Image via Unsplash
by Jane Rhodes
It may surprise some to know that the average US wedding costs $29.2k. As such, it stands to reason that savvy spenders are always on the lookout for tips and tricks to help them stay on budget and save some pennies while they’re at it. Here are three ways to cut costs, without sacrificing quality, on your big day.
The Guest List
First, let’s look at the ‘who?’. Who you invite to your wedding will massively contribute to how much you enjoy the day. And with the cost of catering reaching up to $100 per person on average, it’s no surprise that this is one of the priciest components of planning a wedding.
When it comes to drafting a guest list, no one wants to leave someone out. But then again, do you really need to invite your cousin’s niece twice removed who you met that one time when you were eight?
Your guest list doesn’t need to include every acquaintance, co-worker, or distant family member you have. When all is said and done, it’s your day. The only people you should be inviting are those who you actually want to share it with. And remember, a reduced guest list means a significantly reduced cost.
Image via Unsplash
The Location
Next up is the ‘where?’. Where you host your event is another huge piece of the puzzle when planning your day. You could book a wedding-ready location like a hotel or country club’s event space, but these tailor-made venues can cost a pretty penny to hire for the day, eating into a large percentage of your overall budget.
To save some money on your location, it’s time to get creative and think outside the box. Try asking friends and family if they have ideas – or can even offer a location you can use for a discounted price (preferably free).
Depending on the size and tone of your wedding, unique options might include community halls, barns, and even backyards. For those hosting a themed event, these kinds of venues can complement the ambiance you’re striving for.
Image via Unsplash
The Dress
Finally, the big ‘what?’. If you’ve done any preliminary browsing, you’ve probably experienced some serious sticker shock while looking at wedding dresses. But don’t fear, there are lots of ways you can save money on the all-important gown, without compromising on style or quality.
You can browse second-hand stores and vintage shops, online boutiques like Etsy, or even hunt more locally on Facebook Marketplace. For something newer, contact your local bridal shops about sample sales.
These allow you to purchase dresses directly from the rack for a fraction of the price of a made-to-order garment. You also get the added benefit of wearing something on trend, without waiting months for your custom dress to be shipped to you.
Image via Unsplash
Planning a wedding can be daunting, especially when you have a strict budget to adhere to. Just remember that in the end, it’ll all be worth it – with the final product being an opportunity to share your vision with those who mean the most to you.
Author bio: Jane Rhodes
Having been involved in the wedding industry for over 15 years, I’m passionate about sharing some of the knowledge I’ve picked up from helping others host the wedding of their dreams. In my blogs, I aim to provide soonlyweds with a greater sense of freedom over their wedding choices, helping them to create a special day that’s truly unique to them.
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