Beautiful bridal bouquets capture by a wedding photographer on Prince Edward Island. PEI wedding photographer. Get married on Prince Edward Island. Wedding Photographer on PEI.
Beautiful bridal bouquets capture by a wedding photographer on Prince Edward Island. PEI wedding photographer. Get married on Prince Edward Island. Wedding Photographer on PEI.
Ten Money-Saving Tips When Planning A Wedding On PEI
From A Prince Edward Island Wedding Photographer
Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding is an exciting time, and choosing Prince Edward Island as your wedding destination adds a touch of magic to your special day. Known for its stunning red cliffs, sandy beaches, and peaceful landscapes, PEI offers countless picturesque settings for your dream wedding. However, we know planning a wedding can also come with hefty expenses. That’s why we’ve put together these 10 practical money-saving tips to help you stay within budget while still having the day of your dreams.
As a PEI wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful weddings, and I’ve seen firsthand how couples creatively save money without sacrificing their vision. Let’s dive into these tried-and-true tips!
#1 Customize Your Photography Package
Photography is one of the most important investments for your wedding day. After all, your photos are how you’ll relive those precious memories for years to come. However, hiring a PEI wedding photographer doesn’t have to break the bank. Talk to your chosen photographer about customizing a package to suit your needs. For instance, if you don’t need full-day coverage or extra add-ons like albums or engagement sessions, let your photographer know. Many professionals are happy to adjust their offerings to fit your budget. As a photographer myself, I understand that every wedding is unique. If you’re looking for a Prince Edward wedding photographer who is involved, communicative, and passionate about delivering stunning images, let’s chat!
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#2 Join Buy & Sell Groups
Facebook buy-and-sell groups are a treasure trove for wedding planning on a budget. After their weddings, many couples sell gently used items like centerpieces, candles, signage, and more—often at a fraction of their original cost. By sourcing second-hand décor, you can save hundreds of dollars while still achieving your desired aesthetic. No one will know your items are pre-loved, and your wedding photos will look just as stunning. Search for local groups specific to PEI to find deals close to your area.
#3 Send Free Invites With Canva
Why spend hundreds on printed invitations when you can design beautiful ones for free? Canva is an excellent online tool that offers free and affordable templates for wedding invitations, save-the-dates, and other stationery.
Create personalized invitations and send them electronically to your guests. It’s eco-friendly, budget-friendly, and incredibly convenient. If you’d like a physical keepsake, print one for your memory box. Plus, your PEI wedding photographer will love capturing a photo of your thoughtfully designed invite!
Still want to send physical copies? Mass printing through Staples can be a budget-friendly option. Send it directly to the store to save on shipping costs.
#4 Get Creative With Your PEI Wedding Venue
Venues often take up a significant portion of the wedding budget, but they don’t have to. Consider renting a large Airbnb or vacation rental instead of a traditional wedding venue.PEI has an array of charming homes and waterfront properties that can double as ceremony and reception spaces. Not only will this save money, but it can also provide a unique and intimate backdrop for your wedding day.
When contacting Airbnb hosts, be upfront about your plans, and always respect their property. Many hosts are excited to accommodate weddings and may even help with planning logistics.
Another cost-effective option is to host your wedding on a family property. Whether it’s a family farm, a relative’s backyard, or a beachfront cottage, using a familiar space can create a sentimental and budget-friendly venue. DIYing your décor and setup adds a personal touch, and you’ll have complete creative freedom. Borrow tables, chairs, or tents from local friends and family. As a PEI Wedding Photographer, I love to document the beauty of your hard work and the special memories made in such a meaningful location.
When going the DIY route, be sure to plan for practicalities like washrooms, parking, and rentals to ensure everything runs smoothly.
#5 Follow Local Businesses on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for finding wedding discounts. Many PEI vendors post about last-minute openings, seasonal promotions, or flash sales on Instagram and Facebook. Follow local wedding planners, rental companies, caterers, and, of course, PEI wedding photographers to stay in the loop. This strategy can save you hundreds while supporting small businesses on the Island.
Looking for a fun addition to your wedding? Check out our photo booth rental options for your big day! These can create memorable keepsakes for your guests and add an extra layer of entertainment during the reception, dance, or cocktail hour.
#6 Add Greenery or Wild Flowers
Fresh flowers are beautiful but can be expensive, especially for large arrangements. A cost-effective alternative is to incorporate greenery into your décor. Greenery adds texture, elegance, and depth, making it a versatile and affordable option. From table runners to bouquets, greenery photographs beautifully, especially in outdoor PEI venues. Consider using eucalyptus, ferns, or even foraged greenery (responsibly!) to elevate your wedding aesthetic. As a wedding photographer on Prince Edward Island, I can vouch for how stunning these natural elements look in photos.
Another charming option is to pick your own wildflowers on Prince Edward Island before the wedding. PEI’s countryside is filled with beautiful blooms, from daisies to lupines, during the right seasons. Incorporate these into your bouquets, centerpieces, or even your ceremony arch for a rustic, romantic vibe. Gathering wildflowers can also be a fun pre-wedding activity with your bridal party or family. Be sure to check local guidelines to forage responsibly and avoid picking from protected areas or private property.
#7 Spend The Full Day At One Location
Having your entire wedding day—prep, ceremony, and reception—at a single venue can significantly reduce costs. It minimizes transportation expenses, eliminates the need for multiple décor setups, and often comes with package deals from the venue.
Many PEI wedding venues offer all-inclusive packages that include catering, rentals, and décor at discounted rates. Plus, staying in one place allows your PEI wedding photographer to focus on capturing more moments instead of traveling between locations.
#8 Opt For Cupcakes From A Small Business
Small businesses or “up and coming” bakers may be very excited about the opportunity to help vendor your wedding day. Not only may they have flexible availability, but could have more budget-friendly rates. Scroll through Facebook, and Instagram and see what they have worked on in the past. Communication is key, a multi-tier wedding cake may be asking too much if they do not have past experience doing such design.
However, delicious cupcakes with fluffy white icing may be easier to execute and cost-friendly!
Local Tip: Buns & Things Cakes on Prince Edward Island has INCREDIBLE cupcakes at an even better price point. You can find them on Facebook today!
If you still desire that iconic cake cutting picture, ask for a small 8-inch round cake. This is typically very affordable and allows your wedding photographer to still get this awesome shot for your final wedding gallery.
#9 Weekday Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Want to get married at the trendiest location, with the most popular photographer, and have the best catering in the town? Consider a weekday wedding! Not only are they more likely to have the date available, but some vendors may offer discounts for off-day events. If you are worried about some guests not being able to attend due to work obligations, have your ceremony during the beautiful PEI golden hour while the sun goes down over the horizon. A candlelit reception is not only romantic but will bring a unique aspect that your guests will always remember! This will photograph beautifully in your final gallery from your wedding photographer.
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#10 Buy A Non-Traditional Wedding Dress
Wedding dresses can be one of the most expensive items on your list, but they don’t have to be. Instead of shopping at bridal boutiques, look for white dresses that aren’t marketed as wedding gowns.
Many retailers and online stores offer beautiful white dresses labeled as bridesmaid or cocktail attire. These options are often more affordable and just as stunning. The savings can be used elsewhere in your budget, such as hiring the perfect PEI wedding photographer to capture your special day.
Still want that traditional wedding dress? Look around online this can be more budget-friendly than a bridal boutique. However, make sure they have a good return policy so you can try on the dress at home.
A skilled PEI wedding photographer is an invaluable part of your big day. While saving money is important, don’t compromise on the quality of your photography. Your wedding photos are what you’ll cherish for years to come, and choosing someone who aligns with your style and needs will make all the difference.
Looking for a PEI wedding photographer who’s passionate about capturing timeless, heartfelt moments? I’d love to hear more about your plans! Let’s connect and create something beautiful together.
