A wedding is always a happy affair, but there’s no reason you should get into debt because of holding one. It may be hard to please everyone, but following a few tips may help you have a memorable event without breaking the bank. Read on to see some of these ways that you can realize a frugal wedding that does not feel cheap to you or your guests.
Have a Short Guest List
The numbers are really straightforward for this tip; the more guests you have, the more money you will spend. While size may be relative for some, any number below 100 people is generally safe enough to be considered small.
Fewer guests will not only help you save on food and drinks, but also on venue charges as you won’t have to get a large venue. With the average budget for just the wedding ceremony and reception standing at $28,385, the expenses add up really fast.
To help you bring the numbers down, analyze your guest list and invite only those people you have talked to in the last two months or so.
Focus on The Things That Matter Most to You
There’s no need to hire a DJ if you and your spouse-to-be aren’t big on dancing. The crowd may enjoy it, but this is your special day. You should do what makes sense for you and what makes you happy.
If you’re not a fan of white dresses, go for another color that may cost less on top of being perfect for your taste. Saving on such things is bound to trim a noticeable amount from your expenditure as well as make the event more personal. Avoid falling for expensive wedding marketing options like renting fancy gowns and such.
Expect Pushback But Stay True
It’s totally normal to get pushback from friends and family who all want to have input on your wedding. Gently but firmly let them know that you two have a plan that you intend to follow for the best outcome.
Here’s a sad statistic for you: between 40% and 50% of marriages end in divorce in the United States. It would be even sadder to end up divorced and in debt for your wedding. Each payment will be another reminder of what could have been, and at this point, there is rarely help from parties who shared opinions while planning the wedding.
Ask For Help When You Need it
Just because you decided not to have a wedding planner does not mean that you should carry the whole burden yourself. Ask your friends and family for any help they can spare, from baking to makeup, and you will be surprised just how much these things cost otherwise. Event marketing experts usually pick expensive services to share if they are paid on commission, so watch out for this.
When people chip in, they will probably also enjoy the actual wedding more knowing that they played an important role in getting it to happen. Host a thank-you dinner to thank them for their help after all is said and done, and have the perfect excuse to extend your celebrations!
Don’t Be Tied up By Traditions
You can follow a different path for your wedding in many areas starting with the venue. If you have a relative or friend who is willing to let you hold the event on their property, then this can save you money.
You can also pick an off-peak time to hold your wedding, like a Sunday or a weekday as long as your guests will be fine with it. Unorthodox lunches like getting takeout instead of having an expensive catering service may also be a notable way to keep expenses low. Don’t be too fast to get on board with wedding planners marketing expensive services when you can get the job done at a fair price.
With 18% of adults aged from 18 to 24 years saying that they never check their credit scores, it is fair to assume that choosing to take out loans to finance an expensive wedding may not be an option when you discover your credit isn’t great. For this reason and frugality in general, cut costs whenever you can, but don’t make substitutes that will leave your wedding feeling tacky and poorly planned.
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