A wedding — just like marriage itself — is filled with compromises. We all have big wedding dreams of limousines and walls of flowers, but sometimes we must temper those dreams with the reality of the wedding budget. Establishing clear priorities is crucial to ensure your special day is memorable without overspending. Here are some key areas to consider when determining your wedding budget.

Repurpose Attire

Consider a pre-owned dress or suit to save big without compromising your look. Beautiful gowns and stylish suits are available at a fraction of the retail price at online marketplaces like Poshmark or on Facebook. Lately, brides have been searching consignment stores as well as their relatives’ closets for heirloom dresses that can be updated and customized.

Choose Family-Style Catering

Food and beverage costs are integral to wedding events but can quickly eat up a large portion of your budget. Contemplate a buffet or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner, which can be more cost-effective. Opt for a limited bar instead of a full bar, offering a selection of wine, beer and one or two signature cocktails. This approach allows you to provide a top-quality feast while keeping costs in check.

Book Half-Day Photography

Wedding photos will be cherished for a lifetime, so this is an area where quality should not be compromised. However, there are ways to save without sacrificing the final product. Hire a photographer whose style you love but who is newer to the business and may charge less. Ask about a smaller package with fewer hours, covering only the most important parts of the day.

Skip Wedding Favors

Eliminating party favors for wedding guests can be a smart way to stay within your wedding budget without sacrificing the overall experience. While small tokens of appreciation are thoughtful, they can quickly add up, especially for large guest lists. By skipping favors, you’ll free up funds that can be redirected toward more meaningful elements, such as enhancing the guest experience with better food, entertainment or even upgrading your honeymoon.

Get a Travel Advisor

If your destination wedding includes a big smiling group of family and friends, engage the services of an experienced travel advisor. They can handle everything from coordinating airline reservations to arranging preferred room types. Not only will they help ensure your guests arrive in a celebratory mood, but they also take a load of stress off your shoulders. And thanks to group discounts, they can save you a lot of money in the process.

Wedding Packages

Many all-inclusive resorts provide wedding packages that are not only affordable, but they also make hosting your wedding a tropical breeze. Some resorts even include free wedding packages if you stay a certain number of nights. By allowing the resort to take care of the flowers, reception venue, ceremony setup and more, you save both cash and stress.