Hey there, Lovebirds! đź’Ť
Weddings are magical, but let’s face it—planning one can quickly become expensive. The good news is that there are several smart ways to save money and get the best price for your big day without sacrificing quality. Whether it’s timing your wedding right or negotiating deals with vendors, these wedding planning tips will help you make the most of your budget.
Here’s how you can get the best deals and keep your wedding budget in check:
SMART TIPS FOR BUDGET-CONSCIOUS COUPLES
1. Plan Your Wedding During the Off-Season
One of the easiest ways to save money on your wedding is by choosing a date during the off-season. In Kenya, peak wedding seasons fall in April, August, and December, as well as the months leading up to the end of the year. During these times, vendors are in high demand, and prices naturally go up because couples are competing for the same services.
Pro Tip: Consider planning your wedding in the off-season, such as January, February, March, or May and June, when demand is lower. During these months, vendors are often looking for clients, which means they may be more willing to offer discounts or special packages to secure your business.
What you save: Lower vendor costs, more flexibility with venue availability, and potential savings on everything from catering to photographers.
2. Plan a Weekday Wedding
Weekends are prime time for weddings, which is why vendors charge more for Friday to Sunday bookings. But have you ever thought about getting married on a weekday? Monday to Thursday weddings are considered bonus events for most vendors, as their weekends are usually packed with bookings.
Pro Tip: Vendors are often more flexible on pricing for weekday weddings because it feels like an “extra” booking for the week. You could get significant discounts on venues, photographers, DJs, and even caterers by choosing a weekday.
What you save: Up to 20% or more on vendor fees, plus the added bonus of having more date options to choose from.
3. Bundle Services with One Vendor
Another great way to save money is by bundling multiple services with one vendor. If you find a great MC, ask if they offer additional services like DJing or sound equipment. If you love your photographer’s work, see if they also offer videography services. When vendors provide multiple services, they often give a wholesale discount because it saves them the trouble of coordinating with other vendors.
Pro Tip: Look for vendors who offer packages that bundle services. This could be a florist who also offers decor services or a caterer who provides rentals like tableware and linens. By consolidating services, you’re more likely to negotiate a better overall price.
What you save: Discounts on bundled services and fewer headaches coordinating multiple vendors.
4. Start Planning Early to Find Hidden Gems
Time is your best friend when planning a wedding on a budget. The earlier you start, the more time you have to research and find what we like to call Hidden Wedding Gems – vendors who are talented but haven’t been “discovered” by the masses yet. These vendors often offer excellent services at lower rates because they are building their portfolios or expanding their client base.
Pro Tip: Take your time when looking for vendors. Attend local wedding fairs, explore social media, and ask for recommendations from recently married friends. You might just find a hidden gem that delivers quality at a fraction of the price of more established vendors.
What you save: Access to high-quality vendors at affordable rates and the satisfaction of supporting up-and-coming talent.
5. Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate!
One of the most important tips for getting the best price is simply to negotiate. Many couples assume that vendor prices are fixed, but in reality, there is often room for flexibility, especially if you’re booking during the off-season or bundling services. Be polite but confident in asking if there’s any wiggle room in the price.
Pro Tip: When negotiating, mention your budget and ask if they can work within it. You could also ask if they can throw in extras at no additional cost, such as additional decor, more hours of photography, or a free sound system upgrade. Remember, the worst they can say is no!
What you save: Potential discounts, free upgrades, and added services without extra costs.
6. Cut the Guest List
One of the easiest ways to reduce wedding costs is by cutting down your guest list. The fewer people you invite, the less you’ll spend on everything from catering to venue size. While it can be hard to trim the guest list, keeping your wedding intimate will save you a significant amount of money.
Pro Tip: Consider inviting only close friends and family. If you’re struggling with how to reduce the list, think about cutting plus-ones or limiting invites to people you’ve been in regular contact with over the past year.
What you save: Major savings on food, venue, and additional costs like invitations and favors.
Final Thoughts đź’
Weddings don’t have to break the bank! By planning wisely and using these strategies to negotiate and find the best deals, you can have the wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget. Whether you plan an off-season weekday wedding, bundle services with one vendor, or simply start your planning early, these wedding coordination tips will help you save money without sacrificing quality.
At Weddy Guru, we believe every wedding should be as unique as the couple getting married. That’s why we’re here to help you plan a beautiful wedding that fits your style—and your budget. Explore our wedding planning resources in Kenya and let us guide you through every step of the process.
Ready to get started? Contact us for personalized wedding planning coaching in Nairobi and expert advice today! 🌸💖
