Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It's a day when you declare your love for each other in front of your family and friends and start your lives together as husband and wife. Of course, all of this comes at a cost. The average wedding in the United States costs around $33,391, according to The Knot's 2019 Real Weddings Study.
While that may seem like a lot of money, there are ways to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. By setting a budget and sticking to it, you can have the wedding you've always dreamed of without putting yourself into debt. Here's how to do it.
1. Decide What's Most Important to You
The first step in setting a budget is deciding what's most important to you. Do you want a big ceremony with all the bells and whistles, or are you more interested in a small, intimate gathering? Do you want a lavish reception complete with an open bar and dance floor, or are you happy with something more low-key?
2. Set Your Total Budgetary Goal
Once you know what you want, it's time to set your total budgetary goal. This number will be determined by several factors, including how many guests you plan on inviting, the location of your ceremony and reception, and the time of year you plan on getting married. Once you have a number in mind, it's time to start looking at ways to cut costs so that you can stay within your budget.
3. Look for Ways to Save Money
There are myriad ways to save money when planning your wedding. One way is to set a shorter guest list. According to CostHelper, cutting your guest list by 10 percent can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Another way to save money is by choosing an off-peak date for your wedding. Saturday is typically the most popular day for weddings, which means that it's also the most expensive. If possible, consider getting married on a Friday or Sunday instead. You could also save money by having your reception during daylight hours or choosing a venue that doesn't require extensive decorations.
4 . Stick To Your Budget!
Once you've determined how much money you have to work with and identified ways to cut costs, it's time to start planning your dream wedding. It's important to remember, however, that even if you've found ways to save money, sticking to your budget is crucial. Wedding planning can be stressful, but if you keep track of your spending and don't allow yourself to go over budget, you'll be fine. And at the end of the day, as long as you're married to the love of your life, that's all that matters.
While that may seem like a lot of money, there are ways to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. By setting a budget and sticking to it, you can have the wedding you've always dreamed of without putting yourself into debt. Here's how to do it.
1. Decide What's Most Important to You
The first step in setting a budget is deciding what's most important to you. Do you want a big ceremony with all the bells and whistles, or are you more interested in a small, intimate gathering? Do you want a lavish reception complete with an open bar and dance floor, or are you happy with something more low-key?
2. Set Your Total Budgetary Goal
Once you know what you want, it's time to set your total budgetary goal. This number will be determined by several factors, including how many guests you plan on inviting, the location of your ceremony and reception, and the time of year you plan on getting married. Once you have a number in mind, it's time to start looking at ways to cut costs so that you can stay within your budget.
3. Look for Ways to Save Money
There are myriad ways to save money when planning your wedding. One way is to set a shorter guest list. According to CostHelper, cutting your guest list by 10 percent can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. Another way to save money is by choosing an off-peak date for your wedding. Saturday is typically the most popular day for weddings, which means that it's also the most expensive. If possible, consider getting married on a Friday or Sunday instead. You could also save money by having your reception during daylight hours or choosing a venue that doesn't require extensive decorations.
4 . Stick To Your Budget!
Once you've determined how much money you have to work with and identified ways to cut costs, it's time to start planning your dream wedding. It's important to remember, however, that even if you've found ways to save money, sticking to your budget is crucial. Wedding planning can be stressful, but if you keep track of your spending and don't allow yourself to go over budget, you'll be fine. And at the end of the day, as long as you're married to the love of your life, that's all that matters.