No matter how you look at it, getting married costs money. There are marriage licenses to apply for, invitations to create, a venue to rent, and food to buy. Even the most frugal couple can end up spending more than they bargained for when it comes to planning their wedding. There is no need to fall into this trap. In fact, some expenses can be avoided altogether.
According to a recent survey, the average cost of an American wedding is just over $27,000. This can be a significant burden on those who need to foot the bill, but it doesn’t have to be so painful. There are many steps you can take to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck when planning that special day. Saving money on your wedding doesn’t have to mean sacrifice.
Here are some ways to creative and cost effective ways to make the most out of what you got and still have the wedding of your dreams:
Rent your attire – What’s the sense of wearing something once and then holding onto it for sentimental reasons? Although many brides like to keep their wedding dresses, this is hardly economical. Look into renting a beautiful gown instead. Gowns By Pamela is one example of a retailer that rents bridal dresses. You can look like a million bucks for a fraction of what other women pay.
Have the ceremony and reception in the same place – Renting two venues can be costly. Rather than have the ceremony in one place and the reception in another, consider reserving one location and using the same furniture and decorations. You will create less waste and be able to use the savings for your Honeymoon or first home.
Make your own invitations and decorations – Assembling your own invitations and decorations is easy after a trip to the arts and crafts store. Select items that complement your wedding theme and pay special attention to the little details. Handwritten invitations leave little room for error. Double check one before you commit to making others.
Enlist a talented friend or family member to take pictures – Having an amateur or professional photographer as a friend or family member can be extremely beneficial. Ask them if they will do you the honor of shooting your wedding for you. This will save you a tremendous amount of money and add a special touch to your big day. This will be the best gift you receive.
Skip the Wedding Entirely – While it may be every little girl’s dream to have an amazing wedding, the practical matter is a lot of people are skipping the elaborate ceremonies entirely. Instead, you may opt to simply get the legal paperwork done behind the scenes and then throw a big party to celebrate. Obviously, this isn’t for everyone, but you can save almost the entire cost of a typical wedding this way.
When it comes to tying the knot, there is nothing more stressful than incurring debt. Keep your costs down, your aspirations high and most importantly remember that your wedding day is only one of many that you will spend together. There is no reason to start your future together by owing more than you can afford to pay.
Author: Charissa
Charissa is into frugal living and saving money.
