2025 Wedding Budget Tips

Planning a wedding in 2025? We know that creating your dream day while staying within budget can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team joined forces with wedding planners and past clients to curate a list of experience-driven advice and 5 practical wedding budget tips to help you save money without compromising your style or vision. From creative cost-cutting ideas to strategic spending advice, these tips will ensure your big day is as beautiful and memorable as you’ve always imagined—without breaking the bank!

Consider an Off-Peak 2025 Wedding Date

Who says you have to tie the knot on a Saturday? Celebrating your love on any day of the week is perfectly acceptable—and it can save you a significant amount of money. If you’re set on a weekend wedding, consider a Friday night celebration with a weekday rehearsal, or even a Sunday wedding. Both options can dramatically reduce venue fees, with Sunday rates often being up to $4,000 less, plus lower food and beverage minimums—a perfect fit for smaller guest lists. Additionally, think about booking during the “off-season.” Peak wedding season, typically from late spring to early fall, makes it tough to negotiate discounts. Opting for an off-season date gives you more flexibility to secure lower rates for venues and vendors while still planning the wedding of your dreams.

Wedding Dress Shopping

2025 wedding dress budget tips by 2 Peoples Bartending.

Start your wedding dress shopping early to avoid costly rush fees. Ordering your gown at least 8–9 months before your big day can save you from additional expenses, such as rush fees that can reach $500 and last-minute alterations costing $100–$300. For even more savings, consider exploring untraditional places like Facebook Marketplace, where many brides sell gorgeous, high-quality gowns they’ve only worn once. You can also find incredible deals on platforms like Poshmark, making it easier to find your dream dress without breaking the bank!

Flowers and Decor

While you might have your heart set on a specific flower color for your bridesmaids’ bouquets, consider exploring different shades or varieties. Choosing in-season blooms for your wedding can significantly lower floral costs. Talk to your florist about flower swaps that offer a similar look but are more budget-friendly. To maximize your floral arrangements, repurpose ceremony flowers for your reception instead of purchasing additional blooms. Also, don’t overlook the option of silk flowers, which can often be found secondhand at a fraction of the price, offering a stunning and cost-effective alternative.

The Bar

Bar costs typically account for 8%–20% of a wedding budget, but there are simple ways to manage this expense without compromising the guest experience. Skip the top-shelf spirits—most guests don’t need premium liquor to enjoy a great drink, and those costs can add up quickly. Instead, consider featuring signature cocktails, which allow you to focus your budget on a few curated options while also offering beer and wine. For even greater savings, consider a beer-and-wine-only bar, which is a budget-friendly yet crowd-pleasing alternative.

Wedding Day-Of Coordinator

Hiring an experienced wedding planner is one of the best ways to alleviate the stress of planning your big day, but it can come with a hefty price tag—California wedding planners charge an average of $5,000. To save on costs, many couples opt for a Day-Of Coordinator instead. These professionals step in on the wedding day to manage and oversee all logistics and operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly. While you’ll still handle the preparations leading up to the event, this budget-friendly alternative lets you relax and enjoy your special day without the stress of managing details yourself.