How to Save on Your Wedding
Did you know the average U.S. wedding costs $28,000*? That’s a lot of money to spend on one event! But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are a few ways to save on your wedding.
Choose your top priority.
Most couples have fantastical dreams about their wedding day. They might envision a massive wall of flowers, a custom wedding gown, or a wedding aisle fitted with hundreds of floating candles.
Whatever your dream, count on it costing a pretty penny. To avoid going into debt for your special day, choose the one item for your wedding that is most important to you as a couple. That one must-have you are willing to get at almost any cost. Then, trim costs in other places to leave room for your top priority in your budget.
Skip the invites (average cost: $590)
Snail mail was so last millennium. Bring your wedding up to date and give your budget some breathing room by creating a cost-free e-invite that includes all the wedding details and the ability to RSVP electronically. You’ll be doing your wallet and the environment a favor!
Go nontraditional with the venue (average cost: $10,500)
A typical venue can eat up a wedding budget fast. Make your wedding extra-special and save on costs simultaneously by choosing an out-of-the-box venue, like an art gallery, your favorite upscale restaurant, or even atop a scenic lookout point.
Ditch the rehearsal dinner (average cost: $1,900)
Why not put that money toward something with lasting value? If you need a rehearsal to ensure everything goes smoothly, ask the officiator and the wedding party members to practice the ceremony with only a short, no-food run-through.
Choose a non-bridal gown (average cost: $1,600)
Everything on your list gets more expensive when you tack on the word “wedding.” Save on one of these expenses by purchasing a gown not designed exclusively for a wedding. Any floor-length white gown from a department store or boutique will do, and you can always add embellishments to dress it up a bit. And you can still save a fortune.
Limit your guest count (average cost per guest: $70)
So many parts of your wedding, from the catering to the cake, cost more with each added person. Keep your wedding intimate by only inviting guests who count. You can limit the plus-ones, specify that the reception is adults-only, or restrict the guest list to people currently in your life instead of inviting every acquaintance you’ve ever had.
Rethink your cake (average cost: $500)
Consider a shorter or narrower cake for pictures and cutting, and have the caterer serve a frosted sheet cake so there’s enough for all your guests.
What do you think of these ways to save on your wedding? Start your new life off right and not in deeper debt. You can still have a stunning wedding without all the added costs. If you need a bit of help covering the costs, Elevate Credit Union has you covered! With HELOC loans, Personal Loans, and special savings accounts, you can save money on your wedding and get what you need.