The average American Wedding costs between $20-25,000, according to www.onewed.com. Do these numbers shatter your dreams of having the perfect wedding? Don’t worry. You can still plan a great wedding without going into debt.
Create a Budget
- Start by figuring out who will be paying for the wedding and determine an overall budget.
- Create a Wedding Budget Worksheet to help keep track of your spending. In one column list the items and services you wish to have at your wedding. Then title the next column, Hope to Spend. Then the last column, Actually Spent.
- Once you figure out what you can afford to spend, choose the top five items and services that are a must for your wedding day.
- Then figure out how much you want to spend on the must haves and determine what you would be willing to spend on the less important items and services. Fill in these numbers on your budget worksheet.
- As you start purchasing items and services, you may need to make adjustments in your costs. In some areas you may go over what you hoped to spend which means you’ll need to cut back in other areas to remain within your budget.
Money Saving Tips for Planning your Wedding
- Keep your guest list at a reasonable number. Perhaps just include close family and friends.
- Make your own invitations.
- Have a backyard wedding and decorate yourself.
- Have a potluck luncheon or dinner. Have family and friends each provide a dish.
- Don’t hire a wedding planner. With ample time, you can do it yourself.
- Save on transportation and have your ceremony and reception at the same place.
- Hire a DJ for your reception music instead of a live band. Or bring your own CDs.
- Rent your wedding dress or purchase a gently used one. (Remember, you will only wear this dress once in your life for 5 hours!).
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- Make your own headpiece or veil.
- Shop for bridesmaid dresses in a department store rather than a bridal salon.
- Opt for silk flowers instead of fresh flowers. They last longer and are a lot less expensive.
- Hire a photography student to take pictures instead of a professional photographer.
- Make your own wedding favors.
- Choose a winter wedding date. You get better deals during the winter months.
- Get married on a day other than Saturday. Friday and Sunday tend to be less expensive days at catering halls.
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