How To Manage Your Budget When Planning A Wedding

Did you know that the average cost of a wedding in the United States is nearly $30,000? According to “American Weddings,” that is the average price of more than 2 million weddings in 2005. The cost has no doubt gone up since then!

So, if you don’t have $30,000 sitting around to splash out one single day, how can you cut costs and still have the wedding of your dreams? Remarkably, there are a number of ways to do this, and your guests won’t even know you’re being cheap!

1 – Flowers are one of the biggest expenses of a wedding, and the most overpriced as well. By buying your own flowers, you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. It might take a little more work, but it’s worth it.

2 – Photography can cost well into five digits, and that often doesn’t even include videography. When choosing a photographer, get a fixed price up-front for everything and make sure that YOU own the negatives (or digital prints). Don’t get scammed by your photographer.

3 – There are plenty of alternatives to traditional church weddings and country club receptions. Remember, you are NOT Princess Diana and don’t have an unlimited budget for the perfect wedding. Shop around and find a reception venue that is within your budget. Restaurants, small hotels or convention centers, parks, or large private homes are all possibilities.

4 – The dress is, obviously, essential to your happiness. However, once you choose your dress you have to shop around. More than likely you can find the very same dress online for a fraction of the cost. Buying your dress at your town’s local bridal shop is for suckers!

5 – The guest list can get ridiculous very fast. Decide ahead of time who is invited, who isn’t, and prepare a fixed reply to everyone as to why you are limiting the number of guests. It’s OK to tell them that you are on a budget. A wedding announcement after the fact, rather than an invitation to the wedding, will save you hundreds of dollars per couple.

Don’t be ashamed to admit to having a budget and sticking to it. By being frugal on the wedding day itself, you will have more money to set aside and begin your future.