With average wedding costs in the United States sitting around $32,000 (and, naturally, going up almost ten grand more if you’re thinking of hosting an international wedding), it’s natural to feel almost daunted by your big day, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are so many ways you can streamline that budget and enjoy as big and memorable a day as you’ve always dreamed, for less.
It’s all about smart planning and focusing on what matters most. Not sure where to begin? You’re already in the right place, so let’s dive into this guide:
A Wedding Venue that Can Do It All
Bundling costs with one provider has long been a go-to method to save. It’s how you can reduce your insurance bill, for example. You could even save by consolidating loans into a single one.
The same tip holds true for your wedding venue. Finding a top-notch venue with decades of experience that offers everything from the ceremony and reception space to the bridal suite to even full-scale catering (that can be as intricate as a five-course meal) is going to help you save, because you don’t need to hire multiple companies at once. A catering solution built into your wedding venue rental also offers the benefit of knowing the venue intimately, meaning less effort spent organizing and planning, too.
Top Ways to Save on Your Wedding Attire
There are so many ways that you and your guests can save on their wedding attire, without compromising on how you look. For brides, consider shopping second-hand. Many dresses sold have only been worn once, and with the growing demand for second-hand, there are an increasing number of platforms available to help connect you with your dream dress.
You can also rent outfits. This is a truly incredible option for bridesmaids, the mother of the bride, or any guest. All you need is to select a dress style that’s available in multiple styles for rent. Your bridesmaids can then save big on your big day, and still look incredible.
Don’t Overdo It
As soon as you start planning your wedding, you’ll be amazed at the number of activities and things to do, and extras and add-ons are available out there. It’s why weddings have become as expensive as they are, and also as extravagant. The fact is, however, that you don’t really need them. The most important elements of your big day are the food, the drink, and the company. Having a few games and places to rest can help break the ice and give people somewhere comfortable to hang out, but don’t ever feel like you need to give them something to do every second of your day. Most of the time, people just like hanging out, chatting, and yes, dancing!
Maintain a Cash Bar, But Offer Free Coffee
One of the easiest ways to save on any wedding is to skip the open bar and make it a cash bar instead. Instead, cover the cost of non-alcoholic drinks, in particular coffee. A great coffee bar that offers delicious coffee is not only cheaper to manage than a traditional open bar, but it also ensures that your whole party will be up and ready to, well, party until the end of the night.
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