Weddings are truly one of life’s most cherished milestones—but they can also be one of the most expensive. While you want your big day to be memorable, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and end up spending far more than planned.
The good news? There are smart ways to trim the costs without compromising the experience. Here’s where to look.
Booking the venue often takes the biggest chunk of the budget, but it’s not just the base rental price you should worry about. Many venues charge additional fees for things like corkage, overtime, extra chairs, and even electricity.
Always ask for a full breakdown before signing anything—and don’t be afraid to negotiate or look into all-in packages with fewer surprise charges.
Cost-Saving Tip: Consider off-peak dates or weekday weddings. They’re usually priced significantly lower.
We get it—you want to look stunning. But ask yourself: Is a designer tag really necessary? Bridal gowns can range from a few thousand pesos to hundreds of thousands, especially with custom creations. There are now plenty of beautiful ready-to-wear options that look just as luxe without the markup.
If your heart is really set on a designer dress, you can try sample sales, rental options, or even second-hand dresses. For the groom, suit rentals or made-to-measure packages can save a lot.
Florals add beauty and romance, but they also wilt—and fast. Imported flowers, intricate installations, and multiple arrangements can inflate your bill quickly. Consider mixing fresh flowers with dried elements or greenery, which are cheaper and last longer.
Cost-Saving Tip: Choose seasonal, locally grown flowers. You’ll not only save, but also get fresher, more vibrant blooms.
Let’s be honest: Most wedding favors end up left behind or tossed. If it’s not something truly useful or meaningful, it might not be worth the spend. Instead of trinkets, think of experiences or allocate that budget to elevate your food or entertainment.
A good option would be to skip individual favors and invest in a fun guest experience—like a coffee cart, dessert bar, or photo booth.
A towering, multi-tiered cake is classic—but do you really need that much cake? Most couples still have leftovers, especially if dessert is served alongside the meal. You can still get the “wow” factor with a smaller cake for cutting and sheet cakes in the back for serving.
Cost-Saving Tip: Opt for a beautifully designed dummy cake for display and serve more affordable options (like a sheet cake or dessert buffet) to guests.
Invitations, menu cards, seating charts—paper costs add up. And many of these end up in the trash. For modern, more digital-savvy guest lists, an e-invite can be just as elegant.
You might consider going digital for RSVPs, save-the-dates, or even full invites. Reserve printed pieces for key moments like ceremony programs or signage.
Live music is amazing, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. If you’re looking to cut costs but still keep the vibe alive, DJs or smaller acoustic groups are great alternatives.
Cost-Saving Tip: Hire a DJ for the reception, and reserve live music only for the ceremony or cocktail hour. And if you still can’t decide, we have a guide on how to choose between a DJ or a live band right here.
Luxury cars look great in photos but come at a premium. If the ceremony and reception are in the same location—or nearby—you might not need to rent anything at all.
You can, instead, use your own vehicle or borrow from a family member and focus your budget on décor or other guest-facing experiences.
Now, this isn’t us telling you to cut your budget in every aspect you can. Every couple has different priorities. But by evaluating where your money is really going—and asking yourself is this necessary or just nice to have?—you can plan a wedding that’s both beautiful and budget-friendly.
Splurge where it matters most to you, save on what doesn’t—and remember, the best part of the day is saying “I do”!