Marriage is a wonderful thing. However, it can also be one of the most expensive things couples pay for in their lifetime. Far too often, marriages start in debt because of the exorbitant fees often associated with a wedding. One of the most important things you can do is find various ways to help decrease the costs of your wedding. Before you jump the broom, make sure you know the best possible ways to save money on a wedding as it can help you get started on the right foot. From the date you get married to the choice in cake, every decision you make will have an impact on the cost, but when you're on a budget, you want to be sure you know how to choose the right hires, venue, and many more. Here are the top ways that you can save money when you are planning your wedding.
1 - Avoid Saturday Weddings
Most people don't know this, but getting married on a Saturday can be far more expensive than weddings on other days. This is a prime day for people to get married, allowing many venues to hike up the price due to the demand. Most people choose to move their wedding to a Friday evening or on a Sunday for a discounted price. However, some even marry during the middle of the week - like on a Wednesday - for even bigger savings.
2 - Don't Jump Right Into It
Let's be honest, many people feel that now that they are engaged, they should work quickly to get their wedding completed. This isn't always the case and you don't have to jump into the planning immediately. Many couples can save money by taking their time to save up and find some more affordable options. Consider booking a few important items early and spend the rest of the time doing research on what else you can get and how to save up the money over the course of two years or so.
3 - Choose Your Venue Wisely
What do you do if you find a place you like, but they require you to use their contracted vendors and an increased price? Unfortunately, this is a common theme and you can be left paying a large amount of money for people or companies with whom you have no connection. Instead, pick a venue that will allow you to use your own outside vendors for catering, tending the bar, and entertainment. You may be able to find even better vendors for a lower amount than you would have to pay had you gone through the venue.
4 - Keep Your Ceremony and Reception Close
It may stray away from tradition a bit, but many couples choose to marry in the same area where the reception will be. This can help you avoid having to pay for multiple places. In some cases, weddings are done with guests sitting at the same tables where they will be during the reception. This takes them from wedding to appetizers in a matter of seconds and they can start the cocktail hour while the wedding party heads off to take their pictures.
5 - Save the Money for the Reception
It is the dream of many young men and women to have the perfect ceremony when getting married, but with the prices that often come with it, the more sensible option may be getting married at the courthouse and then having a reception elsewhere. Many guests of weddings remember the reception the most. As such, you should focus on the most fun part of the wedding so you're not spending a large amount of money on the venue for the ceremony, the officiant, the extra time for the photographer, and many of the flowers and chair rentals.
6 - Say No to the Open Bar
Consider the options you choose for your bar. Endless alcohol can be a bad idea for a number of reasons, including the hit you're going to take to your wallet. Instead, buy a keg or two from your favorite local brewery and when those run out, that's it. Or you can buy your own beer and alcohol choices from a store by the bottle and have a bartender serve until they run out. You save money and you don't have to worry about people drinking far too much at your wedding.
7 - Consider the Decor
Some of the most expensive items people pay for during the wedding is the decor. Flowers, centerpieces, and even choice in table cloth can all add up. Some couples choose to go through their own DIY methods, such as buying from local stores or in wholesale and making the decorations on their own. Consider your own style and create your own masterpieces. It'll save you on florist costs and keep your budget to a minimum.