How to cut costs with wasted expenses

You can definitely cut favors, programs, and signs (like welcome sign and all that). I made escort cards for super cheap by just buying a pack of tented Avery cards and using their free template to print them on my home printer. It cost about $10 for the pack of cards, if even. Plus the cards are so much easier for last minute changes and also for guests, since they can just grab and go rather than huddling around a board. I know I always forget my table assignment like right after I walk away from the chart.

Definitely skip the favors. You could also skip ceremony programs and ceremony aisle decorations (or do minimal decorations for both ceremony and reception).

When I was planning it helped me to keep in mind that the only crucial things are two people getting married, license, and officiant (which isn't even always required in some locations!). Everything else is extra.

So, start at the center (you and your future spouse) and work outwards. Consider each extra thing for if you really want it or feel you need it, and if it fits in your budget. Don't add things just to add them. And remember two things can affect your budget significantly: how large your guest list is, and whether or not you have a wedding party.

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Agree with this.

Also skip champagne toasts, signs, bridesmaid proposal boxes, bridesmaid robes/jewelry.

The only requirements are a license, officiant, fiance, legal witnesses and a reception for any guests attending. The rest is optional.

You can definitely skip programs, favors, and signage, without guests ever knowing the difference. You don’t need props for grand exits (sparklers, confetti bombs, etc.). You don’t need expensive shoes- no one sees them under your dress anyway. Get some comfy white tennis shoes or flats (and your feet will thank you!)
Upgrades are not necessary, Utilize everything your venue provides (chairs, linens, flatware, candles, etc). And if you haven’t already chosen a vendor, make sure one of your questions is what all is included for the price. If you can find a venue that provides tables, chairs, linens, table decor, etc. that is one less thing you need to budget for. You can choose a smaller package for photography and/or videography. You could have a friend or family member get ordained, which saves you on average $400-600. If you are creative, you can DIY your centerpieces and even your bouquet & boutonniere (lots of grocery stores carry beautiful flowers that can easily and cheaply be reworked).

Look into weekday weddings too- you can save a lot of money there with a venue/vendors. It may also help significantly with the guest list too (saving you money on food/drinks) with travel limitations.

View Quoted Comment I love the card idea! I got some inspiration that someone clothes pinned then tons board with some lights. I think I could do something like this with some string lights I have already. I was thinking of writing them out but printing sounds way less stressful!

View Quoted Comment The decorations is where I struggle. But I think this is a good place to save money as well!

View Quoted Comment We are so lucky to have a friend that will be our officiant. We have decided on no wedding party. It's just the nitty gritty small stuff we have decided on what to cut but I think it seems easier than I anticipated

You could also skip the wedding cake, and opt for less expensive cupcakes or other forms of desserts.
The number one way to save money on weddings is to keep the guest list small (smaller venue needed, fewer tables, chairs, centerpieces, less food, beverage, etc.)

View Quoted Comment We are almost set on a venue that is basically all inclusive. It comes with a cake and some desserts. It's actually very inexpensive for everything compared to many other venues I looked at.

View Quoted Comment This is where we saved a lot, comparing and contrasting services provided by each vendor.

Alcohol can be expensive so you don't need a full open bar