing eliminates surprise charges and keeps your budget predictable and stress free.
Required Gratuity Fees Many Couples Overlook
One of the biggest hidden wedding costs is required gratuity. Many venues add an automatic gratuity or service fee of eighteen percent or more on top of their base pricing. This can increase your total cost by several thousand dollars without adding any real value.
At Ever After Farms we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees and no required gratuity charges. What you see is what you pay, making your wedding budget simpler, clearer, and far more affordable.
Inclusive Packages vs All Inclusive Packages
Some venues offer all inclusive packages that bundle the venue, caterer, DJ, photographer, and planner. While convenient, these packages often limit your choices and may include vendors you did not select.
Inclusive venues that provide décor, furniture, and amenities but allow you to choose your own vendors typically offer the best combination of quality and savings.
What You Actually Need for a Beautiful Wedding
To create a realistic budget, here are the essentials every wedding needs:
- Bridal and groom getting ready suites
- Ceremony chairs
- A wedding officiant
- A high quality photographer
- Air conditioned reception space
- Tables, chairs, linens, and centerpieces
- Floral arrangements and décor
- Cake table and gift table
- Music
- Food and dessert
With these essentials alone, you can create a gorgeous and memorable celebration without unnecessary extras.
Best Best Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding to Save Money
Your wedding date, venue choice, and vendor selections will have the biggest impact on your budget. Here are proven wedding budget tips that can save you thousands.
Savings Tip 1: Food
Catering is one of the largest expenses. Affordable alternatives include:
- Food trucks
- Group meal packages from local restaurants
- Pizza, BBQ, or Chick fil A weddings
- Beautiful high quality disposable dinnerware
- Family prepared meals
- Venues that allow outside catering
Always ask the venue about catering flexibility before booking.
Savings Tip 2: Cake
Save money with:
- Grocery store wedding cakes
- Costco or Sams bakery
- A friend or family baker
- Local home bakers
A venue with a refrigerator makes DIY cake options even easier.
Savings Tip 3: Videography
If a videographer is not in your budget, create a stunning video using your professional photos, guest photos, and cell phone clips through Canva. If you want a professional, choose a photographer who offers a combined photo and video package.
Savings Tip 4: Music
Some venues provide built in sound systems, allowing you to avoid DJ fees. Create a playlist and assign someone to cue the songs. If you book a DJ but want to save, use the venue’s system during cocktail hour.
Savings Tip 5: Cleaning Fees
Choose a venue that includes basic cleanup. For anything else, a few friends or family members can quickly help tidy the space at the end of the night.
Savings Tip 6: Choose Vendors Wisely
Get quotes from at least three vendors per category. Compare pricing, reviews, and what is included. Vendor pricing varies widely and research goes a long way.
Savings Tip 7: Pick a Venue Vendors Love
Some venues are difficult for vendors to work in, which can increase prices. Choosing a venue vendors prefer can save money and lead to better service.
Savings Tip 8: Choose a Venue with Décor Included
Décor is one of the most surprising wedding expenses. Choosing a venue with a wide selection of included décor can save thousands.
Ever After Farms provides décor collections at every venue including:
The Big Lesson
Saving money on your wedding is easier when you understand pricing, hidden fees, and what you actually need. The biggest cost saving decision is choosing the right venue. A venue with inclusive pricing, décor included, no required gratuity, air conditioning, and transparent costs will save you more than anything else.
To learn even more, check out our guide Five Mistakes Couples Make When Choosing a Wedding Venue. If you have questions, drop them in the comments. We are always happy to help you plan the perfect wedding while staying within your budget.
5 Mistakes Couples Make When Choosing a Wedding Venue
