6 Ways a Last Minute Wedding Can Save You Money

How to Save Money on a Wedding by Spending Less Time Planning

 

Want to save money on a wedding? The solution might be easier than you think: Spend less time planning it! A last minute wedding can cost significantly less than average, by focusing on just the essentials and cutting down on all the extras.

 

What’s that, you say? Less money, and less stress, and you end up just as married as you would have at double the price? If that sounds too good to be true, keep reading. 

 

Couples are Planning Weddings in Less Time

 

Current wedding trends show us that today’s couples are getting married on a much shorter timeline than in the past, often planning a small, intimate wedding in less than a year. Instead of agonizing over every tiny detail of the wedding day for months (or years) on end, these couples are keeping things simple. 

 

While the idea of planning a wedding quickly is appealing, it's worth considering both the benefits and the potential trade-offs.

 

Of course, some couples will always be ok with spending more money to have a large, traditional wedding with all the extras. If that sounds like you, we’ve put together a breakdown of the average cost of a large wedding to help you start planning: 

 

• How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost?

 

Keep in mind that planning a last minute wedding requires more compromise and flexibility than a  longer time-frame, and you might not have your first pick of vendors and venues. Because many couples plan their weddings far in advance, ‘in-demand’ professionals may already be booked when you start looking. If a specific venue or vendor is important to you, keep this in mind.

 

But for many couples, the real excitement is about being married, not getting married -- and planning a wedding in under a year probably sounds like a dream. If you’re open to a nontraditional wedding, then the possibilities for planning a wedding on a short time frame are endless -- and might even save you money!

 

Consider the budget benefits below to see if planning a wedding in less time is right for you. Then hop off the couch, choose a friend to get ordained online to be your wedding officiant, and get married!  

 

Related: 5 Great Reasons to Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Wedding

 

 

(Photo:  Ivan Kyryk / iStock)

 

 

6 Ways to Save Money with a Last Minute Wedding

 

1. Less Time to Plan Means Fewer Expensive Extras

 

When you plan a wedding in under a year, you’re less likely to overspend on extras: elaborate decor, service add-ons, or expensive accessories you don’t really need (and maybe don’t even want). Less time for impulse purchases and over-buying keeps more money in your pockets, where it belongs. 

 

Related: What Does It Mean to Elope & Is It Right for You?

 

 

2. Off-Season Discounts Save Money on Venues, Rentals, and Vendors

 

Planning in a shorter time frame encourages you to be more flexible about your wedding date, which can save you money with off-season discounts on your wedding venue, equipment rentals, and even vendor services. Off-season wedding dates are less competitive, and when fewer couples are competing for services, you save money. For added savings, book on a weekday wedding!

 

“ I’m having my wedding on a weekday. Brought my venue total from $5200 to $1200.” (Reddit, StrawberryBunnyyyyy)

 

 

3. A Smaller Guest List Can Cut Costs

 

Couples who get married on short notice usually invite fewer guests than those who plan for months on end, which can dramatically reduce wedding costs. That’s because when you close your eyes and quickly imagine who’s standing beside you on your wedding day, it’s probably just the 20 or 30 people you’re closest to…not that distant cousin you haven’t spoken to in a year, the coworker who interrupts you, or 100 others you might invite out of obligation. 

 

“Cut the guest list in half. Have a great wedding with a smaller number of guests rather than an average wedding with a large number of guests.” (Reddit, ladyinblue5)

 

 

4. Shorter Events Can Reduce Vendor Fees

 

Couples who plan a wedding in under a year tend to cut the fluff and focus on the essentials of the day. That can mean a shorter ceremony, a shorter reception, and no expensive afterparty – which might translate to lower vendor fees, which are often billed by the hour. In general, the less time you need a vendor on the wedding day, the less you’ll pay. 

 

“Our wedding is next weekend and our biggest savings came from…Only booking our photographer for 4 hours. Most photographers only advertise their 8-12 hour packages which are of course the most expensive ones but pretty much all photographers are willing to work with you to create your own package.” (Reddit, scoutmastercourt)

 

 

5. Less Time to Second Guess Equals Less Stress

 

Planning a wedding with less time means less analysis paralysis! You’re not stressed over every tiny detail, or second guessing every decision you make – there’s no time for that! Your wedding day is closing in fast, and you’ll be plenty married at the end of it, regardless of how many times you change your mind about the wedding colors. So save yourself the second guessing, and just go for it! 

 

“My good friend got married in six weeks…I think it’s easier because you have to name quick decisions with limited choices rather than grapple for months over whether to have this or that.” (Reddit, Dont_give_a_schist)

 

 

6. Focusing on Essentials Means Fewer Arguments

 

Let’s not forget the emotional costs of planning a wedding, because focusing on the essentials (and the joy of being married, not just getting married) can save you a lot there, too. When you spend less time planning a wedding and more time focusing on the meaning of the day and enjoying each other's company, you avoid months of added stress and the potential for arguments. Sounds good to us! 

 

 

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your wedding today! And remember, it’s not about how much time you spend planning, but the lasting memories you’ll make! Use the timeline linked below to get started: 

 

A Simple Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline for Busy Couples

 

This simple wedding planning checklist puts an emphasis on the most important part of the day: the wedding ceremony. Click the link above to see more!

 

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More Last Minute Wedding Tips

 

• Last Minute Wedding: Officiating a Ceremony on Short Notice, or Same Day!
   
• Right Before You Step on Stage: A Wedding Officiant’s (Very) Last Minute Checklist

 

• Can You Get Married on the Same Day You Get a Marriage License?
   

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Ask a Friend to Officiate Your Wedding with Free Online Ordination From AMM!

Having a friend or family member as your wedding officiant is a great way to save money. More importantly, it's a great way to ensure the wedding day is as intimate and personal as it can be! When a loved one officiates, every moment means more. 

 

Ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding with free online ordination through American Marriage Ministries (AMM). 

ORDAINED MINISTER ONLINE APPLICATION

Why choose AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We're a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.

AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (though it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started! 

 

 

Ask a friend to become an ordained minister online with American Marriage Ministries and to perform your wedding ceremony. (Photo: FG Trade Latin / iStock)

 

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