The fundamental principle: saving without sacrificing
There are two types of wedding savings: good ones (doing things differently) and bad ones (doing things less well). Replacing champagne with a quality cremant is doing things differently. Eliminating the photographer is doing things less well.
The following 20 tips all fall into the first category. They are based on three levers:
- Timing: When you get married changes prices by 20 to 40%.
- Intermediaries: Buying directly instead of through a reseller.
- DIY: Investing time instead of money in areas where your work can be of quality.
Cumulative savings
Each tip taken individually seems modest (200 to 2,000 euros). But cumulatively, these 20 tips represent 8,000 to 12,000 euros in savings on a wedding initially planned at 25,000 euros. This is the difference between a wedding financed on credit and a wedding paid for in cash.
Savings on the venue (1,500 to 3,500 euros)
1. Get married on a Friday evening
A Friday wedding costs an average of 25 to 35% less than a Saturday for the reception venue. Your guests only have to take one day off. The atmosphere is exactly the same.
Estimated saving: 1,000 to 2,500 euros
2. Choose the off-season (November to March)
Reception venues offer reduced rates of 25 to 40% outside the high season. A venue costing 6,000 euros in June can drop to 3,600 to 4,500 euros in November.
Estimated saving: 1,500 to 3,000 euros
3. Opt for a venue with integrated caterer
Venue + integrated caterer packages are generally 10 to 15% cheaper than the combination of external venue + external caterer. Less logistics, a single point of contact, and no corkage fee.
Estimated saving: 500 to 1,500 euros
4. Consider non-traditional venues
Municipal hall (200 to 1,000 euros), a friend's garden with marquees (500 to 1,500 euros), or privatized restaurant (often free if a minimum number of covers). These alternatives cost 2,000 to 5,000 euros less than a traditional venue.
Estimated saving: 2,000 to 5,000 euros
Savings on catering (1,000 to 3,000 euros)
5. Cocktail reception instead of a seated meal
A cocktail reception costs 20 to 30% less than a seated meal for equivalent quality. For 80 guests, the saving amounts to 1,000 to 2,400 euros.
Estimated saving: 1,000 to 2,400 euros
6. Buy drinks directly
Wine bought from a winegrower: 4 to 7 euros per bottle instead of 12 to 20 euros via the caterer. For 80 guests (approximately 60 bottles), saving: 500 to 1,000 euros.
Estimated saving: 500 to 1,000 euros
7. Cremant instead of champagne
An excellent Cremant d'Alsace or Bourgogne costs 8 to 12 euros per bottle compared to 25 to 35 euros for a decent champagne. For 80 guests (20 to 25 bottles), the saving is significant.
Rather than juggling multiple spreadsheets, a dedicated tool like Nupty brings together budget, checklist, and vendor contacts in one place — accessible to both of you from your phone.
Estimated saving: 300 to 600 euros
8. Single menu with no options
A single menu costs 10 to 15% less than an à la carte choice (the caterer optimizes their purchases). Provide an alternative for special dietary requirements.
Estimated saving: 400 to 800 euros
9. À la carte quote, not an all-inclusive package
All-inclusive packages often include services you don't need (luxury tablecloths, plated service, lighting). Ask for an à la carte quote and remove anything unnecessary.
To compare quotes and track every deposit made, Nupty integrates vendor tracking directly connected to your budget.
Estimated saving: 500 to 1,500 euros
Savings on photography (300 to 1,000 euros)
10. Photographer at the beginning of their career
A photographer with 1 to 3 years of experience offers rates of 800 to 1,500 euros compared to 2,000 to 3,500 euros for an established photographer. The quality is often excellent: these young professionals are passionate and motivated.
Estimated saving: 500 to 1,500 euros
11. Half-day package
Instead of 10 hours of coverage, opt for 5 to 6 hours (ceremony + cocktail + beginning of evening). You save 30 to 50% and the essential moments are captured.
Estimated saving: 500 to 1,000 euros
Savings on outfits (500 to 2,000 euros)
12. Second-hand wedding dress
On Stillwhite, Vinted, or Facebook groups, dresses worn only once can be found at 40 to 70% of the new price. A new dress costing 2,500 euros: 750 to 1,500 euros second-hand. Add 100 to 200 euros for alterations.
Estimated saving: 800 to 2,000 euros
13. White ready-to-wear instead of "wedding dress"
ASOS, &Other Stories, Mango Bridal, H&M Conscious offer long white dresses for 100 to 400 euros. The word "wedding" on the label triples the price.
Estimated saving: 500 to 1,500 euros
14. Adjusted ready-to-wear suit
A Zara, COS, or Uniqlo suit for 200 to 400 euros + alterations (40 to 80 euros) gives an elegant and reusable result. Instead of 800 to 1,200 euros for a "wedding" suit.
Estimated saving: 300 to 700 euros
Joined by +500 couples in 2026
Nupty centralizes your entire wedding
Budget, checklist, vendors, timeline, seating plan. One app, zero spreadsheets, zero stress.
Discover Nupty - 89 EURJoined by +500 couples in 2026
Nupty centralizes your entire wedding
Budget, checklist, vendors, timeline, seating plan. One app, zero spreadsheets, zero stress.
Discover Nupty - 89 EURSavings on decor (400 to 1,200 euros)
15. The magic trio: candles + foliage + string lights
These three elements create 90% of the atmosphere for less than 200 euros. No need for expensive flowers. A eucalyptus table runner (5 to 10 euros per market bouquet) + candles at different heights = perfection.
Estimated saving: 300 to 800 euros vs. professional floral decoration
16. Hunt for vases at flea markets
Mismatched vases found for 1 to 3 euros each at a flea market are more trendy than identical vases at 15 euros each. Imperfection adds charm. After the wedding, resell on Le Bon Coin.
Estimated saving: 100 to 300 euros
17. DIY wedding bouquet
Buy seasonal flowers at the market (15 to 30 euros) and follow a YouTube tutorial. Result: a unique bouquet for 30 to 50 euros instead of 150 to 350 euros from a florist.
Estimated saving: 100 to 300 euros
Savings on ancillary items (500 to 1,500 euros)
18. Semi-digital stationery
Save the date via email or WhatsApp (free). Physical invitations only for the main invitation (online printing at 0.50 to 1 euro each). Total for 80 invitations: 40 to 80 euros instead of 300 to 600 euros for full stationery.
Estimated saving: 200 to 500 euros
19. Beginner or semi-professional DJ
A DJ at the beginning of their career or a semi-pro costs 400 to 800 euros compared to 800 to 1,500 euros for an established DJ. Check their set videos and reviews. Many are excellent.
Estimated saving: 300 to 700 euros
20. Organized carpooling instead of shuttle
Instead of renting a shuttle (300 to 800 euros), organize carpooling among guests via a spreadsheet or WhatsApp group. Free and friendly.
Estimated saving: 300 to 800 euros
The art of negotiating with vendors
Negotiation is an underutilized lever by couples. Here are techniques that work:
- Always ask for 3 quotes: The simple act of comparing reduces prices by 10 to 15%. And mention competing quotes (without showing them).
- Offer a one-time payment: Some vendors offer 5 to 10% discount for full payment upon booking.
- Ask for a personalized package: Standard packages often include unnecessary services. Ask for a custom quote with only what you need.
- Book early: 12 to 18 months in advance, vendors still have availability and are more flexible on prices.
- Be transparent: Announce your budget. Good vendors adapt and offer solutions within your range.
Summary: possible savings per item
| Item | Main tip | Min. saving | Max. saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | Friday + off-season | 1,500 euros | 3,500 euros |
| Caterer | Cocktail + direct drinks | 1,000 euros | 3,000 euros |
| Photographer | Beginner or half-day | 300 euros | 1,000 euros |
| Outfits | Second-hand + ready-to-wear | 500 euros | 2,000 euros |
| Decoration | DIY + thrifted | 400 euros | 1,200 euros |
| Miscellaneous | Digital + negotiation | 500 euros | 1,500 euros |
| TOTAL | 4,200 euros | 12,200 euros |
Organize your wedding serenely with Nupty
Budget, timeline, vendors, to-do list: everything is centralized in one application. No more spreadsheets, no more stress.
Discover Nupty - 89 EURFrequently asked questions
How much can one save on a wedding?
By applying the main optimization tips, cumulative savings can reach 5,000 to 12,000 euros on a 25,000 euro wedding. The most powerful lever is the number of guests: each guest less represents 200 to 250 euros in savings.
What are the simplest savings?
The simplest and with no visible impact: direct drinks (500 to 1,500 euros), cremant instead of champagne (300 to 600 euros), semi-digital stationery (200 to 400 euros), DIY centerpieces (300 to 600 euros).
Does getting married during the week really save money?
Yes. A Friday costs 25 to 35% less for the venue. By combining Friday + off-season, the reduction reaches 40 to 50% on the venue, or 2,000 to 4,000 euros in savings.
How to save on catering?
Cocktail reception instead of a seated meal (-20 to 30%), direct drinks (-500 to 1,000 euros), single menu (-10 to 15%), à la carte quote rather than an all-inclusive package.
Is buying a second-hand dress risky?
No. Second-hand dresses are worn only once and often cleaned. On Stillwhite or Facebook, dresses costing 2,000 to 3,000 euros new can be found for 500 to 1,000 euros. Plan for 100 to 200 euros for alterations.
How to negotiate with vendors?
At least 3 quotes per item, mention competitors, one-time payment (-5 to 10%), personalized package, early booking (12-18 months). Most vendors have a negotiation margin of 5 to 15%.
Read also
Sources: Nuptial Barometer 2026, Mariages.net / service provider feedback