N.Y.C. Wedding Planner Shares Her Top 7 Money-Saving Tips for 2024

From personalized bars to avoiding Saturdays entirely, Forbes Functions founder Cameron Forbes breaks down the easiest methods to save a bit on your big day

To absolutely nobody's surprise, weddings can be expensive.

In 2023, the national average wedding cost hit a whopping $30,000, according to those who filled out The Knot's Real Weddings Study. That figure marked a $2,000 increase from 2022's national average — and that average price varies by state.

But while weddings may be a major investment, they don't always have to be that major. That's where Cameron Forbes, founder of New York City-based event planning company Forbes Functions, comes in.

A native New Yorker with a background in public relations and design, Forbes has been taking the weight off her clients' shoulders with the help of vendors across New York and Long Island — all while making a name for herself in the event-planning scene, even beyond just weddings.

And for 2024, Forbes has provided PEOPLE with some go-to, money-saving tips for knocking out the details for their big day. Some of these might take you by surprise, but they won't take as much out of your wallet.

Related: Should You Have a Child-Free Wedding? Celeb Wedding Planner Lisa Vorce Breaks Down the Pros and Cons

Shrink the Wedding Party

It might be a tough task for those with a few too many close friends, but the wedding party itself costs a pretty penny and may need a reduction if soon-to-be newlyweds want to save a quick buck.

"Over the last few years, we've seen a giant increase in the number of people in the wedding party. Brides often have upwards of seven bridesmaids, increasing both the overall guest count and getting ready costs for hair and makeup," Forbes says. "I highly recommend opting for a smaller bridal party — not only will you be able to spend more quality time with loved ones in an intimate setting, but you will also be able to save money on the big day."

Select a "Shoulder Season"

Summer weddings are a big deal to most and for some, even a non-negotiable. As Forbes explains, May through October is when most weddings are booked — but it shouldn't always have to be that way.

"To save on venue and other vendor costs, consider hosting your wedding during a 'shoulder season' — an off-peak time when vendors and venues have lower prices due to decreased demand," she says. "December, January and February are three winter wedding months where prices drop with the fall in temperature, leading to savings in the thousands."

Skip Saturdays

If summer weddings with big wedding parties are a must, Forbes has another cheat that may help lovebirds help their bank accounts: Choosing a cheaper day of the week. "Saturdays are the most popular days for weddings — guests are available on the weekends, don't have to worry about missing work and can travel to your destination if needed," Forbes says. "You stand to save thousands if you can host your wedding on an alternate day, such as Friday or Sunday."

According to Forbes, venues tend to increase their pricing on Saturday nights due to demand. "So skipping Saturdays is a great way to spend less on your wedding day."

Related: Wedding Planning Expert Emily Coyne Shares Secret Tips That Most Planners Won't Tell You (Exclusive)

Digitize Strategically

We're living in an increasingly digital world. Reflecting that in your special day can help alleviate some big-time wedding expenses, as would trading some aspects such as physical invitations and other keepsakes for a personalized wedding website.

"I recommend clients only partially forgo the traditional wedding invitation and stationery — it's classic for a reason and serves as a keepsake of the day in a way a screenshot simply can't. However, I don't advise clients to go all-out on wedding stationery," Forbes tells us.

"Instead, I recommend clients save on cards, postage and envelopes by sending out one primary card in the invitation and guiding guests to an online wedding website for other relevant information," she adds. "The less material is printed, the less money is spent on invitations, so building a beautiful wedding website instead of sending out multiple cards in your invitation suite is a sure way to save."

Cut the buses

As Forbes shares, transportation is an often overlooked expense when it comes time to tie the knot. Instead of spending thousands on shuttling your guests, she recommends "either using the same venue for the ceremony and reception or making sure the trip is walkable to save on transport."

"Not only will you cut spending, guests will be able to spend more time together enjoying the wedding," she adds.

Personalize the Bar

For many weddinggoers, the reception is a great time to unwind with a drink after a busy day of dressing up and watching love in real-time. It's "one of the most significant expenses at any event, and couples often find making the decision on whether or not to offer an open bar difficult," Forbes says.

But it doesn't have to be that way. As Forbes explains, "providing specialty cocktails tailored to the bride and groom instead of a full bar" can really slash an alcohol budget.

"Custom cocktails feel unique and youthful, and pairing them with beer and wine options allows guests to enjoy a range of refreshments without breaking the bank," she says. "To make the moment even more memorable, come up with some fun names for the specialty cocktails and prepare a cute menu."

Hire a Wedding Planner

Even Forbes admits that this one "may seem counterintuitive," but really, hiring a planner is the easiest way to "stay on budget, track wedding expenses and find deals and discounts through exclusive connections and contacts."

"I recommend using the Knot, Zola or a similar site to search for planners near you," she says. "You'll save money and be able to enjoy your day without focusing on the nitty-gritty of the event!"

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