Weddings can be expensive—and while the internet is full of cost-cutting tips, one couple took a decidedly unconventional approach to cutting wedding costs: charging their guests for the experience.

To reduce the financial burden of their wedding, newlyweds Nova and Reemo Styles took an innovative approach: They treated their ceremony like a concert and charged guests an attendance fee.

That actually sounded like a good idea on paper, considering the average wedding today costs tens of thousands of dollars. “The biggest cost is usually the venue, which accounts for about 37% of the total cost,” said The knot Deputy Editor Esther Lee.

Nova explained her reasoning: “And I said, ‘People go to a Beyoncé concert because they know they’re going to have an experience. Let’s put pressure on the guests and sell tickets to a wedding.'”

Reemo, on the other hand, was more skeptical about charging guests, fearing it would reduce attendance. Although people came to the wedding, the couple received negative feedback about the fees. “I would never spend money on tickets. I don’t care. Who do you think you are? Jay-Z and Beyoncé?” recalls Nova.

Tickets cost $333 each and offered guests a seat on their double-decker bus for a 12-hour New York adventure. This unique approach saved the couple a remarkable $70,000 in wedding costs. Other couples are also resorting to unconventional approaches to reduce wedding costs.

“We’re seeing an increase in brunch weddings,” Lee said. Some couples, like Courtney and Alex Quist (TheQuistFamily), are bucking tradition by opting for earlier ceremonies rather than evening events and replacing the usual filet and fish with a more casual menu of pizza and mimosas, according to a report from ABC 7.

“I’d say we probably saved $40,000,” Courtney said. “We had a beautiful wedding, an amazing reception, and the people we love and care about the most were able to be there, so I wouldn’t change a thing,” Alex said.

While some couples try unconventional methods to cover wedding costs, like charging guests, others rely on more traditional financial support, like saving early. To put this in context, Mike and his wife generously gifted their daughter $20,000 to help fund her dream wedding.

The daughter, however, made a different financial decision and used the money for a down payment on a house rather than for wedding preparations. While this approach may be attractive to some, many others value a lavish wedding celebration and would rather make such a sacrifice. Here are some other ways to stretch your wedding budget.

Practical tips for your wedding budget

There are plenty of practical strategies to cut costs without sacrificing the joy of the day. CNBC Select offers valuable insights and suggestions on how to significantly reduce wedding expenses.

1. The early bird catches the wedding

It’s important to start saving for your wedding early. Open a high-interest savings account or CD to help your money grow faster than it would with a traditional account. Consider options like UFB Portfolio Savings, which offers a high annual interest rate and no minimum deposit.

2. Discounts outside peak hours

Consider having your wedding off-season (January, February or March) or on a weekday to significantly reduce venue and other services costs. While vendors may offer discounts, catering and floral costs may be less discounted.

3. Use credit cards wisely

For most wedding expenses, use credit cards to earn rewards or benefits. Compare cards to get the best return. Opt for cards with 0% introductory APR for big purchases, but be wary of high interest rates and balance transfer fees. Consider cards like Wells Fargo Reflect with their 21-month 0% introductory APR.

4. Reap rewards

Take advantage of big wedding spending by securing credit card sign-up bonuses. Look for cards with generous welcome offers that match your spending. Consider options like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, Capital One Venture Rewards, American Express Platinum Card and Ink Business Preferred® to potentially earn thousands in rewards or travel credits.

5. Hotel rush for points

If your wedding is at a hotel, you can maximize your spending by earning hotel loyalty points. Major chains like Hilton, IHG, Marriott and Hyatt offer points for wedding spending. While these points can’t be converted directly into cash, they can go a long way toward future hotel stays, especially for your honeymoon.

Although saving for a wedding can be stressful, financial therapist Amanda Clayman suggests approaching the process as an exciting challenge. By getting creative with wedding planning, exploring side hustles or discovering inexpensive travel options, couples can turn financial constraints into opportunities for unique and memorable experiences.