The average cost of a wedding is $32,000. But there are regional differences: New York City is triple that amount at $90,000, while Idaho and Utah average $16,000. These wedding averages do not include the cost of a wedding ring (average of $5,600) and a honeymoon (average $5,000).
Aside from eloping and skipping it all, what are some ways to reduce the cost of the event?
The venue is normally the largest expense. Having the wedding somewhere free (at someone’s home or a park with a canopy) or a cheaper, non-traditional location (restaurant, museum) will have the biggest impact on a wedding’s budget. Most weddings are on Saturday, so it is cheaper to schedule it on Friday or Sunday. You can also save 15% by scheduling off-season in the Fall or Winter.
- A Destination Wedding can be cheaper if it is a package deal (with only a few attendees); otherwise it dramatically increases the costs for the couple and all attendees.
- Reduce the number of guests and bridal party.
- Hire a DJ instead of a band. Or the cheapest entertainment is an iPod with your own music mix.
- To reduce food costs, make it a daytime reception, offer a buffet of snacks, such as heavy hors d’oeuvres instead of a full sit-down meal with expensive entrees.
- Select only a couple flowers that are in season, use a lot of greens, then reuse the bridesmaid’s bouquets into centerpieces at the reception. Cheap but charming centerpieces can be as simple as bowl of fruit or antique mason jars with a ribbon and candle; or hanging votives from branches.
- If a cash-bar is too tacky, limit the bar choices to only beer and wine instead of a full bar. Or add a signature cocktail with one type of liquor. Have just enough champagne for toasts.
- Display a small professional wedding cake and then from a back room, supplement with a less-expensive sheet cake to cut up for guests.
- E-mail save-the-date notifications instead of mailing them, and search how to make do-it-yourself invitations.
- Shop at second-hand stores for a wedding gown. There are many websites such as OnceWed.com or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.
- Have the ceremony performed by a trusted friend, there are laypeople that can be ordained online to perform the vows (except for the state of Virginia).
- Only take photos or video of important moments: aisle, vows, kiss, cutting cake, first dance, etc.
Create a target budget that is affordable first, and only then, fill out items within that budget. Remember that a wedding is basically a short ceremony followed by a party lasting a few hours. Do not join the masses that severely overspend on their wedding and find themselves struggling financially for years trying to pay it all off with interest.