Wedding Guide: Planning a Wedding on a Budget

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According to various sources, weddings in the United States cost an average of nearly $20,000. Although a wedding is something that will (hopefully) only happen once for a person, spending $20,000 on a one day event can be scary, if not impossible for some. There are a plethora of options to cut wedding costs and still have a joyous and memorable day.

• DIY Invitations: Wedding invitations can cost up to $9 each for high-end engraved paper, and tend to average at $4 for mid-grade paper and printing. Visit the local craft store for invitation kits which include the envelopes and paper. This will require a computer and printer. Or, the invitations could be written by hand in calligraphy. This may be quite time consuming if the wedding guest list is large. Consider an electronic invitation or RSVP by email to cut back on postage.
• Guest List: Take control of the guest list. If second cousins haven’t been spoken to in 20 years, they probably do not need to attend the wedding. Keeping the list small will save significant money.
• Hair, Makeup, and Nails: Cosmetology schools provide many beauty services at a fraction of the cost. Because the students are heavily monitored by advisers, allow ample time to complete the services before the ceremony.
• Dress: Be aware of clearance sales at bridal shops. Simple white silk gowns can often be found at department stores and need few alterations. Also, bridesmaids dresses can be found in the prom section of department stores.
• Flowers: Carry silk flowers, which will last forever and are inexpensive. Have the bridesmaids carry a single flower, such as a rose, rather than a bouquet.
• Decorations: Reception halls usually have a stock room of decorations. White Christmas lights can create an air of elegance for a low cost.
• Favors: Skip them. Favors are fun, but are often forgotten and left at the reception. Instead, provide a bowl of candy or Jordan almonds on each table or an assortment of candy bowls at the gift table.
• Food: Buffets are generally less expensive than sit-down dinners. Ask family members to make cookies to serve before the dinner to save money on appetizers. If the wedding reception is later at night, consider serving appetizers only. (Be sure to indicate that it will be an appetizer reception on the invitation so guest do not expect a full meal).
• Bar: If alcohol will be served at the reception, skip the liquor and serve keg beer and wine. The reception hall may still serve liquor, but simply charge the guests cash for it. This will also help deter guest from becoming inebriated to the point of being disruptive.
• Cake: Serve cupcakes instead of a large cake to add variety and cut costs. Many cupcake shops offer quantity discounts for weddings. Alternatively, ask family members or friends who are talented bakers to make a cake in lieu of a wedding gift.
• Music: DJs are generally less expensive than live bands. If a live band is favored, contact the local college or high school to see if any students are available to perform at weddings.
• Have an Off-season Ceremony: The spring and summer months are peak time for weddings, and thus vendors charge peak prices. Have a wedding in the fall or early spring to take advantage of slow business. Additionally, weddings on Fridays or Sundays can also be less expensive options for weddings.
• Honeymoon: Choose a more local destination, such as a coastal resort or a couples spa. Driving rather than flying can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
• Photography: This is one area to not skimp on. Photos will provide the longest lasting memories and will be cherished by children, grandchildren, and beyond. Be sure to select a photographer that has a strong portfolio and comes with good recommendations.

Creating a wedding budget and sticking to it will help control costs immediately. It is easy to build up massive debt quickly on a credit card without realizing it. Record every purchase and avoid unnecessary items. A perfect wedding doesn’t have to break that bank. Instead of using the monetary gifts from the wishing well to pay off the wedding debt, cut costs and use the money to build a nest egg or put a down payment on a house. Most of all, enjoy the day and look forward to the future to come.

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Resource by DigbyRose

Digby & Rose of Washington DC is a design and print studio in who creates custom wedding invitations, baby announcements, business cards utilizing Letterpress printing to create beautiful unique designs for any occasion. They serve the primary DC area along with Virginia and Maryland

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