Once the excitement of your engagement settles in, wedding planning officially begins. For many couples, this season is filled with joy, anticipation, and, let’s be honest, a little overwhelm. Between vendor decisions, timelines, and budgeting, it’s easy to feel like the costs add up faster than expected.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice a beautiful, meaningful wedding just because you’re working within a budget. With thoughtful wedding planning and a clear sense of priorities, there are plenty of ways to save money while still creating a day that feels like you.
As a Baltimore wedding photographer, I’ve worked with couples across a wide range of budgets, and I’ve seen firsthand where spending makes the biggest impact and where you can comfortably scale back.
1. Start With a Budget and Clear Priorities
Before booking vendors or touring venues, sit down together and create a realistic wedding budget. Decide how much you’re comfortable spending overall, then prioritize what matters most to you as a couple.
A helpful exercise is separating your wedding expenses into two categories:
“Must-haves” and “Nice-to-haves.”
Common wedding planning categories to consider include:
-
Wedding planner or coordinator
-
Venue
-
Catering
-
Bar (beer & wine vs. full bar)
-
Photography
-
Videography
-
Florals
-
Wedding attire
-
Transportation
-
Rentals and linens
-
Music (DJ or band)
-
Officiant
-
Décor and lighting
-
Lodging and travel
-
Hair and makeup
-
Bridal party gifts
-
Favors
-
Stationery
-
Cake and desserts
-
Gratuities
-
Guest list (smaller guest counts significantly reduce costs)
Knowing where you’re willing to spend more — and where you’re comfortable spending less — gives your wedding planning process direction and keeps decision fatigue at bay.
2. Be Strategic With Wedding Flowers
Florals are beautiful, but they can also be one of the most flexible areas of your wedding budget.
A few ways to save on wedding flowers:
-
Choose seasonal blooms that are readily available around your wedding date
-
Opt for greenery-forward designs or single-stem bridesmaid bouquets
-
Reuse ceremony arrangements at the reception
-
Focus florals where they’ll have the most visual impact (like the ceremony altar or sweetheart table)
Less doesn’t mean boring. In fact, thoughtfully designed florals often photograph more beautifully than overdone arrangements. If you’re creative, you may also consider DIY centerpieces while leaving statement pieces to a professional florist.
And don’t forget — many florists are happy to collaborate within your budget. Open communication during wedding planning goes a long way.
3. Shop Smart for Your Wedding Dress
Your wedding dress is incredibly special, but it doesn’t have to come with a jaw-dropping price tag.
Consider:
-
Visiting sample sales or consignment boutiques
-
Checking reputable online retailers once you’ve tried on a dress in person
-
Exploring local non-profits or resale shops. One local favorite is Fairytale Brides on a Shoestring, a Baltimore-area non-profit where proceeds support charitable causes — a meaningful option for budget-conscious brides. If you are local to the DMV here are a few to explore:
4. Embrace Online Tools for Invitations and Stationery
Paper goods can quietly eat up a large portion of your wedding budget. Between save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and postage, costs add up quickly.
Many couples save significantly by:
-
Creating a wedding website for RSVPs and details
-
Skipping printed RSVP cards
-
Using semi-custom designs from companies like Minted instead of fully custom suites. I am a partner photographer with Minted have a discount code to share.
15% off Year-Round: PHOTOPROJHARVEY
20% off Holiday: HOLPHOTOJHARVEY
You’ll still get a polished, cohesive look without the added printing and mailing costs — and it simplifies the planning process for everyone involved.
5. Rethink Your Ceremony and Reception Venue
Your venue is often the single largest wedding expense, so it’s a smart place to explore creative options.
Ways to save on venue costs:
-
Host an outdoor wedding at a park, farm, or private property
-
Consider a weekday or daytime wedding
-
Plan a smaller, intimate ceremony followed by a relaxed reception
As a Baltimore wedding photographer, I always remind couples to think through their Plan B for weather. Choosing a backup option you genuinely like is an important part of wedding planning — especially for outdoor venues.
Venues like smaller farms or B&Bs can offer stunning scenery, flexibility, and beautiful natural light without the premium price tag of traditional ballrooms.
Where You Shouldn’t Cut Costs During Wedding Planning
Wedding Planner or Day-Of Coordinator
Even for smaller, more intimate wedding days, having a wedding planner or at minimum a day-of coordinator is one of the most valuable investments you can make during wedding planning.
Your wedding day should be about being fully present — soaking in the emotions, the moments, and the people you’ve gathered — not fielding vendor questions, managing timelines, or troubleshooting logistics. A planner or coordinator ensures the day runs smoothly behind the scenes so you don’t have to.
From keeping vendors on schedule to handling last-minute adjustments, a professional coordinator acts as the point person for your entire wedding day. This is especially important for outdoor weddings, non-traditional venues, or intimate celebrations where timelines can shift easily.
As a Baltimore wedding photographer, I see firsthand how much smoother the day flows when a planner or coordinator is involved. When logistics are handled professionally, couples are more relaxed, timelines stay on track, and the overall experience feels calm and intentional — which ultimately results in better photos and a more meaningful wedding day.
Photography & Videography
You might think asking a friend or family member to photograph your wedding will help you save money. While it may reduce costs upfront, it can often come at the expense of quality and peace of mind.
Your wedding day happens once. Your photos and video are what allow you to relive it for years to come.
A professional wedding photographer brings experience, preparation, and the ability to anticipate moments before they unfold — something even the most well-intentioned friend can’t replicate. From navigating challenging lighting to documenting fleeting emotions, investing in professional photography ensures your wedding story is preserved beautifully and authentically.
If you’re weighing this decision, I’ve written a separate post with key questions to ask before booking a wedding photographer — it’s a helpful resource for understanding the value behind the investment.
Final Thoughts From a Baltimore Wedding Photographer
Thoughtful wedding planning is about balance. By prioritizing what truly matters to you and being intentional with your spending, you can create a wedding day that feels meaningful, personal, and beautifully documented — without unnecessary stress.
If you’re currently planning your wedding and looking for a Baltimore wedding photographer who values storytelling, authenticity, and timeless imagery, I’d love to connect.
