As couples begin planning their wedding they often have a set budget in mind, and while some are able to stick to their goal, many find wedding expenses easily exceed the original budget. Today, a wedding is more expensive than ever before. The average wedding in the United States is estimated to cost just under $27,000. In Phoenix, the average cost of a wedding is a bit lower at $14,273 but nonetheless is still a significant amount of money. In today’s post we’re sharing 5 Creative Ways to Cut Wedding Costs while still creating a dream wedding.
Consider the guest list
One of the biggest factors in wedding costs is the guest list. As you might guess, the more guests you include the more expensive your wedding will be. For example, if you’re hosting a seated dinner reception for 100 people and each table seats 10 people, you’ll need 10 tables. Each table requires linens, chairs, place settings, and a centerpiece. Consider the average cost of a floral centerpiece, usually around $150, and each plated dinner at approximately $50. Dinner expenses alone are now reaching upwards of $6500. You can double that figure if you invite 200 guests. The expenses add up quickly!
If possible, try slimming down the guest list and only inviting the people closest in your life, it’ll really cut wedding costs. If you really want to host a large celebration then consider dining options that accommodate more people like buffet-style or focusing food options on just one type of food like desserts.
Book off-season or week night
Many wedding and event venues have different pricing structures for events held during prime wedding season (typically May- August) than for off season events. Additionally many offer discounted rental options for events that are held during the week instead of on a coveted weekend spot. One way to cut costs is to choose a date with your venue that is off peak. While having your wedding on a Monday might seem a bit odd, hosting the event on a Thursday or Friday night totally works. Events held later in the week usually work out well for guests to attend as well. For example, one of our favorite venues in Phoenix, the Aldea at Tlaquepaque, offers lower package pricing based on off-season and week night events.
Consider nontraditional wedding venues
Besides working deals with the event venue space, consider hosting your event in a nontraditional venue to save money. In fact, couples choosing to use nontraditional venues for their ceremony and reception are on the rise in 2017. A few ideas of nontraditional venues to consider include: local parks, local businesses like garden centers and floral nurseries, libraries, train stations, and sentimental outdoor locations.
The possibilities are truly endless on where a couple could choose to say ‘I do.’ A key factor is to choose a place that has meaning and significance to the couple’s relationship. Choosing a nontraditional venue can save you a significant chunk of change and create an unexpected and memorable event for guests.
Cut costs on florals
Besides the wedding dress and venue, one of the largest expense categories is florals. The average wedding budget allocates 8-10% on flowers between centerpieces, bouquets for the bridal party, and decor arrangements. To save money on flowers there are a number of tricks you can do. Consider incorporating other elements into your centerpieces like other types of plants (cactus and succulents work great!), candles, or other decor items. Additionally be sure to select in-season flowers; one of the most popular wedding flower is the peony which is primarily in bloom in June, so choosing to use peonies for your late summer wedding will be more expensive than picking a different flower. Another tip is to reuse the bridal party bouquets by transferring them into centerpiece vases after the ceremony.
Rent your dress
Think about it: your wedding dress will be worn at most eight hours on the day of your wedding. In reality, most brides spend even less than that in their dress as most weddings only last six hours. With that in mind, what’s the rationale behind spending thousands of dollars on your dress? Yes, a wedding dress is a sentimental item but most brides never wear their wedding dress again after the wedding. Consider renting a dress instead! Online dress rental options – like Rent the Runway – let you rent couture gowns for significantly less than the cost of buying even a generic brand dress. The plus side, besides saving a lot of money, you’ll get to wear couture on your big day!
