Wedding planning in 2025? You’re not alone if you’re looking for creative ways to save money without sacrificing style. With inflation and tariffs looming, couples are getting smarter (and savvier) about their wedding budgets. Enter the tried-and-true triple threat of DIY, rental, and resale wedding budget hacks. These strategies not only help you save big but also align with the growing trends of sustainability and intentional spending. Win-win!

DIY Wedding Ideas That Save Money and Add a Personal Touch

DIY weddings are on the rise, and for good reason. Doing it yourself versus hiring a dedicated wedding planner can significantly cut costs while adding unique, personalized details to your big day. But smart DIY is all about choosing the right projects: the ones that will have the biggest impact without overwhelming your to-do list.

Top DIY Wedding Projects:

• Custom Signage: Welcome signs, seating charts, and bar menus can be designed and printed at home or through affordable online printers like Shutterfly.
• DIY Wedding Centerpieces: Use secondhand vases, fresh greenery or wildflowers, and thrifted candles for a romantic yet budget-friendly look.
• Personalized Ceremony Backdrops: Create a photo-worthy moment with fabric, florals, or a wooden arch you decorate yourself. (Bonus Points: You can thrift the fabric and florals, too!)

Tip: Focus your DIY energy on decor and details that guests will interact with most. And don’t be afraid to enlist your bridal party or family for a fun craft night!

Why Renting Wedding Attire and Decor Is a Total Game-Changer

The guys have been renting their wedding tuxes since the beginning of time—who says they’re the only ones who can?! Good news: In 2025 and beyond, savvy couples are renting wedding dresses, suits, jewelry, decor, and even furniture to save thousands on their costs.

What You Can Rent for Your Wedding:

• Wedding Dresses and Accessories: Clothing rental platforms allow brides, bridesmaids, and guests to wear designer gowns for a fraction of the cost.
• Decor Rentals: Arches, ceremony seating, table runners, candle holders, and more are available through local rental companies.
• Furniture for Lounge Areas: Want that cozy cocktail-hour vibe? Rent sofas, chairs, and vintage tables instead of buying or DIY-ing.

Benefits of Renting for Weddings:

• Saves money on big-ticket, one-time-use items—and then allows another couple to take advantage!
• Reduces waste, aligning with sustainable wedding goals—score!
• Eliminates the need for post-wedding storage or resale stress—we love that!

Renting is an especially smart move if you’re planning a wedding in a non-traditional venue where you have to bring everything in yourself.

The Wedding Resale Revolution: Buy and Sell Smart

One of the biggest wedding trends for 2025 is the wedding resale economy. Couples are buying gently used items, and reselling their own after the celebration to recoup costs.

Where to Shop (and Sell) for Wedding Resale:

• StillWhite, Nearly Newlywed, and Poshmark: Great for wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and accessories.
• Facebook Marketplace and Local Buy/Sell Groups: Perfect for bulk items like centerpieces, signage, and lighting.
• Wedding-Specific Resale Sites: Websites dedicated to secondhand wedding items like Kleinfeld Again are growing fast.

Smart Wedding Resale Tips:

• Buy your must-haves early—good deals go quick!
• Look for items that can be easily repurposed for home decor afterward.
• After your wedding, sell while demand is high—spring and summer are peak seasons.

Buying secondhand wedding items isn’t just smart for your wallet; it’s also a great way to reduce your wedding’s environmental footprint.

Looming Tariffs? Here’s a Smart Move: Shop Sales Now

Another hidden cost that couples are starting to watch? Potential new tariffs that could increase prices on wedding dresses, accessories, and décor later this year. Smart brides are getting ahead by shopping now—especially during major sales. By locking in a beautiful, affordable gown now at a fraction of the price, you can free up more budget for other important parts of your wedding, like photography, catering, or entertainment. Getting ahead of rising costs means you won’t just save, but you’ll give yourself more flexibility and financial peace of mind.

Your Dream Wedding, Your Smart Budget

The best weddings are all about creativity, community, and conscious spending. With the right mix of DIY wedding projects, wedding rental options, wedding resale communities, and early sale shopping, you can have a gorgeous, memorable celebration without blowing your budget. Remember: Your wedding day should feel like you—not a CTRL-C/CTRL-V of someone else’s Pinterest board. With a little creativity and some smart wedding budget hacks, you’ll prove that love (and good taste) doesn’t have to come with a sky-high price tag.

Looking for more inspo? Check out Pearl by David’s for all the latest trends, advice, and more.