A wedding planner is urging couples getting married to stop wasting money on favours, unwanted guests and flowers on the big day.
And she says it can shave thousands off the bill.
Hayley Evans often shares her expert tips and tricks on how to make the special day less stressful with her 19,900 followers on TikTok (@amae.weddings).
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As an award-winning wedding planner and coordinator, she’s seen it all, from extravagant soirées to fixing a bride’s meltdown when something hasn’t gone right.
But there’s one regular theme: couples wasting money.
And while the 45-year-old always urges newlyweds to aim for a stylish and thoughtful day, there are ways to do it without “unnecessary overspending”.
FAVOURS
“They are always a waste,” Hayley, from Essex, told Founder Insights.
“You always hear people talking about this so much.
“They get left on the dining table, nobody uses them, and they end up going in the bin.
“So don’t waste your money.
“Instead, put it towards something more useful or resourceful, like a charity donation.”
FOOD AND DRINK UPGRADES
While it’s nice to give your guests a glass of Champagne to make the toast, people won’t be able to tell the difference if they’re given a budget-friendly bottle of fizz.
She said: “Nobody will know if you’ve upgraded from Prosecco to Champagne – apart from the experts, maybe.
“Even if the venue is showcasing the bottle, it doesn’t mean that much to people; certainly not as much as it may mean to you.
“Champagne can double your drinks budget.
“I wouldn’t bother wasting money on that.
“Guests care more about the celebration than the label.
“This alone can save hundreds, granted thousands, if [it’s] a large, high-budget wedding with Champagne provided all day.”
Hayley suggests opting for a signature cocktail instead of an open bar, too.
And when it comes to the main meal, there’s no need to fork out on a huge feast.
She said: “Instead of adding endless courses or late-night snacks, create a refined, seasonal menu that’s impressive, but intentional.
“A well-balanced three-course meal can feel just as luxurious as five when thoughtfully chosen.”
IMPULSE BUYING
We’ve all been there; it’s an exciting time, and sometimes it’s nice to pick up a few bits that catch your eye.
But Hayley says this often leads to money down the drain.
She said: “Things like buying your bridesmaids’ dresses before you’ve even chosen a colour scheme.
“Or committing to a supplier before you’ve hired the venue.
“Last-minute purchases add up fast.
“Always sleep on non-essentials before buying.
“As otherwise, all of that money just goes in the bin.
“Think carefully, plan ahead, and you can’t go wrong.”
LACK OF RESEARCH
Hayley has seen it all too often – couples pick the first venue they see, pay a deposit and end up falling out of love with it before the big day.
And in the long term, it’ll cost a pretty penny.
She said: “Always read reviews, ask for quotes and compare values.
“More importantly, don’t just book somewhere – or someone – because you like the look of their Instagram.
“Many assume planners are a luxury, but they save money by avoiding costly mistakes, negotiating rates and streamlining decisions.
“Even hiring one for partial planning can pay for itself.”
UNWANTED GUESTS
It’s a tricky decision to make, but not refining your guest list can lead to the overall day costing thousands more.
She said: “Please choose your guests wisely.
“A smaller guest list means more room to indulge in them.
“Fewer people means better food, wine and service.
“The day becomes more intimate and elevated.
“Most of the time, people aren’t offended, especially if they’re just plus ones.”
To shave the guest list down, Hayley has some rules to follow:
She said: “No contact, no invite.
“If you haven’t spoken in the last 12 months, they probably don’t need a seat.
“Unless you know them well, or they’re long-term partners, plus ones aren’t essential.
“The Dinner Test: Would you happily take them out and pay for their food and drinks for a full day?
“If not, rethink the invite.”
FLOWERS
Although it’s nice to have lots of colourful florals adorning the space, these often go to waste once the celebrations end.
She said: “Reuse ceremony flowers for the reception and focus on impactful areas, like the entrance, dining table and key photo moments.
“Fewer, larger floral pieces can look far more luxurious than lots of scattered small ones.
“Also, pick a venue that’s naturally beautiful or well-styled to spend less on décor.”
Hayley also recommends using a DJ over a band, using sample sales for wedding attire and sending out digital invites instead of physical ones.
With the money saved, she suggests couples put the spare pennies towards a second photographer or videographer.
Hayley previously shared her hack to get guests to answer RSVPs that will leave “phones pinging”.
She said to put a deadline date for them to reply by, and if two days pass with no response, then chase them up.
The most essential part of the hack? Phrase it like you’re assuming they’ve chosen not to come.
