Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be stressful and expensive. According to The Knot, the average wedding cost in 2019 was around $33,900. This is a huge amount of money and can cause couples to go into debt just to have the perfect wedding day. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks you can use to help keep your wedding budget in check while still having a fantastic day. Here are some top tips when planning a wedding on a budget.
1. Set a Budget – and Stick to It!
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s worth mentioning. Before you even start planning, you should set a realistic budget that accounts for all the various costs associated with weddings (venue, catering, photography, etc.). Once you have that number in mind, make sure to stick to it – no matter what! That doesn’t mean you have to skimp on quality—it just means that you should look for ways to save money where possible.
For example, if you hire a photographer for your big day, consider shopping around for someone within your price range. You don’t have to hire the most expensive photographer in town. You can often find excellent photographers for a fraction of the price. They may not have the same level of experience as someone more expensive, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to capture beautiful photos on your special day.
2. Find an Affordable Venue
Many couples dream of getting married in an opulent venue, but these venues come with hefty price tags. Instead of setting your heart on one of these expensive venues, consider looking for more affordable alternatives. Many churches or community centers are free (or low cost) to rent and double as beautiful wedding venues. They may not have the same “wow factor” as a more expensive venue, but they can still be beautiful and memorable.
But you can also save by planning an outdoor wedding. You can often find public parks or beaches that are free to rent, and they can provide a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. There are also affordable but elegant outdoor wedding event venues that may work with your budget, so be sure to research these options. Always remember to ask them about any discounts they may offer as well.
3. DIY Projects
DIY projects are a great way to save money while making your special day unique and memorable. Whether creating your own centerpieces or designing your own invitations, there are plenty of creative DIY projects you can take on yourself (or with the help of family and friends) that won’t break the bank. Plus, these projects are fun and will give you something special to look forward to as part of the process leading up to the big day.
For example, you can make beautiful flower arrangements with flowers from the grocery store, create photo montages using pictures of you and your partner, or even sew your own wedding dress. The possibilities are endless! If you can’t take on the entire project yourself, you can also find vendors who specialize in DIY projects that will do the work for you for a fraction of the cost.
4. Be Flexible with Your Date
Another great way to save money is by being flexible with your wedding date – particularly if you plan on getting married during peak wedding season (May through October). If possible, consider getting married during off-peak months or on days other than Saturdays so that venues will be more likely to offer discounts or incentives for them to fill their calendar slots.
You may also find that vendors such as photographers or caterers will also offer discounts during off-peak months! Ask around for discounts, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. They may be willing to work with you if it means getting the deal.
5. Reuse What You Can
Because weddings can be so expensive, many couples opt to reuse items they already have. For example, if you’re looking for decorations, consider using items from your home or asking family members if they have any you can borrow. You may even be able to find items that you can rent instead of having to buy them.
For the wedding cake, you may be able to find a baker who will bake a smaller cake and then provide sheet cakes in the back for guests to enjoy. This is often much cheaper than a large cake and just as tasty! You can also save money by using the same flowers for your ceremony and reception. This way, you won’t have to buy two of each type of flower.
Planning a dream wedding without breaking the bank is possible! With careful planning and research — not mention creativity — couples can create beautiful ceremonies without spending too much money. From setting realistic budgets and taking advantage of DIY projects to being flexible with dates and researching vendors within their price range, couples can plan their special day while staying within their financial limits! Best of luck!
