6 ways the cost of living crisis is affecting weddings

The cost of living crisis is taking its toll on every industry these days, and weddings are no exception. Gone are lavish destination ceremonies and top-shelf booze; as consumers economise, new trends are heating up.

Read on to learn more about the new money-saving trends in weddings!

1. Online Ring Shops Offer Bargains

For many, engagement and wedding rings are the most expensive part of the wedding. And while couples can’t exactly make gold and silver cheap, they can cut down on the high street markup.

Many are taking ring shopping online, allowing them to compare beautiful rings from around the world. Others are turning to cheaper lab-grown diamonds, which also have fewer ethical issues than their mined counterparts.

Couples still want the gorgeous emerald cut diamond of their dreams, but they are smarter about how they go about it.

2. Flower Arrangements Are Becoming Streamlined

What’s a wedding without flowers? But building huge and showstopping arrangements doesn’t come cheap. Consumers are finding a few ways to cut back, though.

Some are beefing up bouquets with cheaper greenery. Other brides are opting for chic minimalism. And still more are switching out buttonholes for pocket squares on the groomsmen.

And seasonality isn’t just for vegetables. Picking locally grown and seasonal blooms (maybe even from the farmers’ market) is trendy, eco-friendly, and easier on the pocketbook.

3. Weddings: Not Just for Summer Anymore!

While for some, only a weekend in June will do, other couples choose weeknight and offseason weddings. For smaller weddings, couples are finding that a weekday wedding can save thousands of pounds on venue rental.

Others opt for weddings in autumn and winter. These times of the year can be just as magical: imagine twinkling lights and candles for a December wedding or beautiful flower arrangements made with colorful October foliage.

Wedding vendors can benefit, too. A more consistent flow of customers year-round can be more profitable than a heavy summer season.

4. “Something Borrowed” Is More Than a Superstition

While brides in the past may have worn something borrowed as a token, brides today are taking advantage of renting and borrowing! After all, the amount spent on the wedding has no relation to the length of the marriage.

Some brides walk down the aisle in family jewelry. For those without that option, jewelry rental is available from websites and even high street stores.

Vendors looking to push shoes, dresses, and decorations may do well to emphasize their practicality and reusability.

5. Invitations Are Going Digital

Gone are the days of heavyweight paper invitations written in flawless calligraphy. These days, couples can keep their guests updated with the click of a mouse.

While many still need (or want) to send out an initial paper invite, they also have a website that details the full rundown of events. Guests can RSVP or state their meal preferences online, too.

Additionally, websites make it easier to deal with cancelations or date changes. So while the stationary shops may be losing money, the web designers are making bank!

6. Pre-loved Dresses Are More Popular

Wearing a used or borrowed wedding dress used to be something of a taboo. No longer; brides these days are buying pre-worn dresses from online listings and even charity shops!

Businesses are adapting by offering simpler dress options that can compete better on price. They’re also pushing shoes and accessories since brides that have saved on the dress may want to splurge there.

And tailors are in luck: with a secondhand dress, brides are more likely to want alterations done.

Final Thoughts

Instead of putting off their weddings because of the cost of living crisis, couples are being creative about how they save money. Businesses that are willing to be flexible can reap the reward!