According to ValuePenguin the average cost of a wedding in 2019 depends a lot on where you live with a low of $12,769 in Mississippi and a high of a whopping $88,176 in Manhattan. The average cost around the country was $29,858. And that is mostly just the ceremony and the reception other estimates which included the ring and the honeymoon brought the average up to $38,700.
Though pricey weddings seem to be the trend for many Americans, rather than blow all that money in one day, if you can cut the cost down you could use the leftover for something more permanent like the downpayment on a house.
There are several strategies couples on a budget should consider. When looking to cut costs for an upcoming wedding, couples should avoid services targeting engaged couples, compare quotes from photographers, use a restaurant as a venue, and rent clothes instead of buying them. Consider the following information to cut back on wedding-related expenses.
Avoid “Wedding” Branded Services
While many couples enter into wedding planning with the beauty of love on their minds, certain companies focus on taking advantage of these happy couples. Any vendors or venues offering “wedding” branded services often upcharge couples to make more money off this special occasion. Avoid this type of scenario by looking for services for events rather than those solely designated for weddings.
Compare Wedding Photographer Prices
Wedding photographers can charge thousands of dollars for a full day of services. While it’s important to invest in high-quality wedding photographs, don’t take the first offer you’re presented with. Be sure to get quotes from multiple photographers and review their wedding photography prices before deciding to hire them.
Tip: If you have a friend who is into photography don’t expect them to do the photography for free (this expectation has ruined many a friendship). It is a lot of work, not just taking the pictures but also editing and printing them and putting them in a photo album (which costs them money as well as time). But if they aren’t a professional they shouldn’t charge you professional prices either. Perhaps they will make you a really good deal (just be aware that the results might not be as good as from a pro either).
Use a Restaurant Venue
When choosing a venue for their wedding, couples hoping to save money should consider using a restaurant. Instead of spending an average of $12,000 on the venue, $4,000 on catering and $2,000 on decorations, couples can enjoy a fixed menu for all wedding guests and take advantage of the restaurant decor. Many restaurants charge couples as little as $250 to rent their event space and estimate an average of $20 per person for meals.
Other food options are to not have a full meal at all. Many southern weddings simply have a table of finger food. Or you could “self-cater” in the church “Fellowship Hall” by setting up a buffet-style table with ham and fried chicken and all the fixings that can be purchased from almost anywhere (even Walmart). And no one will even know!
Rent Clothes for the Wedding Day
From the cost of a tux to the price of a bridesmaids dress, clothes for a wedding can be quite expensive. Consider cutting costs by renting clothes rather than purchasing them. The happy couple and members of the wedding party can save thousands of dollars by wearing rented clothing rather than buying these outfits outright. This way, they’ll never have to worry about trying to wear these clothes again.
Weddings are notorious for being ridiculously expensive, but they don’t have to be. By carefully deciding where to spend your money and employing the aforementioned strategies, anyone can save money as they get ready for the biggest day of their lives.
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