The cost of a wedding just keeps climbing. In fact, according to TheKnot.com’s Real Wedding Survey of 2015, which asked over 18,000 couples who got married that year about the costs and details of their nuptials, the average wedding now costs over $32,000 – an increase of more than $1,400 over the year before.
I don’t care who you are, or how much you love one another, that’s a lot of money to spend on just one day.
Budget Weddings
Of course, while there are plenty of reasons to go that extra mile and spend that extra buck to tie the knot, there is more than one way to skin a cat, or join two families, whatever the case may be. In fact, having a budget wedding is much easier than many couples realize as well as an excellent step in starting a financially-responsible life together.
Plus, whether the date is set and the deposits received or if you are just wishing and hoping for that ring, there are ways to cut costs without cutting corners and still end up with one of the most memorable and special days of your life. Here are our top frugal wedding planning tips for every couple:
Save Money on the Date
While summer has traditionally been the prime time for weddings, more modern brides and grooms prefer fall according to TheKnot. October and September are the most popular months, and while opting for July may not save you much, a January wedding might be substantially less expensive. Just remember that there are popular times even during the off-season, such as New Years Eve and Valentine’s Day.
Likewise, the day of the week you choose also impacts cost. Saturday – day and night – is, by far, the most expensive option, followed by Friday night, which saves some money, but not much. Rather, Sunday weddings and middle-of-the-week affairs reign supreme when it comes to cost savings. And, while getting married on Tuesday, July 3rd may not do you any favors, price-wise, picking a less popular holiday weekend, such as President’s Day, can mean thousands in savings.
Save Money on the Location
Venue costs are among the steepest lines of any wedding budget, and TheKnot’s survey shows that they just keep increasing. On average, 2015 couples paid $1,950 more compared to 2014 couples for their venue alone. Less-expensive options include everything from a private home to a public park. It also may be easier to rent a hall or even a vacation home that can double as accommodations for out-of-town guests. Employees at historic or picturesque places, such as universities, may be able to secure less-expensive digs that still have great views. It’s also often more frugal to opt for a ceremony and reception in the same place (or within walking distance if in a city) in order to reduce transportation costs like limos.
You can also choose to get married at a courthouse. Usually for a minimal fee, you can get all the legal paperwork done without the expense and pressure of an actual ceremony. Then, you can dedicate your time and money to a reception afterwards. It is totally acceptable to wear wedding clothes to a courthouse and you can bring a group of guests as well. There are also a number of historic and picturesque courthouses across the country that offer photo ops.
Save Money on the Dress
Being stylish and totally unique does not need to cost thousands. In fact, there are a number of places where you can purchase a used wedding dress for a fraction of its original cost that you can then alter. Options include eBay and dedicated sites such as OnceWed and Tradesy.
It’s also important to note that “wedding” dresses and white dresses in general are often more expensive than non-wedding items of different colors. Buying bridesmaid dresses after the holidays (i.e. formal gowns) or looking for white prom dresses can save you hundreds of dollars. It’s easy to add, or pay a seamstress to add, embellishments or features to make any dress more wedding appropriate.
Save Money on Decor
The DIY wedding is all the rage thanks to sites like Pinterest and the internet in general. However, remember that DIY does not always equal less money, especially if you are not so crafty or trying to recreate a certain photo-ready look. Know your limits and try to balance time and money when deciding what you can and cannot do. Sometimes buying ready-made is actually saving.
The other, easier way to save money on general decor is by reducing your need for it altogether. Choose venues that host a lot of natural beauty, such as botanical gardens or older building with period architecture. In addition, getting married around the holidays can often save you money on decoration since most places are already dressed for the occasion.
When it comes to standard decorative additions, like flowers, remember that less can often be more. Opt for simple bouquets or even single flowers for bridesmaids. Or, forego flowers altogether for this group – most people won’t even notice. Finally, where you buy flowers is also important. Most grocery store florists have access to the same blooms as specialty shops but, because they have larger supply needs, offer them at a fraction of the price.
Save Money on Food and Drink
Food and drink (specifically, alcohol), like venues, can be a real budget-buster for wedding couples. The number one way to save on these items? Find venues that don’t tie you down to their own services and vendors. By pricing options and shopping around, you have a better ability to control costs.
When it comes to food, buffets, which seem cheaper, are often incredibly wasteful and more expensive than they seem and plated dinners can get really out-of-hand. If you are set on serving a meal, opting for cheaper alternatives such as barbecue can save money and sides are easy to DIY since they are pretty low-key. Forgoing meals in favor of hors d’oeuvres and cake is another option to cut costs.
Likewise with alcohol take a proactive approach. Find places that let you supply your own libations and shop at a discount outlet. Alternately, stick to wine, beer, and a signature cocktail. You can offer a cash bar or simply leave all drinking at that.
The cake also offers another savings opportunity. While beautiful, multi-tiered cake-creations are incredibly costly. Instead, consider having a single tier constructed to use for the formal cake cutting ceremony and serve the guests from sheet cakes in the back. Former brides and grooms have also reported success purchasing cupcakes and white frosted round cakes from the grocery store which they then display in a tiered fashion and decorate with real flowers.
Additional Frugal Wedding Planning Tips to Save Here and There
In addition to the big categories above, it is important to also pay attention to the “little” areas and cost points that, while small on their own, can really add up in the end. In other words, don’t get caught in a situation where you spend more money than you have to just because it seems like a small expense or because you haven’t take the time to think of simple, frugal alternatives. Some examples include:
- Make your own invitations or use cheap services like Vista Print. Pick an elegant font and add some embellishments. The important point is getting the information to the guests.
- Rent tuxes together. Most menswear retailers offer discounts to groups. You can add in the fathers, ring bearers and other special male guests as well to maximize your savings. Also, if planning a full black tie affair, consider asking a national retailer about guest rentals as well. Wedding guests who need a tux can give the name of the wedding and receive a discount which may add up as more people use the store/service.
- You can actually purchase “used” centerpieces on eBay and Craigslist from former brides for pennies on the dollar.
- Put those who want to help to work. Have them pick up flowers, tuxes, food and more rather than pay to have the items delivered.
- Be your own DJ. Buy a streaming music subscription and bring your laptop to hook into preexisting sound systems (or use yours from home.) It is also easy to put together a music mix for your party to play from service like iTunes. If you are pressed for time and inspiration you can ask family or friends to make their own playlists, utilize pre-made options online and/or hire (or designate) an Emcee to keep the party flowing.
- Make your own photo booth. Buy a simple packages that allows you to use an iPad, digital camera, or other smart device to take photo booth images and then add in your own dollar store props. Put a sheet of butcher paper (or fabric) on an out-of-the-way wall and save hundreds on professional photo booth services.
- Don’t tell vendors you are getting married right away. Many services like musicians, photographers and caterers will increase prices for wedding-related services. This is partly because the job is more complex and stressful, but also partly because they can get away with it. Help combat this “just because” clause by holding off the details until you have some numbers. Basically, when you inquire about prices, simply ask for ballpark figures according to basic information (i.e. cost for a cake to feed 100 or cost for 5 hours of on-site photography).
Save Money on Your Big Day without Sacrificing
Your wedding day is, obviously, a special once-in-a-lifetime occasion and for those who can afford it, going over-the-top is completely acceptable. The wedding industry is a multi-billion dollar one for a reason. What should never be an option, however, is going in to debt to pay for it. There is nothing more stressful or divorce-inducing than money problems, so don’t begin a marriage than with tens of thousands of dollars of debt.
Instead, focus on the most important part of this day and time in your lives – the coming together of two people and two families.
Also, prioritize. Make a list of non-negotiable items and spend on those first. Then, make the rest of the details fit your budget. The whole process will be excellent practice for leading a happy, financially-stable life together for years and years to come.
