Choose a Venue That Fits Your Budget
Choose a venue that fits your budget
Look for venues that offer discounts for off-peak times, such as weekday weddings. Consider outdoor venues that don’t require a large rental fee. Ask about discounts for local residents or for members of the venue's loyalty program.
Keep in mind that you may be able to negotiate with the owner of an indoor location if you're willing to help with setup and cleanup beforehand or after the event is over (this can save hundreds).
Negotiate With Vendors
Negotiate With Vendors Shop around for the best deals on vendors and don't be afraid to negotiate. Ask for discounts on bulk orders or for special packages that include multiple services. Look for vendors who offer discounts for referrals or repeat customers.
Cut Down on Guest List for a budget-friendly wedding in Israel
The more people you invite to your wedding, the more expensive it will be. Try to keep your guest list to a minimum and only invite those closest to you. Consider inviting fewer guests and making it a more intimate affair.
Have a Buffet Instead of a Plated Meal
Have a buffet instead of a plated meal. Buffets are often much less expensive than plated meals, and they allow your guests to choose the food they want. Consider having a buffet-style dinner or even a potluck to reduce the cost of catering.
Have an outdoor ceremony and reception (if possible). If you're getting married in Israel during the summer months, consider having an outdoor ceremony and reception instead of holding it indoors at your venue or at another location nearby. The weather will be beautiful, and this will save money on air conditioning costs by allowing guests to enjoy their time outdoors without feeling hot or uncomfortable from being too warm inside the building where you're hosting your event!
DIY Decorations
Creating your own decorations can be a fun and creative way to save money on your wedding. Look for DIY tutorials online or ask friends and family for help with decorations. You can also find affordable decorations at local thrift stores and craft stores. If you have time, consider making some of the things yourself, such as table numbers or place cards (or even favors). For example, if you're having an outdoor ceremony and reception but want to keep costs down by not renting chairs or tables, consider using crates instead!
Shop for Used or Rented Items
Look for used items online or in thrift stores that you can use for your wedding. Consider renting items such as chairs and tables instead of buying them. You can also borrow items from friends or family members for free.
Buy generic versions of popular products such as napkins, plates, cups and decorations that are less expensive than their brand-name counterparts but still look great.
Buy groceries in bulk to save money on food costs (and make sure they're fresh!).
Cut Down on Alcohol
Alcohol can be one of the biggest expenses at a wedding. Consider offering a limited selection of beer and wine, or having a cash bar. You can also offer non-alcoholic drinks such as juices, sodas and tea if you're looking to save even more money.
Have a Smaller Cake
Wedding cakes can be expensive, so consider having a smaller cake or cupcakes instead. You can also ask your baker to make a smaller cake and use decorations to make it look larger.
Look for Deals on Transportation
If you're planning to have your guests take taxis or buses to the wedding, look into discounts and deals that can be found online. You may also want to consider having them carpool or use public transportation if possible. You can save money by having the wedding and reception at the same venue, which will cut down on travel time for everyone involved (and make it easier for those who might not be able to drive).
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Technology is a great way to organize a budget-friendly wedding in Israel, especially if you're planning an intimate affair. You can use online wedding planning tools to keep track of expenses and find deals. You can also use social media as a marketing tool for your event, spreading the word about your big day and asking for referrals from friends who may know of local vendors who are offering special rates or discounts for their services (e.g., caterers).