The average wedding in the U.S is $19,000, which isn’t feasible for many lovebirds.
Having a smaller budget is stressful because couples think they must sacrifice the gorgeous gown or mesmerizing ceremony. But this isn’t always the case.
The trick is to know how to stretch your budget so you can have your dream wedding. Perhaps you’re currently stressing out about wedding budgeting, and you’re looking for inspiration.
Sounds like you? Don’t worry; you’ve come to the right place. Here is your guide to wedding budgeting.
Create a Budget
Before you book anything, outline your wedding budget to know what you’re working with. You can do this by tracking your potential expenses in a spreadsheet.
When you do book catering or the venue, then keep receipts to stay organized with your financial planning. Also, always ask yourself whether the purchase is worth it and if you can find a cheaper alternative.
Don’t Book the Wedding on Saturday
A great way to reduce the cost of a wedding is choosing an off-peak time. For instance, getting hitched on Saturday is the most expensive date, so choose a Sunday or a weekday. You should also consider the season, as venues offer cheaper bookings in winter or early spring because they’re in less demand.
Plus, if you save a fortune by simply switching dates, then you needn’t sacrifice more important elements of the wedding like the dress or decor.
Have a Smaller Ceremony
When planning a wedding, narrow down your guest list, so you have a smaller ceremony. Figure out which family or friends must attend, especially if your venue is out of town. This is because you must arrange transport and accommodation for them, which can quickly add up.
Plan the Wedding Yourself
Getting married requires hours of planning, which is why many couples hire a wedding planner to streamline the process. But this costs around $1,800, so it’s best to handle the planning yourself.
Although it sounds overwhelming, start by listing the services you need (e.g., catering service) and have five options, so you get an idea of the average price. You can also use handy apps like Bridebook or the Hitched Wedding Planner to keep everything accessible.
Negotiate With Vendors
A great way to slash costs is by negotiating with vendors. This includes caterers, photographers, and florists who must align with your strict budget. Brush up on your haggling skills and be willing to walk away unless you agree on a realistic price.
Brainstorm Affordable Venues
Choosing the right location can make or break your big day, but it doesn’t mean you must spend thousands on choosing the right venue. For instance, if you’re religious, then celebrate your big day at your place of worship, especially as most have a reception hall to rent.
You could also find a single venue for both your ceremony and reception, which will save time and money. Or, if you both love the outdoors, then tie the knot at a local park or on the beach for a romantic setting.
Get a Friend to Officiate
You’d be surprised at how much you can save by asking a friend to officiate. Usually, it costs hundreds, but hand your buddy $50, and they can get ordained online. Or, if you’re uncomfortable, ask friends if they know anyone who has had experience officiating weddings.
Find an Elegant But Affordable Dress
One of the essential parts of the big day is the wedding dress. Every bride wants to feel like a princess on her big day, and because it’s immortalized in wedding photos, you want a heart-stopping gown.
Luckily, you needn’t spend thousands on elegant wedding dresses; you just need to know where to look. Interested? Then, SAY YES! BRIDAL FITTING APPOINTMENT and find your dream wedding dress.
Offer a Buffet or Appetizers Only
A large chunk of your wedding budget could be swallowed up by offering guests a sit-down dinner.
Instead of this, find a venue that will let you have a buffet or a family-style dinner where large platters are passed around. Or, if that’s not ideal, then offer an appetizer-only reception and inform loved ones beforehand, so they know what to expect.
Have a Cash Bar
Find a venue that lets you bring your alcohol, so you don’t need a bartender. But if you want a bar, then limit the drinks menu and offer a signature cocktail as it’s cost-effective while adding charm to your big day. You could also give each guest two drink tickets and ask them to pay for anything extra.
Prepare Your Own Wedding Cake
Cutting the wedding cake is the pinnacle of the day, so you can’t forgo a cake altogether.
But you can minimize costs by choosing a simple design or asking any keen bakers in your friendship group if they could whip one up for you. Or, if you can even rent a display cake, but serve your guests slices of sheet cake, which is equally as delicious.
And if you’re not a fan of traditional wedding cake, then treat guests to a dessert buffet so everyone can enjoy sundaes or slices of cheesecake.
Use Our Wedding Budgeting Tips Today
Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll use our wedding budgeting tips.
Start by outlining your budget, choose an off-peak date, and have a smaller ceremony to save a fortune. You should also negotiate with vendors, ask a friend to officiate the big day, and have a buffet instead. Happy planning!
Found this article helpful? If yes, then check out the rest of our blog for more tips and tricks.
