5 Clever Strategies to Cut Wedding Costs
Tying the knot can cost a fortune–and it’s no secret. According to WeddingChannel.com, the average wedding in the U.S. is about $25,000, while a large-scale one can even go over $100,000. Costs vary depending on location, as urban weddings are reported to be more expensive than rural celebrations.
If you’re not looking into breaking the bank, or getting buried in debt, here are five smart cost-cutting tips that would still give you your own “fairytale” wedding.
1. Prioritize carefully
Once you know your budget, you must decide what things you won’t compromise on, whether it be your venue, wedding gown or invitations. Remember, these one or two things should be important to you, and not just things your peers tell you you need.
After considering your first priority, adjust the other elements accordingly. You may want a multi-tiered wedding cake, but would that outweigh a honeymoon abroad? Or a pricey caterer? Or a professional photographer? Write down all the things you need to spend on cash and see if it fits the budget. You shouldn’t spend what you can’t afford.
2. Pick an unusual day and season
Venue costs can burn the biggest hole in your pocket as they are likely about a third of your entire budget. One strategy to cut on venue costs is to pick an unpopular day for your celebration. Sundays can cut the reception venue up to half, and on weekdays, even more. Of course, fewer guests may attend if you pick a workday–which is another way to keep the costs down.
Spring and summer are also the most popular wedding seasons, so choosing a winter or fall wedding offers more affordable venue options.
3. Take advantage of free wedding planning tools
You can now plan your big day with free online planning tools. Sites such as Getwed.com and Mywedding.com allows you to be your own wedding planner. Even Google has an online wedding planner. All you need to do is to create an account and fill out the needed information.
These free online wedding planning tools allow you to search for numerous wedding suppliers for cakes, flowers, transport, music, catering, etc. They also help you keep tabs of the prices and availability of the items and services.
4. Follow vendors’ social media networks for freebies
Oftentimes, vendors make contests and sweepstakes. Make sure to follow photographers, wedding bands, and caterers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to score freebies. You might win free wedding favors, a discounted photo shoot, discounted wedding gown, and even a free flight to your honeymoon destination. You can also check non-bridal sources such as general women’s websites for big cash giveaways.
5. Consider an all-inclusive wedding package
If you want a luxurious celebration for less, take advantage of all-inclusive wedding packages. It may sound unbelievable, but these inexpensive yet fabulous packages can generally cost less compared to a grand wedding at home. This is why destination weddings have also become a popular trend – it requires you to pay everything upfront – from the ceremony, reception, and honeymoon accommodation – preventing you from worrying about the little extras.
Destination weddings can also be cheaper because you tend to have fewer guests than getting married at home.
Using one or all of these clever strategies can save you from debt as you embark on a new journey as newlyweds. Enjoy your big day!
About the author: Melissa Page is a professional writer based in San Diego, California. She loves everything frugal and everything about weddings. She plans to make her fairytale wedding come true at Couples Resorts, Jamaica.
Category: Family Finances
