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The Key to Being Budget Savvy

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Learn the three key ways to be budget savvy while planning your wedding! Hint: it’s NOT about being cheap, it’s about being smart!

The Key to Being Budget Savvy
Jessica Bishop Headshot

What does being budget-savvy mean?

When it comes to being budget-savvy, the one thing we try to stress most is that it’s not about being cheap – it’s about being smart.

Our couples, our readers… they’re not just looking for the lowest price. They’re looking for value and quality for what they’re spending.

There’s a big difference.

Just take a look at the definition of the word savvy in its three usages:

sav•vy

noun: practical understanding or knowledge of something; intelligence; common sense

verb: to know, comprehend or understand

adjective: well-informed; having or showing perception or comprehension especially in practical matters

So being budget-savvy obviously means knowing how to be smart with your money!

You may find when you tell people you’re being budget savvy, (especially when it comes to your wedding) they may assume you’re going to be skimpy with your budget and decide to forego nice things to make it cheaper.

But you should know you can save money without foregoing nice things, and you can use our savvy hacks to make your wedding look luxe for less.

Here at The Budget Savvy Bride, we believe there are 3 Key Ways to be Budget Savvy when planning your wedding. Check them out below so you can learn how to be a budget savvy bride!

not about being cheap

3 Key Ways to Plan a Budget-Savvy Wedding

Don’t miss these three key tips!

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1. Spend According to Your Priorities.

Set your wedding priorities from the start, and spend on the areas that are most important to you. You can *always* find ways to cut costs in the areas that are of lesser importance.

From the dress and accessories down to the wedding favors or decor– there are ways to save in every aspect of your wedding.

We have a great list of resources for where to buy things for your big day, and we recommend using sites like Rakuten (read how it works here) to search for discounts or cashback offers!

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2. Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse, Resell.

Consider the versatility when making a purchase: can the item be used in more than one way? Could you reuse or repurpose the item as decor in your home?

Could you repurpose or reuse items already in your home and incorporate them into your wedding decor? What items that you purchase for your wedding could you then sell post-wedding to another bride? Maybe you’ll splurge on a designer gown and then resell your wedding dress after the big day?

What items could you buy second hand and recycle into something that would work for your wedding? Consider all of these things when deciding what to purchase for your big day!

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3. Do your research and shop around.

You won’t know if you’re getting a good deal or an awful one if you don’t take the time to price compare. Reach out to vendors, get quotes, and compare the options before making a decision.

Remember that everyone has different priorities and what is important to you might not be important to someone else- so just keep that in mind while weighing your options.

Always be sure to look at all the different aspects of your options as well: an all-inclusive venue that includes tables, chairs, and linens might actually be cheaper than one that just offers the venue and rentals are additional. Take the time, do the math- it’ll likely save you money!

The Budget Savvy Bride Manifesto | Mission Statement
The Budget Savvy Bride manifesto, if you will. If you believe in being a budget savvy bride, I’d love for you to pin this image to one of your Pinterest boards.

What is a budget savvy bride?

The readers of The Budget Savvy Bride are intelligent and discerning. They are intentional about the choices they make, from the items they buy to the vendors they hire for their big day.

We know that you are smart with your money and want the most bang for your buck. You do not want to be wasteful with your money or time or other resources.

Budget savvy brides take pride in finding great deals and sharing them with others. You don’t see the point in spending money on something if you could make it yourself (and enjoy the process.) At the same time, you’re willing to pay for the things that matter most to you.

No matter your budget, you try to accomplish more for less– you know that it’s not about how much you spend but how you spend it!

Your wedding doesn't have to be expensive to be amazing.

The Budget Savvy Bride

Your wedding doesn’t have to be expensive to be amazing.

You want your wedding day to be a reflection of you and your partner, and you put your heart into carefully crafting the details as creatively as possible. You have your priorities in order and you know in the end that your lifetime of marriage is more important than your wedding day.

Weddings don’t have to rob you of your life’s savings! You can wed beautifully for less if you put forth a little time and effort. The most important thing to us at The Budget Savvy Bride is helping couples plan a beautiful wedding that is within their financial means. We believe every couple should start their marriage on stable financial footing to avoid adding any money-related stress to their relationship. It is totally possible to have a lovely event without taking out a wedding loan.

Ditch the idea of wedding debt and plan your big day the savvy way!

How to Be Budget Savvy Without Skimping

Do Your Research.

Take your time and do thorough research to find the best vendors. If you are planning a long engagement, not only will you have more time to save money, but you won’t feel as rushed into signing any contracts. Talk with numerous potential vendors in each category to get the best fit at a price that works within your budget.

Being able to take your time to find the right combo of products or services within your budget is one luxury that extra time affords you!

Ask for Help.

Do not be afraid to ask those close to you for their assistance. If you know a great baker, ask them to bake your cake. Know a great photographer? Ask them to be your photographer. If you know a great make-up/hair person, ask them to do your hair & make-up.

You’ll be surprised to see the number of people who want to make your wedding day wonderful!

Create your Priorities.

Prioritize what is most important to you, and put your focus on those areas. You will read this EVERYWHERE, but it is oh so true. If you stick to this advice, first and foremost, you’ll know where the bulk of your money is going so you won’t have any surprises..

Double Check Numbers & Read Entire Contracts.

Every contract you sign should be looked over thoroughly. If you know anyone in a legal profession, you may want to have someone look it over for you. Being able to read through and fully understand your contracts so you know exactly what each vendor would supply is great for setting expectations.

Follow Budget Savvy Bride.

Not to toot our own horns, but we believe this is crucial in realizing that having a beautiful wedding on a budget is actually possible.

Seriously, the weddings by budget category on our site is amazing – and it shows you that you can have a wedding on any budget.

Do you have any other suggestions for future brides on being budget savvy?

About The Budget Savvy Bride

We’ve been around since 2008, creating and sharing resources that are truly valuable to you in your planning process.

We truly hope this website is a valuable resource to you while you are planning your wedding. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for BSB!

We are here to help you feel supported, and less alone in the wedding planning process! If you’re feeling stressed about your budget, we’ve got the resources and advice to guide you to savvy wedding success!


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Jessica Bishop Headshot

Jessica Bishop is the founder of TheBudgetSavvyBride.com, and has worked in various areas and roles within the wedding industry since 2007. She is the author of the best-selling book,The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer and also hosts The Bouquet Toss Wedding Planning Podcast. Jessica's expert wedding advice and savvy savings tips have been featured by Good Morning America, COSMOPOLITAN, Glamour, and more.