Over 2 million marriages will take place during the year. Are you ready to be one of the lucky couples tying the knot?
Before you sail off into the sunset, you need to plan your wedding. If you've seen the costs of weddings, you might think about skipping a ceremony.
Save your bank account with these helpful wedding budget tips.
1. Limit the Guest List
Weddings are a fun festive celebration of the union of two lives, and everyone you know wants to be involved with the party. However, the bigger the party - the bigger the budget.
While you probably want everyone you know and love to be there, it's not a budget-friendly path.
As a couple, think hard about the number of people and the cost of each guest. You're likely to pick close family and friends. But maybe you leave coworkers off the list.
Additionally, limit your wedding party. Instead of having 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen, slim the number down to half.
Remember, a large group of people will require a bigger venue and more food. Check out this mistake list so you don't make the wrong moves.
2. Ditch the Decorations and Gifts
Whether you are using a wedding planner service or doing everything yourself, save hundreds or thousands of dollars by ditching decorations.
Floral arrangements, candles, centerpieces, and aisle runners are beautiful additions to any wedding. But are they necessary? Guests will have their eyes fixated on you and your beloved one, not decorations.
If you choose to have your ceremony around the holidays, many churches will have poinsettias around the church. This is a frugal timing decision you can make.
Don't forget that fake flowers are just as nice as the real thing. You probably won't have your guests inspecting the authenticity of the flowers.
Another normal tradition that brides and grooms usually do is giving their wedding parties gifts. Save a lot of money by eliminating the gifts or giving something cheaper.
For groomsmen, give a nice light with their initials engraved in it. For bridesmaids, a box of chocolates for each of them is an affordable but well-received gift.
3. Change the Menu and Bar
One of the biggest expenses of a wedding is the reception. Catering and open bars can run huge tabs no matter how many guests are invited.
Reduce the cost by providing the food yourself. A buffet-style lunch cooked by you or a local restaurant adds work but saves cash.
Certain meals can be produced in bulk, like macaroni and cheese, for a relatively cheap price. Bread rolls are another cheap option that will fill up guests' bellies.
If you have a small guest list, ask everyone who has RSVP'd their food and beverage preference. This makes stocking the bar a lot easier for everyone.
People who know you are trying to have a budget wedding will understand if you don't have expensive liquor or wine available. Purchase a wide range of affordable beer, spirits, and vodka so everyone can loosen up for the reception.
4. Dresses and Suits on Sale
The wedding dress and tuxedo may be the most important pieces of the wedding, but they don't have to be the most expensive. Beautiful wedding dresses are on the sales racks of every bridal shop.
Just because clothing is expensive doesn't make it the best. Tuxedo buying should follow the same formula.
Make your wedding a comfortable and easy experience for the wedding party. Instead of worrying about everyone getting sized and fitted for their outfits, just let people wear suits that are the same color as your tuxedo and dress options.
Don't worry about having the most expensive outfits - make it the most memorable.
5. Beg and Borrow but Don't Steal
Needing help with money can be a humbling experience, but your loved ones and true friends will do anything to make your special day happen.
Don't sign up for a gift registry, and let everyone know you are expecting cash instead of presents.
There's a good chance your guests won't be able to give you cash, so see if they can help in other ways. Maybe they can bring chairs and tables to the reception, or they can help cater the food.
Another way they can help is just by cleaning up so the venue won't charge you for janitorial services.
6. Affordable Honeymoon
Did you know the average honeymoon costs a little over $4,000? Don't spend a lot of money on a trip.
Pick a destination close to home or scrap the trip altogether. It might be beneficial to wait to go away on a fun honeymoon.
If you're restricted financially at the current time, you'll have plenty of opportunities later to explore the world with your future spouse.
For some people, a honeymoon is a must. This is when you try and see if friends in different states have places for you to crash. Maybe a family member can send frequent flyer miles to your account.
7. There's No Place Like Home
Some couples have to be married in a church due to religious beliefs or strong preferences. For those who are flexible about the wedding venue, consider doing the event at home.
More and more couples are choosing to exchange vows in the comfort of their home.
You will save thousands by not picking a banquet hall or popular venue. Family and friends will also be relaxed in a familiar setting and you can wear any Kawaii fashion of your choice.
This doesn't mean you won't have to spend a little bit of money to make modifications or possibly add a portable restroom for guests.
Wedding Budget Tips For Your Consideration
A wedding is a big moment for anyone, but it doesn't have to be a sinkhole for cash. These wedding budget tips can help you start your life on the right financial foot.
Remember to make your love for each other and not about money.
If you need a little help with your wedding, apply today and we can help you out! <3