If you need to rein in your wedding spending this post is for you. Put down your credit card and exit out of the Etsy shop tabs until you’ve finished reading. There’s no denying that weddings are costly endeavors, from the catering to the invitations and everything in between. And it all adds up … and up. It can be harder than it sounds to set a realistic budget and stick to it, especially when you end up buying wedding tchotchkes every time you walk into a Crate and Barrel (we know, you just had to have those candlesticks and Mr & Mrs sign).

The average cost for a wedding in Maine was $33,500. Download our vendor cost infographic to see how that total gets broken down. Did that number give you sticker shock? Don’t worry, we’re here to say it’s possible to plan the wedding of your dreams while staying financially conscious. The key is compromise. Make a list of your must-haves and build your budget from there. You might have to give up the custom hand-made invitations or the Pinterest-inspired centerpieces for more budget-friendly options. Need some help deciding where to make cuts? These are the areas where you can save big.

7 areas where you can save on wedding expenses:

1. Favors & Welcome Bags

Favors and welcome bag items often get left behind or thrown out. Don't go overboard on them. The average couple spends $400 on favors alone. As cute as they are, the truth is that no one really needs another mason jar monogrammed with your wedding date sitting in their cupboard.

2. Repurpose (or skip) Flowers

Ceremony flowers and bridesmaids' bouquets can be used for centerpieces at the venue. Pro tip: Don't pay your florist extra for a toss bouquet–use a bridesmaid's instead. Or skip the floral centerpieces altogether and stick with a simpler alternative. Greenery like eucalyptus leaves and “filler flowers” like baby’s breath are much less expensive than traditional floral centerpieces.

3. Think Digital

Digital invitations and RSVPS can save you big, both on the paper products themselves and on postage. If your heart is set on a hard copy be on the lookout for sales and promo codes (hello Cyber Monday) to help keep costs down.

4. Champagne Toast & Wine Service

If it's included with your venue that's great! Otherwise skip the champagne toast or bottle service and spend that money elsewhere (like towards an open bar package).

5. Pick a Less Popular Date

The catering and venue services are often the biggest expense. Venues determine their pricing based off the time of the year and day of the week. Consider choosing a Friday/Sunday or an off-season date to save big on the reception cost.

6. Less is More

Ask yourself what you are going to do with anything that's left over before dropping cash on signs and decorations. Are you really going to use 20 lanterns ever again? Probably not. Pro tip: Who doesn’t love sustainability? Check secondhand options like Facebook Marketplace and Craiglist or ask your venue if they have any leftover decorations you can use before you buy something new.

7. Dessert

It’s painful to say, but some people just aren’t cake people. There are endless alternatives to a traditional wedding cake: dessert tables with an assortment of pastries, ice cream buffets, and doughnut walls just to name a few. Pro tip: Have your baker make a small cake top for your cake cutting ceremony and provide your guests with the dessert of your choice. Need some more inspiration? Check out our dessert guide here and list of bakers we love here.

Finally, it never hurts to ask for a discount on your vendor’s services. Check if your vendors are running any promotions or specials that you can take advantage of. Being willing to be flexible will help you save in the long run.

Contact us to learn about our current Winter Wedding Special and to book a tour of The Red Barn at Outlook Farm. Need guest accommodations? Ask about sister properties, The Stage House Inn, and The Nealley House, as well as room block discounts.

How to Cut Costs [7 Ways to Save on Wedding Costs]

7 areas where you can save on wedding expenses: