It’s no secret that weddings are an expensive endeavor. According to WeddingWire, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is nearly $30,000, with another study estimating the total price at closer to $35,000 on average. That’s more than most people spend on their education or home mortgage!
So how can you save money when planning your wedding? Here are seven ways that might help:
Start by Setting a Budget
One of the best ways to save money when planning a wedding is setting a budget. This means that you’ll need to develop a realistic estimate of how much you can afford to spend on your wedding.
There are several ways to set a budget for your wedding. You can start by estimating how much money you’ll need for each part of the wedding, such as the venue, catering, flowers, and photography. Or, you can decide how much you want to spend on each category, such as food, drinks, flowers, or photography. When creating a budget for your bridal dress, don’t forget that bridesmaid dresses will add another expense into the mix.
Also, don’t forget to include the cost of your honeymoon in your budget. Many people overlook this expense when planning their weddings or neglect to factor it into their wedding spending. But you’ll want to have at least some money set aside for your honeymoon.
Choose a Date that Is Off-Peak Season
One way to save money when planning your wedding is to choose a date that is off-peak season. This means that you’ll have less competition for wedding venues and vendors, which can lead to savings.
For example, consider getting married in the winter instead of the summer. Wedding venues are often more expensive during the summer months, so choosing a winter date can lead to significant savings.
Another way to save money is to avoid Saturdays. Most people get married on Saturdays, so vendors and services are usually higher on this day than during the rest of the week.
Consider Having the Wedding at Home or in a Park
If you’re looking to save money on your wedding, consider having it at home or in a park. This will cut down on your costs, as you won’t have to pay for a venue or catering.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to have your wedding at home or in a park. First, make sure that your home or garden is big enough to accommodate all your guests. You’ll also need to provide chairs and tables for your guests, as well as food and drinks.
If you choose to have your wedding at home, you’ll also need to make sure that your home is decorated appropriately for the occasion. And if you decide to have your wedding in a park, you’ll need to take care of things like bathrooms and trash.
Limit the Guest List
When it comes to saving money on your wedding, one of the best things you can do is limit the guest list. This means that you’ll have to be picky about who you invite, and you’ll probably have to leave out some friends and family members.
But by limiting the guest list, you can save a lot of money on things like catering and invitations. And, if you’re tight on cash, you can even cut down on the number of guests who will be attending your wedding.
Serve Cake and Drinks Instead of a Full Meal
Save money on your wedding by serving cake and drinks instead of a full meal. This will cut down your costs, as you won’t have to pay for a caterer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to do so. First, make sure that your cake and drinks are enough to satisfy your guests. You’ll also need to provide chairs and tables for your guests, as well as food and beverages.
Use Silk Flowers Instead of Fresh Flowers
Save money on your wedding by using silk flowers instead of fresh flowers. Silk flowers look just like fresh flowers, but they cost a lot less. Another advantage of using silk flowers is that you can reuse them. So if you have any leftover flowers after the wedding, you can keep them and use them for future events.
Make sure that you order your flowers well in advance, as it can take a while to deliver them. Also, have someone who can assemble the flowers for you. If you try to build them yourself, it can be difficult and time-consuming.
Saving money for your wedding is not always easy, but it can be done. If you’re looking for ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality, try some of the tips mentioned above.
