15+ Ways to Save On Your Wedding

Welcome to a wedding budget guide that’s all about turning your dream day into reality without the intimidating price tag. You’ve heard me preach it before, and I’m here to preach it again: weddings absolutely do not need to break the bank. In a world brimming with wallet-friendly alternatives, you can paint your special day with elegance and love, all while keeping your hard-earned savings exactly where they belong – with you.

Now, imagine this: a wedding that mirrors your visions and hopes, a celebration that waltzes seamlessly between charm and economy. I’m about to share with you over 15 creative and crafty concepts that will make your dream wedding not only affordable but incredibly memorable. Yes, you read that right – more than 15 ideas are coming your way, each a gem in the treasure chest of budget-conscious brilliance.

But hey, I don’t want this to be a one-sided conversation. Your insights and tips are golden nuggets of wisdom that deserve their own spotlight. So, don’t be shy – feel free to sprinkle your tried-and-true advice in the comments below. The journey to a remarkable wedding that won’t give you financial jitters starts now. Let’s dive into these ingenious strategies that will reshape the way you think about weddings – a fusion of frugality and fantasy!

Write out your own invitations instead of printing/hiring someone to do it

Source: Getty Images

2. Hire an up-and-coming photographer to support small businesses and save on big company fees

Source: iStock Photo

3. Opt for minimalist flowers instead of big and expensive florals

Source: Wedding Mania

4. Size down your cake to cheapen bakery fees

Source: Martha Stewart

5. Or even have a dessert stack and DIY it

Source: Wedding Wire

6. Let your bridesmaids pick their own dresses while sticking to a common theme to avoid paying

Source: Here Comes the Guide

7. Attempt to slice your guest list in half for a more intimate (and cheaper) celebration

Source: Christophe Genty Photography

8. Have a backyard wedding to save on venue costs

Source: Pinterest

9. Have a mid-week wedding to stop costly venue fees

Source: Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

10. Have a breakfast wedding for cheaper all-round fees

Source: Wedding Chicks

11. Have an alcohol-free reception for no bar fees

Source: Pinterest

12. Use assorted glassware for a different look and vintage vibe

Source: Confetti Fix

13. Check second-hand stores for cheap wedding dresses

Source: Yahoo

14. Have food trucks instead of serving a sit-down meal

Source: Lauren Fair Photography

15. Text or email your save-the-dates to save paper and printing costs

Source: Mallory Hope Design

16. Have a polaroid photobooth instead of a professional camera

Source: Revelry Events

I don’t often share knitting patterns for pets, mostly because I don’t think of it. I don’t have a dog, and I’ve never knit for my cats except a knit couch and a little cat bed I made on a knitting machine, both of which were pretty much ignored.

I have shared some pet bed knitting patterns, and both hats and sweaters for dogs.

But I don’t think I’ve shared a pattern for a cat sweater, until now.

This one is the Bunny sweater by Sarah Zhou, so named because her cat is named Bunny, of course.

It’s a made to measure pattern because cats come in all shapes and sizes, and you can also use any yarn you like and whatever gauge you are getting with that yarn.

The design is knit from the bottom up, that is, from the tail side up toward the head. Pairs of decreases shape the body as you work toward the armholes, which are made by binding off a few stitches. Then the belly and the back are worked flat, then joined and worked in the round for the chest part.

There are some design options in the pattern, from the look of the photos they include using a contrasting color for the edging, working a scalloped edging, maybe a foldover collar? But of course you can add your own embellishments, stripes, make it in team colors or for a Halloween costume. I’m sure they’re quick to knit so you can make a bunch if you have a cat who is willing to submit to such torture.

Bunny looks like a very good and mostly tolerant girl; I don’t think either of my cats would be willing to wear a sweater. But if you make one (the pattern is available on Ravelry) and successfully get your cat to wear it I would love to hear about it!

[Photo: Sarah Zhou]

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