N.Y.C. Wedding Planner Shares Her Top 7 Money-Saving Tips for 2024

From personalized bars to avoiding Saturdays altogether, Forbes Functions founder Cameron Forbes breaks down the easiest methods to save on your big day

To no one’s surprise, weddings can be expensive.

In 2023, the national average wedding cost reached a staggering $30,000, according to those who completed The Knot’s Real Weddings Study. That figure marked a $2,000 increase over the national average for 2022 — and that average price varies by state.

But while weddings can be a big investment, they don’t always have to be that main. That’s where Cameron Forbes, founder of the New York-based event planning company Forbes Functions, comes into play.

A native New Yorker with a background in public relations and design, Forbes took the burden off her clients’ shoulders with the help of vendors throughout New York and Long Island—all while making a name for herself in the event planning scene, even outside of weddings.

And for 2024, Forbes has given PEOPLE some money-saving tips to map out the details for their big day. Some of them might surprise you, but they won’t take that much out of your wallet.

Should you have a child-free wedding? Celebrity wedding planner Lisa Vorce breaks down the pros and cons

Reduce the wedding party

This might be a tall order for those with too many close friends, but the bridal party itself costs a pretty penny and may need a discount if the newlyweds want to save money quickly.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of people at weddings. Brides often have more than seven bridesmaids, increasing both the total number of guests and the cost of hair and makeup,” says Forbes. “I highly recommend opting for a smaller bridal party – not only will you be able to spend more quality time with your loved ones in an intimate setting, but you’ll also be able to save money on the big day.”

Select “Shoulder Season”

Summer weddings are a big deal for most, and even inconvenient for some. As Forbes explains, most weddings are booked from May to October – but it shouldn’t always be that way.

“To save on maintenance and other vendor costs, consider hosting your wedding during the ‘off season’ — the off-season when vendors and venues have lower prices due to reduced demand,” she says. “December, January and February are the three winter wedding months where prices drop as the temperature drops, leading to savings in the thousands.”

Skip Saturday

If summer weddings with large wedding parties are a must, Forbes has another trick that could help lovebirds improve their bank accounts: choosing a cheaper day of the week. “Saturdays are the most popular days for weddings—guests are available on the weekend, don’t have to worry about missing work, and can travel to the destination if needed,” says Forbes. “You’ll save thousands if you can arrange your wedding on another day, such as a Friday or Sunday.”

According to Forbes, places increase their prices on Saturday nights due to demand. “So skipping the Saturday is a great way to spend less on your wedding day.”

Wedding table.

Getty

Wedding Planning Expert Emily Coyne Shares Secret Tips Most Planners Won’t Tell You (Exclusive)

Digitize strategically

We live in an increasingly digital world. Thinking this into your special day can help cut down on big wedding expenses, such as swapping out some aspects like physical invitations and other mementos for a personalized wedding website.

“I recommend that clients only partially forgo the traditional wedding invitation and accessories — it’s classic for a reason and serves as a memento of the day in a way that a screenshot just can’t. However, I don’t advise clients to go all out on wedding paper “, Forbes tells us.

“Instead, I recommend that clients save on cards, postage and envelopes by sending one primary card in the invitation and directing guests to the online wedding website for other relevant information,” she adds. “The less material is printed, the less money is spent on invitations, so creating a beautiful wedding website instead of sending multiple cards in an invitation package is a sure way to save money.”

Cut the buses

As Forbes shares, transportation is an often overlooked expense when it comes time to tie the knot. Instead of spending thousands on transporting your guests, she recommends “either using the same venue for the ceremony and reception or making sure the trip is walkable to save on transportation.”

“Not only will you cut down on spending, guests will be able to spend more time together enjoying the wedding,” she adds.

Personalize the bar

For many wedding goers, the reception is a great time to relax with a drink after a busy day of getting dressed up and watching the love unfold in real time. It’s “one of the most significant expenses at any event, and it’s often difficult for couples to decide whether or not to offer an open bar,” says Forbes.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. As Forbes explains, “providing specialty cocktails tailored to the newlyweds instead of a full bar” can really cut the alcohol budget.

“Made-to-order cocktails feel unique and youthful, and pairing them with beer and wine options allows guests to enjoy a range of refreshments without breaking the bank,” she says. “To make the moment even more memorable, come up with some fun names for specialty cocktails and prepare a sweet menu.”

Wedding bar.

Getty

Hire a wedding planner

Even Forbes admits this “may seem counterintuitive,” but actually hiring a planner is the easiest way to “stay on budget, track wedding costs, and find deals and discounts through exclusive connections and contacts.”

“I recommend using Knot, Zola, or a similar site to find a planner near you,” she says. “You’ll save money and be able to enjoy your day without focusing on the minutiae of the event!”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education