Financial Tips from a 2026 Bride & Wedding Planner šš°āØ
- Hailey Matthews
- Mar 29
- 5 min read
As a 2026 bride myself and the Lead Wedding & Events Planner with SPTLGHT Entertainment, I know firsthand how overwhelming wedding expenses can feel. But trust meāthere are so many ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality! Iām not just sharing tips; Iām giving you strategies that I personally use for my own wedding and for my couples to ensure they get the most value for their money. š”šš
1. Utilize a High-Yield Savings Account š¦šøš
One of the first things I did when planning my wedding was to move all allocated funds into a high-yield savings account, like American Express, which offers over 3% interest. Whether itās your own savings or family contributions, putting money in early means youāll earn extra just by letting it sit there. If your family can contribute a lump sum upfront, this is a fantastic way to generate even more funds before your payment deadlines arrive!
2. Book Vendors Early to Lock in Rates ššµš
It is very common in the Wedding industry for vendors to raise prices every year! The earlier you book, the more you can save. Many of my clients who secure their vendors a year or more in advance end up paying hundreds less than those who wait. Every penny counts, and youāll also have peace of mind knowing your dream team is locked in. A personal regret was not locking in my transport company when I requested rates in December 2024. By the time the holidays were over and I reached out again in January 2025 to move forward, the rates had increased with no room for negotiations! š
3. Ask About Payment Fees š³ā ļøš
One thing that gets overlooked? Hidden fees! Always ask vendors about additional charges for different payment methods. Many couples donāt realize that paying with a credit card can come with processing fees that add up quickly. When planning for my own wedding and my clientsā events, I always factor this into the budget to avoid surprises. At SPTLGHT Entertainment,Ā we always send over all payment methods we accept and any fees associated with certain transactions, such as credit card fees, upfront to ensure there are no surprises!Ā
4. Consider an Interest-Free Credit Card for Deposits š¦šš³
If you need to make early payments but donāt have all the cash upfront, look into credit cards with an interest-free introductory period. Some offer 3 to 12 months interest-free, which can give you breathing room to spread out expenses without additional financial strain. Those payments will come due eventually, so ensure to read the T&Cs of any card you sign up for!Ā
5. Maximize Travel Rewards for Destination Weddings āļøšŗšļø
Having a destination wedding like mine in Hawaii? Take advantage of airline loyalty programs! I opened a frequent flyer account with Hawaiian Airlines and used my existing Chase Rewards credit card to transfer points to the Hawaiian Airlines rewards account for maximum value!Ā
6. Use a Credit Card with Strong Rewards šļøš¼š°
If you donāt already have a credit card that offers valuable rewards, now is the time to get one! Many airline-branded credit cards provide up $500 off your first travel booking as well as added perks like free checked bags, lounge access, and bonus milesāperfect for honeymoon travel.Ā
7. Take Advantage of Tax Deductions šļøšš²
Did you know your venue could be a tax write-off? If you book a historic site, part of your venue fee may qualify as a charitable donation, which can be written off on your tax return. Additionally, if you purchase floral arrangements and then donate them to hospice centers or funeral homes after the wedding, you may be eligible for another charitable deduction. There are stipulations with this, and you need to ensure that this is arranged in advance with a location that accepts these. Most places require them to be dropped off the night of to avoid wilting! As a planner, I always look for creative ways to help couples save money where they can.
8. Opt for a Cash Fund Instead of a Traditional Registry šµšš
Instead of a traditional giftĀ wedding registry, consider a cash fund to help offset wedding costs. Some people may find this unconventional, but weddings are expensiveādo what works for you! Iāve seen many couples use platforms like Honeyfund to ask for contributions toward their honeymoon or wedding expenses, and itās becoming more widely accepted.
9. Balance DIY Projects with Your Time šØš°ļøāļø
DIYing wedding elements can be a great way to save money, but itās also a huge time commitment. Iāve had brides tell me they spent countless hours on DIY projects only to feel exhausted leading up to their big day. My advice? Pick and choose wisely. If itās going to stress you out more than save you money, consider outsourcing because TIME IS MONEY!Ā
10. Bundle Services for Discounts š¶šøš„
One of the best ways to save is by booking with companies that offer multiple services. At SPTLGHT Entertainment, we provide wedding planning, DJs, videographers, photographers, Bands, and more, allowing our couples to bundle services and save big. As both a planner and a bride, I know how important it is to work with a team that understands your visionāNot only when you bundle services to get a better priceā¦ A bonus perk is that they are typically familiar with the contractors to ensure an even more seamless experience!
11. Consider an Off-Peak Wedding Date šš²ā³
Venues and vendors often offer discounts for weddings held on weekdays, Sundays, or during off-peak seasons. If youāre flexible with your date, you could save thousands just by choosing a less in-demand time.
12. Rent Instead of Buy ššš
From dƩcor to attire, renting can be a huge money-saver. Bridesmaid dresses, tableware, and even lounge furniture can be rented at a fraction of the cost of purchasing. Even wedding dresses now have rental options for designer gowns!
13. Negotiate with Vendors š£ļøš¤š”
Negotiating is always an option, but itās important to understand why wedding vendors charge what they do. Wedding services often come at a premium because vendors put extra time, attention, and customization into your eventāfar more than a typical corporate event or house party. At SPTLGHT Entertainment, we pride ourselves on transparent pricingĀ for all our clients, but we are always open to discussions to find ways to save money while still ensuring top-tier service. Open communication with vendors can sometimes lead to small perks or adjustments that work for both sides!
14. Cut Down on Guest Count š·ļøšØāš©āš§āš¦š°
One of the biggest budget busters is the guest list. Reducing your headcount by just 10-20 people can save hundreds if not thousands on catering, rentals, and invitations.
15. Skip the Traditional Favors šš āāļøšæ
Many guests leave wedding favors behind. Instead, consider a small, meaningful digital gift (like a photo album link) or make a donation to a charity in their honor.
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and financially daunting) experiences, but with these tips, you can make smart choices that help you stay on budget. As a 2026 bride and professional wedding planner, Iād love to help you navigate this journey. If youāre looking for expert guidance, reach out to me at SPTLGHT EntertainmentāIād be honored to help make your dream wedding a reality! šš¶š
Author: Hailey Matthews
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