From the venue and invitations to décor and favors, making your nuptials both budget and planet friendly can be an undertaking. But with the right amount of planning, Pinterest-hunting, and a few good tips from experts, you can save yourself the headache of a hefty price tag, and be less wasteful in the process. 

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In wallet-friendly wedding planning, one of the most important things is to assess which parts you want to splurge on, which parts you have a friend or contact who can help you budget, and which parts you can do more simply (and cheaply.) For example, you can aim to have your ceremony and reception at one venue to both save and make the location convenient for out of town guests.

Below, seven more tips to keep your big day beautiful, sustainable—and well under budget. 

Related: 6 Ways To Save Cash By Making Your Wedding Gorgeous And Green

Upcycle your décor

mason jar wedding decor
benhood/getty

“If you choose a venue that is outdoors or has a lot of its own personality, you don’t need to go overboard with décor, which can save you quite a bit. An outdoor wedding surrounded by lots of lush greens doesn’t need much else to bring it to life,” says Alexandria Proko, owner of Alexandria Catherine Events.

If your venue needs a little extra to make it a perfect fit, consider using these 29 creative succulent planter ideas you should definitely steal for a rustic vibe without making a huge dent on your budget. You could even have a fun DIY succulent potting afternoon pre-wedding and ask your bridal party to each bring a vintage item to use as a planter to add an extra personal touch to your centerpieces. 

Related: 6 Very Cool Ways To Decorate With Succulents

Go digital with your invitations

Instead of splurging on expensive cards and stamps, go digital. “Email invitations have become increasingly more popular and accepted,” says Jennifer Skarakis, founder of Sendo Online Invitations, “There are many benefits from using a digital invitation including RSVP management and guest communication." This option has the added bonus of being the most eco-friendly way to include everyone in your big day. 

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Do it yourself, or ask a friend

“As we all know, networking is everything. Can one of your friends cook? If so, can he offer to be your chef for the wedding? Does your friend’s daughter want to make a few extra bucks over the summer? Maybe she and her friends can become waitresses for a night,” says Roxanne Klavir, Director of Special Events for RDK Events and Communications.

If you’re shy about asking friends to take on a big role for your wedding, consider doing a lot of the legwork yourself. Have an eye for design, or a lot of extra space in your backyard garden? Take over the flower arrangements. You can consider sourcing from a wholesaler, or even growing all of the flowers yourself to save some big bucks (here's a guide to how to source your wedding flowers locally and sustainably). 

preview for No-Rules Flower Arrangement

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Related: What Happened When I Decided To Grow The Flowers For My Daughter’s Weddin

Get a vintage gown

Going vintage is good for your wallet, and is a beautiful way to recycle. “Consider buying a gently-used gown from wedding dress charities like Brides Against Breast Cancer or Brides for a Cause,” says Kristin Castillo, author of Weddings on a Dime: How to Plan Your Big Day Without Breaking the Bank.

Already picked up your dream dress? Think about donating it after the I do’s (check out these 7 things you never knew you could donate) to help out another earth-friendly, budget-conscious bride and save a little room in your closet. 

Pick the date carefully

Did you know that the date of your wedding could significantly influence the cost? “Have your wedding on an off day like a Thursday or a Sunday," says Castillo, "Most weddings happen on a Saturday so that means they’ll be in heavy demand and you won’t get any discounts. By choosing a non-traditional wedding day, vendors including your venue, caterers, photographers, and florists may be able to offer you deals."

Related: The 7 Worst Flowers Used In Summer Weddings

Do a cake swap

If you’re a dessert lover, this budget saving tip may make you cringe, but wedding cakes have become increasingly costly and they really only take center stage for a moment or two during your reception.

“Fake the wedding cake. Serve sheet cake to your guests and they will never know the difference,” says Dawn Stafford, creative director of Gathering Souls Design. If a decorative cake is a must-have, get a small one to cut in front of guests and have the waiters in the back ready to serve a less expensive dessert." 

Related: Eco-Friendly Engagement Rings That Make Saying Yes Easy

​Set your priorities

This should be a no-brainer, but many couples get swept up in planning and spend where they don’t need (or want) to in order to please their guests.

Related: 8 Habits Of Happily Married Couples

“Discuss priorities with your partner and focus the majority of your wedding funds on those items. If you both really enjoy live music, you might splurge on a band and opt for appetizers over a full dinner. If you’re foodies, you might put most of your money into catering from a favorite restaurant and forego elaborate centerpieces. By investing in what you truly care about, you make it easier to spend less on things that aren’t as important,” says Kendal Perez, savings expert with CouponSherpa.com