Although the amount may vary greatly for each couple, it’s a good idea to set a budget for what you are willing to spend when planning your wedding. According to TheWeddingReport.com, the average 2018 wedding in the U.S. cost $24,723. Washington state came in at $29,511 and Idaho at $19,925. Wedding expenses can easily spiral out of control, so deciding ahead of time what you think is reasonable and what you can afford is a great idea. No one wants to still be paying off their wedding on their silver anniversary!
Here are a few things to consider when planning a wedding you’ll love on the budget you have.
Prioritze first
Before you get too far into your plans, take an honest look at which things are important to you and which things you’re willing to consider adjusting. Make the important aspects a budget priority. If you absolutely must book a certain stringed quartet, spend on that and go simple on floral arrangements. If capturing the story of your day to share for generations is something you value, book a photographer you trust and opt to save on your cake and centerpieces.
Personal Experience Tip: When making these decisions, try to consider what will still be important when looking back at your wedding years from now. Is it important to be able to share certain aspects of your wedding with future members of your family? Consider this as well when setting your event priorities.
Opt to save
Once you’ve figured out where your plans have some flex room, consider some of these options to save where you can.
Look critically at your guest list. The smaller the crowd, the smaller the expense. If your list is getting a bit outrageous, try giving it a trim.
Consider an outdoor location. Weddings held at a general outdoor location are beautiful at a fraction of the cost. Parks can often be reserved for next to nothing and backyard weddings can be intimate and gorgeous.
Adjust the timing. If you can be flexible on the day or time, you may be able to save a bunch. Often vendors are willing to book a weekday event at a fraction of the high-demand Saturday price. Opting for an earlier afternoon ceremony time would cut the cost of providing each guest an entire meal.
Cater it yourself. Consider asking friends and family to contribute a dish and end up with a fantastic home-cooked buffet at virtually no cost.
Go simple with flowers. There are lots of great ways to save on flowers. Floral arrangements and bouquets do not need to be huge to be beautiful. A simple rose for each bridesmaid can be quite elegant. If you know someone with a suitable bush, you can even cut your own (just remember to trim the thorns!). Arrangements used as ceremony decor can be re-purposed at the reception. If real flowers are not crucial, consider quality artificial flowers for arrangements at a much lower price.
Gather sound equipment. DJ’s have a big impact on the wedding reception flow and atmosphere, but they typically come at a big price. Borrowing or using your own stereo equipment and creating a hand-picked playlist on your mp3 player could be an option to keep the party going at very little cost.
Reconsider bridesmaids dress and suit/tux options. Choosing to let your bridesmaids pick their (approved by you) dresses in coordinating colors “off the rack” may save you a bunch and make happy bridesmaids. They get to choose a style/fit that flatters them (that they might even wear again!) and you aren’t paying for custom made and/or fitted gowns. The guys can still look great in suits at a smaller price than tuxedos.
Check out musician options. Contact local universities to see if there are any music students who would be willing to perform at a wedding. They will get something on their resume and you’ll end up with amazing live music for very little expense.
Scale the cake. A massive multi-tier cake is unforgettable. However, most guests won’t think twice about where the cake on their plate was cut from. Choosing a much smaller cake to display will save you money and guests can be easily served from sheet cakes waiting in the back room. Cupcakes have also become a very popular option.
Think ahead and shop sales. If you know what you need far enough in advance, be patient and watch for sales. You might also save a bunch if you’re willing to consider buying second-hand. Recent brides often list their decorations online with local selling sites. You just might find great options to save you time and money.
Whenever possible, do it yourself. When it comes to decorations and preparation, there are loads of things you tackle yourself (or ask that specific someone you know who could do it really well). Friends and family are often eager to help with your big event and might even be honored that you asked. Things like creating wedding invitations, centerpieces, or favors can often be done by you at a much lower cost. Most of us have that friend we’d trust to do our makeup or hair, or you might even be able to handle that all on your own. Adding your own personal touch to certain areas will make your wedding day that much more unique and meaningful.
Don’t forget the purpose
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the party planning and lose sight of the real reason for your event. When the stress of planning the wedding of your dreams creeps in, remember the purpose of the occasion. You are marrying the love of your life and the details of the day are really just icing on the cake. Happy planning!
Warmest wishes,
Chris and Jeannette
