Weddings are one of the biggest, most important celebrations people will ever throw in their lives. They’re exciting to imagine — until you get down to planning the actual details. Ask any married couple, and they’ll tell you that figuring out a budget and sticking to it can be downright stressful.
The average cost for a wedding in 2021 is about $30,000. If you can’t aim that high, don’t worry. We can offer you some budget-friendly advice to help cut costs along the way without seriously crushing any big dreams you’ve had.
Prolong Your Engagement To Save Money
Everyone’s first question after you tell them you’ve gotten engaged is usually “When is the big day?” or “Have you picked out a wedding dress?”. It’s understandable to want to get married as soon as possible, but consider prolonging the engagement an extra year or two instead. This gives you and your partner time to sit down, look at finances, plan things out, and save money. Once you’ve reached a financial goal you’re both comfortable with, you can begin making arrangements without getting in over your head.
Marry In the Off-Season
The months of November through April are considered the wedding “off-season” in most parts of the country. This is because the weather is often cold, dreary, and not easy to travel in. The upside is that many venues will offer discounts during this time, which means you can get married in desirable locations without paying big bucks. If you’re not bothered by having a winter or indoor wedding, marrying in the off-season could save you money.
Choose A Wedding Venue Carefully
Where you get married is usually the most expensive decision of the whole process, so choosing wisely is crucial. Many venues offer packages that include food, drinks, and DJs, but they’re not always cheap. On the other hand, if you’re looking into big spaces like a barn or loft, making them “DIY wedding-ready” with tables and decorations can also cost a great deal of money. Weigh all the financial options and figure out details before jumping on any space.
One big way to cut costs is by having your ceremony and reception in the same location. This can help save on transportation for guests, as well as time by not having to fully pay for or decorate two spaces.
Choose Non-Diamond Engagement & Wedding Bands
When you think of shopping for engagement rings and wedding bands, some couple’s minds automatically go towards diamonds. Although diamond engagement and wedding rings are incredibly beautiful, there are also many other unique wedding band options to choose from that are both stunning and affordable. Opt for cubic zirconia or moissanite center stones for an engagement ring or for surrounding your wedding band. Most people will not know the difference, and these options will still sparkle under any light!
Limit Your Bar
Having a full bar at your wedding can cost up to 5,000 dollars in some cases, depending on if you’re offering premium liquor or not. If you want to have an open bar without spending thousands of dollars, consider limiting your bar to just beer, wine, and a specialty cocktail or two. This way, people can still enjoy complimentary drinks without going over your budget.
Be Flexible
Weddings are notoriously expensive, and not everyone has the expendable income to go crazy. Pulling together the event of your dreams while on a tight budget will take time, careful planning, and sacrifices. Things may cost way more than you anticipated, and you should prepare for unexpected expenses along the way.
There are tons of more ways to save on your big day. As long as you’re flexible, celebrating your wedding on a budget won’t be difficult at all.
