The last thing you want to do is to wind up with a heap of debt as a newly married couple, or in some cases, foster that debt on to your parents. If you are strategic, you can create the beautiful wedding that you want, without the outrageous cost.
First, here is a little bit of information. The average wedding costs $20,000. While you don’t want to compromise on your dream, wouldn’t that money be put to better use toward the purchase of a house, an education, or some other plan that will foster your life together as husband and wife, and later perhaps a family with children?
So how can you save and still have fun picking out your favorite things? Try the following tips.
Create a budget. Knowing how much you have to spend and then sticking with it will help keep costs from exploding unexpectedly. Having a budget will also make it easier to understand the trade offs. Would you rather spend that extra money on custom graved invitations or on a better photographer, for example. What matters most to you. Make a list of priorities to help guide you in your choices.
Next, get ready to negotiate. Don’t take a quote as the final price. Negotiate it down and then get it in writing. Ask for plenty of extras, such as a bonus album of photos for the parents, some extra blooms to decorate the church, etc. If you have a friend who is also getting married, offer to give the service providers double business if they will slash their fees.
Modify the guest list. Having a smaller number of guests is the quickest way to trim expenses. Instead of inviting every third cousin once removed, choose those people who you have a strong relationship with. And once the invitations go out, be strict about the guest list. Extra people have a way of cropping up, from new boyfriends to friends of friends.