Did you know that the average cost of a wedding in the United States is well over $30,000? Even if you spend half of your life saving up for it, or you are lucky enough to have generous parents who are willing to shoulder the brunt of the expense, it is a lot of money to spend on one special day. Many soon-to-be-wed couples will be thrilled to discover that there are, in fact, a variety of ways in which to keep costs to a minimum. Here are some tips.
Know where to shop
While you probably won’t be able to escape the ever-growing prices associated with wedding dresses, you certainly can save a decent amount on other wedding outfits, such as the bridesmaids’ dresses and the mother of the bride ensemble. The secret is to steer clear of overpriced boutiques and to try your luck at other reputable retailers, such as Froxx.co.uk. These wonderful shops will often boast some incredible discounts without sacrificing the beauty of the quality of the clothing.
Be mindful about the guest list
It can be tempting to invite every single person you have ever met at your wedding. However, this is definitely a recipe for incurring an excessive amount of debt along the way. Do your best to keep numbers to a minimum. Before adding anyone to the guest list, ask yourself if you have seen or spoken to them within the last six months. Only invite your nearest and dearest, and you will save a ton of money without even trying.
Think outside of the box
Don’t immediately gravitate to those luxurious wedding venues that your friends can’t stop talking about. You can be absolutely certain that the price to hire a venue such as that will be out of this world. Instead, consider a venue that might not be as popular, but will still be a fantastic spot where you can savor every second of your special day. Perhaps a quaint little guest house outside of the city, ideal for a smaller wedding? Some couples even choose to get married at their own home and host a private reception or casual picnic at a local park. It all depends on the specific wedding ‘vibe’ that you are after.
Along with the venue, you can get creative with the catering too. As mentioned, instead of paying per head for a massive meal, put a lovely little picnic spread together, or make your own platters and finger foods.
Embrace the power of Google
Google is the ultimate tool to use in order to scope out the most competitive deals and savings in your area. This is true when it comes to the dress, the venue, the food, the cake – everything. Start planning early so that you get a good idea of what the current prices are, and then keep checking in to see if and when certain suppliers start offering markdowns. Keep an eye out for discounts and specials around Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and, of course, Black Friday. Know precisely what you want so that you can snap up the savings immediately.
Congratulations on your engagement, and the best of luck as you continue to plan your big day!
