You don’t need to skimp on the wedding of your dreams or go deeply into debt to pay for it. By planning ahead, choosing wisely and prioritizing what’s truly important, you can say, “I Do,”  without stressing over wedding costs.

Here’s how:

1. Time it right

Think off season and mid week, and you’ll save a bundle!

First, consider a winter wedding. You’ll shave thousands of dollars off the venue price by choosing an unusual time of year to get married. Second, think beyond Saturdays. If you can find a church with a vacancy on a Sunday, grab it! Venue prices drop dramatically with just a one-day switch.

You can also opt for a mid-week wedding that precedes a national holiday date, like July 4th. This way, your guests will still be able to enjoy the evening without rushing home.

2. Skip the cake

A slice of dessert for $2.50 that doesn’t even taste good? Meh, who needs it? Here are some other ideas:

Fake your cake. If you can’t stomach the idea of a cake-less wedding, ask your baker to fake it for you by creating a false cardboard bottom for your cake and only baking a genuine top layer or two. You’ll get the same look without the huge cost.

Set up a dessert bar. You can serve hot waffles, brownies or chocolate chip cookies with ice cream, caramel sauce and a selection of other fun toppings. You’ll pamper your guests at a fraction of the cost!

Serve a sheet cake instead. Your guests will be happy to savor a slice – even without all that fondant and frosting.

3. Save on your gown

Save big on your gown by looking for a pre-owned gown on eBay or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.  You can often find a beautiful gown for under $100!

4. Vary your venue

Save a ton by choosing a venue that has no outside contracts. This way, you can shop around for the cheapest caterer, photographer and DJ.

If you really dare to be different, have your wedding at a vacation home.  Rent a vacation home and let it serve as your wedding venue, lodging for out-of-town guests and a honeymoon destination for after the wedding.

5. Budget and keep track of your costs

It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement! If you aren’t paying close attention to costs, that excitement can turn into a nightmare. The Knot is an excellent website that offers All-In-One wedding planning with easy to use tools, guides, & inspiration to make your wedding journey effortless.

Best of all they have a free Wedding Budget Planner! This budgeter is the best. It’s easier and smarter than the typical go-to budgeter. It sets your wedding expenses and adds them up to break down your estimates and total spent.

Still not sure how to pay for your wedding? We can help! Call, click or stop by Directions Credit Union today to ask about our personal loans and other great services that can take the stress out of your wedding preparations.