Saving on Your Wedding Budget by Category in 2026: Realistic Savings (+ Where NOT to Cut Costs)

Planning a wedding is expensive, but it doesn’t mean you have to spend thousands of euros more than necessary. With smart choices, you can save hundreds to thousands of euros on your wedding budget — without sacrificing the atmosphere, guest experience, or your own happiness. In this guide, we’ll show you where you can realistically save per budget category, which pitfalls to avoid, and when it’s better not to cut costs. Every amount is based on average prices in the Netherlands for 2026, and we share concrete examples of how other couples have made it work.

Why saving per category works (and why not everything can be cut)

Saving on your wedding budget starts with mapping out each category and making conscious choices. Not every saving is equally smart: some cuts yield little but cost a lot of stress or disappointment. For example:

• Saving on the wedding dress: Spending €500 less on a sample sale or second-hand dress can work, but a cheap dress that doesn’t fit well leads to discomfort and expensive alterations.
• Saving on catering: A buffet instead of a sit-down dinner can save €15 per person, but if guests go home hungry, it leaves a lasting impression.
• Saving on photography: Hiring a beginner photographer saves €800, but if the photos disappoint, there’s no second chance.

The key is to set priorities: what do you really not want to skimp on? For most couples, those are the wedding venue, photography, and food — the elements that make the day unforgettable. For other categories, like invitations or decor, there are often creative solutions that save a lot of money without compromising on quality.

Tip: Use our dividing your wedding budget 2026 as a starting point, so you know what percentage of your budget goes to each category.

Saving on your wedding budget by category: realistic amounts and tips

Below, you’ll find an overview of the most important budget categories, with realistic savings per category, concrete examples, and the pitfalls to watch out for. All amounts are indicative for a wedding with 80-100 guests in 2026.

1. Wedding venue: save on rent, not on hospitality

Average costs: €3,500 - €8,000 (depending on location and season) Possible savings: €500 - €2,500

How to save?

• Choose a less popular day: A wedding on Friday or Sunday is often 20-30% cheaper than on Saturday. In the low season (November-March, except December), venues are sometimes up to 40% cheaper.
• Combine ceremony and reception: A venue where you can both get married and celebrate saves €500-€1,500 on extra rent for a separate ceremony space.
• Choose a less touristy region: Venues in the Randstad are more expensive than in Groningen, Limburg, or Zeeland. A country estate in Drenthe can be €1,000 cheaper than a comparable location in North Holland.
• Opt for a venue with in-house catering: Some venues only allow their own catering, but it’s often 10-15% cheaper than an external caterer. Always ask about the price difference per person.

Where not to cut costs?

• Capacity: A venue that’s too small creates a cramped atmosphere. Plan for at least 2.5 m² per guest (including dance floor and catering space).
• Accessibility: A remote venue may save on rent, but if guests have to book a hotel or travel long distances, it costs them time and money.
• Seasonal limitations: A venue without a cover is risky in autumn or winter. Rain plans (like a party tent) can add €1,500-€3,000 to the budget.

Tip: Use our visiting a wedding venue checklist to make sure you don’t overlook anything during viewings.

2. Catering & drinks: save on quantity, not on quality

Average costs: €5,000 - €12,000 Possible savings: €800 - €3,000

How to save?

• Choose a buffet or family-style dinner: This is €10-€20 per person cheaper than a sit-down dinner with service. Plus, it’s more informal and often more fun.
• Limit the number of courses: Three courses (starter, main course, dessert) are often enough. A fourth course (like a cheese platter) adds €5-€8 per person but isn’t always eaten.
• Choose seasonal dishes: Seasonal ingredients are cheaper and fresher. An autumn menu with pumpkin and mushrooms is 15-20% cheaper than a summer menu with asparagus and strawberries.
• Limit the number of drinks: An open bar with just beer, wine, and soft drinks is €5-€10 per person cheaper than a full open bar with cocktails and spirits. Consider a „limited open bar“ (e.g., only during dinner) or a „cash bar“ after dinner.
• Opt for local wines and beers: Dutch wines and beers are often 20-30% cheaper than imported ones and fit well with a sustainable theme.

Where not to cut costs?

• Food quality: Cheap food stands out immediately. Choose a caterer with good reviews, even if they’re slightly more expensive.
• Dietary requirements: Make sure vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options are available. Nothing is more awkward than a guest who can’t eat anything.
• Cocktail snacks: A sparse cocktail buffet gives a cheap impression. Plan for 8-10 snacks per person for a full cocktail hour.

Tip: Always ask about the „food cost“ (the cost price of the ingredients) with the caterer. A caterer who is transparent about costs is often more reliable.

3. Wedding photography: save on hours, not on experience

Average costs: €1,500 - €3,500 Possible savings: €300 - €1,200

How to save?

• Limit the number of hours: A photographer for 6 hours (e.g., from the ceremony to dinner) is €500-€800 cheaper than a full-day photographer. Discuss in advance which moments are most important.
• Choose a beginner photographer: A photographer with less experience often charges €500-€1,000 less but can deliver just as good results. Always ask for a full portfolio (not just the highlights).
• Opt for digital instead of albums: A digital package (all photos in high resolution) is €300-€600 cheaper than a package with an album. You can always make an album later.
• Share costs with friends: Some photographers offer a „referral discount“ if you recommend them to friends. This can save €100-€200.

Where not to cut costs?

• Experience with weddings: A photographer who mainly does portraits isn’t necessarily suitable for a wedding. Wedding photography requires quick reflexes, discretion, and experience with large groups. Always ask for wedding portfolios.
• Second photographer: For large weddings (100+ guests), a second photographer is almost indispensable. Without one, you’ll miss group photos, details, and spontaneous moments.
• Backup equipment: A professional photographer always has backup cameras and lenses. Nothing is worse than a photographer who runs out of equipment halfway through the day.

Tip: Read our guide choosing the right wedding photographer: 7 questions to ask for more tips on selecting a photographer.

4. Wedding dress & groom styling: save on the dress, not on the fit

Average cost wedding dress: €1,200 - €3,000 Average cost wedding suit: €300 - €1,200 Possible savings: €500 - €1,500 (dress) / €100 - €400 (suit)

How to save?

• Wedding dress:
  • Sample sales: Bridal shops often sell sample dresses (dresses that have been tried on) with 50-70% discount. These dresses are usually in size 36-38 but can be taken in.
  • Second-hand dresses: Platforms like Stillwhite or Marktplaats offer second-hand wedding dresses for €200-€800. Check the condition of the dress (stains, tears) and whether alterations are needed.
  • Rental: More and more bridal shops offer wedding dresses for rent for €300-€800. This is ideal if you only want to wear the dress for one day.
  • Simple designs: A dress without beads, lace, or a train is €500-€1,000 cheaper than a dress with lots of details. Plus, a simple dress is often more timeless.
• Wedding suit:
  • Rent a suit: A rented suit costs €100-€250, while a purchased suit costs €300-€1,200. This is especially interesting if you only want to wear the suit for one day.
  • Choose a standard suit: A standard suit (e.g., from SuitSupply or The Suit Store) is €200-€400 cheaper than a made-to-measure suit but can look just as good.
  • Combine with your own accessories: A nice tie, pocket square, or shoes give a standard suit a personal touch.

Where not to cut costs?

• Fit: A wedding dress or suit that doesn’t fit well stands out immediately. Invest in a good tailor (€150-€400 for alterations) for a perfect fit.
• Shoes: Cheap shoes can hurt. Choose comfortable, sturdy shoes that you can wear all day.
• Trial session: A trial session for hair and makeup (€50-€150) prevents surprises on the big day. Without a trial, you risk the look not being what you expected.

5. Invitations & stationery: save on paper, not on clarity

Average costs: €300 - €1,200 Possible savings: €200 - €800

How to save?

• Digital invitations: A digital invitation (via email or a website like WithJoy or Paperless Post) costs €0-€50, while printed invitations cost €3-€10 each. This saves €200-€800 for 80-100 guests.
• Simple design: An invitation with a minimalist design (e.g., black and white or one color) is €1-€3 cheaper per piece than an invitation with lots of colors or details.
• Combine invitation and RSVP: An invitation with a folded RSVP card is €0.50-€1 cheaper per piece than a separate RSVP card.
• Print yourself: If you opt for printed invitations, you can print them yourself (e.g., at HEMA or Action) for €0.50-€1.50 per piece. This saves €1-€3 per piece compared to a professional printer.
• Limit the number of cards: Send one invitation per household instead of per person. This saves 30-50% on costs.

Where not to cut costs?

• Clarity: An invitation must contain all important information: date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP date. An unclear invitation leads to confusion and extra work.
• Paper quality: Cheap paper feels cheap. Choose thick paper (e.g., 300 gsm) for a luxurious look.
• RSVP deadline: Give guests at least 4 weeks to respond. A deadline that’s too short leads to stress and inaccurate numbers.

6. Flowers & decor: save on seasonal flowers and DIY

Average costs: €800 - €2,500 Possible savings: €300 - €1,200

How to save?

• Choose seasonal flowers: Seasonal flowers are 30-50% cheaper than imported flowers. In autumn, for example, chrysanthemums, dahlias, and autumn leaves are cheaper than roses or peonies.
• Limit the number of floral arrangements: A bridal bouquet, two corsages, and a few table centerpieces are often enough. Extra arrangements (e.g., for the ceremony or aisle) add €200-€500 to the costs.
• Use greenery as a base: Greenery (e.g., eucalyptus or ferns) is cheaper than flowers and adds volume to bouquets and decor.
• DIY decor: Simple decor (e.g., candles, garlands, or homemade table centerpieces) can save €100-€300. Ask friends or family to help.
• Rent decor: Some florists and decor companies rent decor (e.g., candlesticks, vases, or linens) for €50-€200. This is cheaper than buying everything new.

Where not to cut costs?

• Bridal bouquet: The bridal bouquet is one of the most photographed elements of the day. Choose fresh, sturdy flowers that last all day.
• Table decor: A bare table gives a cheap impression. Make sure there’s at least one decorative element per table (e.g., a candle, a small floral arrangement, or a garland).
• Professional setup: If you opt for large decor (e.g., a floral arch or a hanging installation), have it professionally set up. An unstable construction can be dangerous.

Tip: Read our guide autumn wedding flowers 2026 for more tips on seasonal flowers and DIY decor.

7. Music & entertainment: save on live music, not on atmosphere

Average costs: €800 - €3,000 Possible savings: €300 - €1,500

How to save?

• Choose a DJ instead of a live band: A DJ costs €500-€1,200, while a live band costs €1,500-€3,000. A DJ can also offer more music styles and respond more flexibly to the atmosphere.
• Limit the number of hours: A DJ or band for 4 hours (e.g., from 8 PM to midnight) is €300-€800 cheaper than for 6 hours. Discuss in advance which moments are most important (e.g., the first dance and the party).
• Use a playlist: For the ceremony or dinner, you can create your own playlist (e.g., via Spotify). This saves €100-€300 compared to a live musician or DJ.
• Choose a beginner DJ or band: A beginner DJ or band often charges 30-50% less than an experienced artist. Always ask for references or a demo to assess the quality.
• Share costs with friends: Some DJs or bands offer a „referral discount“ if you recommend them to friends. This can save €100-€200.

Where not to cut costs?

• Sound quality: Cheap equipment sounds bad and can ruin the atmosphere. Make sure there’s a professional sound system (including a microphone for speeches).
• Experience with weddings: A DJ or band that’s not used to weddings can cause unexpected problems (e.g., music that’s too loud during dinner or an unprofessional performance).
• Backup plan: Make sure the DJ or band has a backup plan for technical issues (e.g., a backup laptop or extra cables).

8. Cake & sweets: save on size, not on taste

Average costs: €300 - €1,200 Possible savings: €150 - €600

How to save?

• Choose a smaller cake: A cake for 50-60 people is often enough, even for 100 guests. Most guests only take a small piece. A smaller cake saves €100-€300.
• Choose a „fake tier“: A cake with a fake layer (e.g., polystyrene) looks big but is €50-€150 cheaper than a fully real cake. The fake layer isn’t eaten but creates an impressive effect.
• Choose a simple design: A cake with a simple design (e.g., a white cake with a few flowers) is €100-€300 cheaper than a cake with lots of details, colors, or figures.
• Choose an alternative: A sweet table (a table with various sweets) or a dessert buffet is often €100-€200 cheaper than a large cake. Plus, guests have more choice.
• Order from a local bakery: A local bakery is often 20-30% cheaper than a specialized wedding cake bakery. Always ask for samples to assess the quality.

Where not to cut costs?

• Taste: A cake that doesn’t taste good will be left uneaten. Choose a good baker and always ask for samples.
• Stability: An unstable cake can collapse. Make sure the cake is well-supported (e.g., with a sturdy cake board and dowels).
• Allergies: Make sure there are allergy-friendly options (e.g., gluten-free or nut-free). Nothing is more awkward than a guest who can’t eat anything.

Tip: Read our guide autumn wedding cake alternatives 2026 for more ideas on alternatives to the traditional wedding cake.

Frequently asked questions

How much can you realistically save on a wedding budget?

For a wedding with 80-100 guests, you can save €2,000-€5,000 with smart choices, without compromising on quality or guest experience. The biggest savings are in the wedding venue (€500-€2,500), catering (€800-€3,000), and photography (€300-€1,200). Smaller savings, like digital invitations (€200-€800) or a smaller cake (€100-€300), add up. The key is to set priorities: what do you really not want to skimp on? For most couples, those are the venue, food, and photography.

Is it smart to save on the wedding dress?

Yes, but only if you’re flexible about the style and fit. A wedding dress is one of the biggest expenses (€1,200-€3,000), but there are many ways to save:

• Sample sales: Dresses with 50-70% discount, but often only in size 36-38.
• Second-hand dresses: Platforms like Stillwhite offer second-hand dresses for €200-€800.
• Rental: More and more bridal shops offer dresses for rent for €300-€800.

Watch out: A cheap dress that doesn’t fit well leads to expensive alterations (€150-€400) or discomfort on the big day. Always invest in a good tailor for a perfect fit.

Can you save on catering without guests noticing?

Yes, but only if you make smart choices. Guests notice immediately if the food is of poor quality, but they won’t notice if you choose a buffet instead of a sit-down dinner or seasonal dishes instead of expensive imported ingredients. Some tips:

• Choose a buffet or family-style dinner: This is €10-€20 per person cheaper than a sit-down dinner.
• Limit the number of courses: Three courses are often enough. A fourth course adds €5-€8 per person but isn’t always eaten.
• Choose seasonal dishes: Seasonal ingredients are cheaper and fresher. An autumn menu with pumpkin and mushrooms is 15-20% cheaper than a summer menu with asparagus and strawberries.
• Limit the number of drinks: An open bar with just beer, wine, and soft drinks is €5-€10 per person cheaper than a full open bar.

Watch out: Cheap food stands out immediately. Always choose a caterer with good reviews, even if they’re slightly more expensive.

Is it wise to hire a beginner photographer?

It depends. A beginner photographer often charges €500-€1,000 less than an experienced one but can deliver just as good results. Pros: lower costs, fresh perspective, enthusiasm. Cons: less experience with weddings, possibly less professional equipment, no guarantee of quality.

Tips for choosing a beginner photographer:

• Ask for a full portfolio (not just the highlights).
• Ask about experience with weddings (how many have they photographed?).
• Ask about backup equipment (a professional photographer always has backup cameras and lenses).
• Ask for references from previous couples.

Watch out: If the photos disappoint, there’s no second chance. Weigh the savings against the risk.

How can you save on wedding invitations without looking cheap?

Digital invitations are the biggest saving (€200-€800 for 80-100 guests), but if you opt for printed invitations, there are other ways to save without looking cheap:

• Choose a simple design: A minimalist design (e.g., black and white or one color) is €1-€3 cheaper per piece than an invitation with lots of colors or details.
• Combine invitation and RSVP: An invitation with a folded RSVP card is €0.50-€1 cheaper per piece than a separate RSVP card.
• Print yourself: You can print the invitations yourself (e.g., at HEMA or Action) for €0.50-€1.50 per piece. This saves €1-€3 per piece compared to a professional printer.
• Limit the number of cards: Send one invitation per household instead of per person. This saves 30-50% on costs.

Watch out: An invitation must contain all important information (date, time, location, dress code, RSVP date). An unclear invitation leads to confusion and extra work. Also, choose thick paper (e.g., 300 gsm) for a luxurious look.

What are the biggest pitfalls when saving on a wedding budget?

The biggest pitfalls are:

1. Cutting costs on the wrong things: For example, on the wedding dress (which doesn’t fit well), the catering (where guests go home hungry), or the photography (where the photos disappoint).
2. Not setting priorities: Cutting costs on everything leads to a cheap impression. Decide in advance what you really don’t want to skimp on (e.g., the venue, food, or photography).
3. Not accounting for hidden costs: For example, alterations to the wedding dress, extra decor for a bare venue, or a party tent in case of rain. These costs can add €500-€2,000 to the budget.
4. Starting too late: Some savings (e.g., a sample sale wedding dress or a cheap venue) are only possible if you start planning 6-12 months in advance.
5. No flexibility: A wedding on Saturday in peak season is 30-50% more expensive than on Friday or Sunday in the low season. Flexibility can save thousands of euros.

Tip: Use our dividing your wedding budget 2026 to create a realistic budget and avoid pitfalls.