Weddings have become exorbitant affairs, with the average wedding coming in around $31,000 dollars back in 2014. While some bride and groom pairs choose to drop a small fortune on their wedding day, others are searching out ways to cut these costs while still throwing a wedding shindig guests will always remember. If you fall into the latter category and you’re wanting to cut the budget on your big day, consider these tips and tricks for a wonderful celebration that won’t break the bank.
Beware The DIY Trap
While many brides (and those rare craft-oriented grooms) turn to DIY projects to cut costs on the day of their nuptials, it can be easy to fall into the trap of spending way more on personal creations than it would have to simply buy alternative versions. Before you start on that Pinterest-inspired centerpiece, take an in-depth look at how much all the components will cost.
No More Outsourcing
When we say outsourcing, we mean paying big bucks for professional services that you might have been able to secure within your own social networks. You likely know someone who has a friend who could do your makeup airbrushing for the big day, or who owns a luxury car perfect for the drive away from the ceremony to the reception. All you have to do is put those feelers out there and determine which option best suits you both for your special day.
The Venue
Wedding venues often take up a huge portion of the wedding budget, and there are ways to get around this. Instead of booking with venues that require you to use their in-house wedding planner, DJ, and caterer, pick those which allow for more flexibility. Instead of booking large halls, check around with family and friends to find out if anyone has a property that might fit your wedding expectations; think landscaped backyards or business owners with free space. You never know unless you try, and you could see yourself saving thousands of dollars if you think outside the box when it comes to the venue.
Downhome Cooking
When it comes to serving meals to your guests, there’s no rule set in stone that says your dining must be a formal affair. Casual, buffet-style menus are becoming the trend, and luckily this style is much less expensive than the normal salmon or chicken options you’ve likely encountered at multiple weddings within your lifetime. Thinking creatively about your menu will likely mean tastier options that guests enjoy more than a bland piece of chicken breast. Whether it’s artisan pizza baked in bulk, catering from a local Mexican restaurant, or home-cooked meals for a smaller wedding contributed by loving family members and friends, the guests will appreciate flavor over cost, and so will your wallet.
Ceremony to Reception Décor
If you’re shelling out a lot of money for decorations, make sure they’re easily transferrable from your ceremony space to your reception venue. One of the easiest ways to do so is through the use of flowers. Any aisle decorations can be used again as centerpieces, special carpets for the walk down the aisle can be used for the reception entrance, and white twinkle lights can move easily to provide ambiance for both atmospheres. The more you can reuse, the more you’re going to save.
Wedding Favors
Instead of going extravagant with your wedding favors, consider low-cost options that will still make just as much of a splash with happy guests. Whether it’s mini champagne bottles personalized with your initials from a company like www.etchingexpressions.com, or customized M&Ms with your faces on them, sometimes the most fun favors are the easiest to get.
Find Something Borrowed
Something borrowed, something blue. Focus on the first part of that traditional phrase and you’ll see yourself pocketing hundreds to thousands of dollars. Don’t shell out money on jewelry that you’ll wear only the day of, and instead turn to family members and friends that may be more than happy to lend you necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for your walk down the aisle.
Planning a wedding on a budget is no easy task, but with the use of these finance-friendly wedding decorating tips you can make it a whole lot easier on yourself and your wallet.
