Did you know that the average wedding cost for newlyweds is somewhere between $20,000 and $30,000? While this is a one-time expense, it can be a huge financial blow for many couples. Is there a way to throw an expensive-looking wedding without dropping your whole annual salary on food and flowers?
The key to sticking to a practical wedding budget is understanding why weddings are so expensive in the first place! We’ve collected these wedding planning tips to help you figure out when you can cut corners and when you get what you pay for! With so many incredible firsts to look forward to, you shouldn’t have to start your relationship with “our first bankruptcy.”
Keep reading to learn more about the expenses involved in throwing a wedding and how you can save money by paying attention!
Why Are Weddings So Expensive?
When you plan a wedding, you’re essentially delegating with your wallet. You hire vendors, so you don’t need to bake a cake, cater the party, hand-write the invitations, and sew your own dress.
You hire specific vendors for a reason; however – they are talented professionals with specialized training. They deserve fair compensation for the work they do.
The costs that tend to add up when you start planning include:
- Rings
- Dress and tux (plus alterations, accessories)
- Invitations, save the dates, seating cards, etc
- Food
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Cake
- Drinks
- Music (DJ or band)
- Favors
If you know someone with a special skill, now is the time to call in that favor! Rely on friends who are amateur bakers or photographers, or borrow an heirloom dress from an older relative. If you have an organized maid of honor, you can even forego the wedding planner!
Be sure to prioritize the things that are truly important to you as a couple. For example, if you have your heart set on a wedding venue with waterfall for pictures, put it in the budget and cut corners somewhere else! Those photos are forever!
The Secret Costs of Weddings
Additionally, there are a few “hidden expenses” that can break the bank.
Foremost, the date and time of your ceremony matter. There is a “peak season” for weddings, and venue rentals will cost more during that period. Evening weddings also tend to cost more than daytime weddings.
Second, you don’t need to be hosting a destination wedding to spend a lot of money on a venue rental. Venue rental costs more in states with a higher average cost of living. A wedding in San Francisco might cost twice the price of an identical reception in Montana.
Finally, most venues with catering charge you per plate. That means that every single plus one on your guest list will drive up the price of the wedding. You don’t want to leave anyone out, but it can pay to be discerning.
Save With These Wedding Planning Tips
Your wedding might be the biggest party you ever throw, but that doesn’t mean it has to be the most expensive! Identify your priorities and create a budget that allows you to throw the wedding you deserve! Keep these wedding planning tips in mind as you make those tricky choices, and you’ll be just fine!
Are you looking for more tips to make life a little bit easier? Check out the rest of the blog for more posts about how to save money and live your best life!
