Wedding Costs

Learn these ways to cut back and save more.

Wedding costs can vary just as much as weddings vary in their formality, colors, chosen locations etc...

As you go through your wedding expenses, you may start to feel some stress trying to figure out how much money to allot for everything.

But if you do some advanced planning now by deciding how to keep your wedding costs down- you'll keep yourself from breaking your wedding budget and you'll be starting your marriage without the stress and strain of debt.

It is also important to set up a wedding budget, learn how here.

Where to cut some wedding costs:

The average cost for a 150 person wedding can cost between 25,000-and up....whew! Enough to make even big savers sweat!

Here are some ideas on how to spend on what you really want and need and how to cut unnecessary wedding costs:

More guests equal more money.

Yes, this is obvious. But this is one of the biggest ways to keep your wedding costs down, and yet it can be the most difficult one to do. You may find it very easy to get swept up in the pressure to ask your co-workers sister, or your best friends parents.

Believe me, I can relate to this. Unfortunately, half of the folks at my wedding I don’t even remember or talk to anymore as they were family members work associates.

If each person costs between $50-$100, then there will be substantial savings to cut some out. Here are a few ways to keep the guest list down and keep your wedding costs down:

If they go to bed by 8-9:00 - perhaps you can suggest a babysitter since they will probably not enjoy much if they're too sleepy. (and no, I am not talking about Grandpa or your Uncle Joe who goes to bed after dinner).
If you've not met the person, or they are only an acquaintance, they need to get cut.
Friends of guests who are on your list. Oh yes, this is a tricky one. Consider inviting only those guests OF YOUR guests who are in a serious relationship and try to explain to your guests you're on a budget and can't afford to have them bring their friend from work.

What is most important to you to have?

Cross off anything you don’t really need. Maybe you don’t need expensive transportation if your ceremony and reception are in the same location, for example. Pass on pricey details that don't pass the "really important to you" test..and ask yourself it your guests will really notice if you don't get that item.

The type of food you serve will affect your budget.

wedding food Is it really important to serve prime rib and lobster? Food is usually the biggest expense, so it's also the best place to cut wedding costs. Saturday morning lunch or Sunday brunch is less than a Saturday dinner. Ask your fiance what how much you both want to spend on food.

Pick cheaper flowers, and wedding flowers in season.

Some flowers just cost more than others. Specialty roses cost more than carnations or more common flowers. If you absolutely must have special blooms, consider using less and mixing them with the cheaper flowers...the effect will still be beautiful.

Invitations and all printing costs add up fast.

It seems like such a small purchase, those pretty little cards with information about your wedding. Yet, those pretty cards add up fast. Simplify the design, find a cheaper vendor, or do it yourself to save the most. There are many great programs and printing places to help create great invitations.

The cake doesn't have to be a towering masterpiece.

wedding-cupcake I love cake! Most guests will too. But you can still order a fabulous cake by cutting out the fondant for example. Fondant does create a great look, but butter cream frosting is cheaper. Also, fancy sugar roses and details with balancing tiers raise the prices.

Consider one sample cake that some bakers sometimes use for display and having tasty sheet cakes in the kitchen... a much cheaper alternative! Cupcake tier displays are more popular than ever, and will also save you money on cake cutting fees.

Days of the week may save money.

Decide upon a week-day or Sunday wedding as they are usually less expensive days to have a wedding.

Band’s are traditionally more than D.J.’s.

How important is it to you and your fiance to have a live band? Although it may seem important to have the most expensive band with the rave reviews, is it vital to your wedding? Consider finding a good DJ, or you could have your own play list on your Ipod playing.

Alcohol adds up quickly.

An open bar can be very expensive and can send your wedding budget through the roof before you know it! If you still want the open bar option, you can have it during a cocktail hour only. Afterwards, close the open bar- you can serve champagne and guests can purchase cocktails if they want more.

Vendor specials or discounts.

Don’t be afraid to ask vendors for their best deal or if there are special times or packages offered with their services to keep your wedding costs down.

If asked kindly, many professionals will try to work with you, but it helps to know ahead of time what the going rate for their services normally are. "Ask and you just might receive."

Start adding your piggy bank

Those are ways to cut some wedding costs or scale back on but how can you also save for important items you want to keep?

Start setting aside as much money now as possible.

15-20% would be a good goal. This savings can really add up the longer you’re engaged.

It will be uncomfortable to do without some things for awhile, but remember the beautiful details your wedding day will have each time you drive past a Starbucks.

How to start saving:

Limit your spending on movies
You’ll find renting a movie with your honey can be just as fun and more romantic (who needs those crowded theaters when you can break out the candles and a blanket and snuggle…although I admit-it is hard to forgo movie popcorn)

Eating out always adds up quickly.
How about planning those restaurant dates instead of dropping in every few days. With planning your meals ahead of time, you won’t feel the push to grab take-out and the times you patron your favorite restaurants will feel more special too.

Do your own nails yourself.
If you're the type to get your nails done often, consider saving that money and doing it yourself for this season, until your wedding day gets closer and you want your nails in tip top shape. There are so many great nail care products on the market today, you may surprise yourself on how well you can do it yourself and how much money you can save.

Stretch out the time between hair coloring or highlights.
Have you noticed the cost of getting your haircut, colored and styled seems ridiculously high these days? See if you can wait longer between visits and save those extra bucks. Sometimes little touch ups of root color or over the counter highlight kits help lengthen the time.

Check with your bank on the best high interest account they offer.
A CD or money market account may be worthwhile if the interest is better than your savings account. Just be sure they come due before your wedding day to avoid any early withdrawal penalties.

"Wedding costs can really add up and before you know it, you can spend thousands more than originally budgeted for."

Talking with family first and deciding who can pay for what will help you get started in setting a realistic plan.

To sum it up:

A good rule of thumb is to figure out what you really desire to have at your wedding, and don’t want to do without, and how much each of those wishes would cost.

Often, it’s better to have a small wedding where the people there truly know and love you both, than a large wedding filled with people who were just acquaintances and the wedding ended up putting you in debt.