Guest Post By Jason Phillips
For most men and women, their wedding is the ultimate celebration; an event that marks the start of a new life as a family. It is the adventurous journey of a lifetime. It is important for both the bride and the groom to stay mindful when spending cash to plan a wedding. There are lots of ways to create a special, chic and memorable wedding without breaking the bank.
In 2015, the average spending for a wedding was somewhere at $32,000. That’s almost 50% of the median household income per year in the US. Costs can add up fast, depending on what you have planned. 45% of couples often spend a lot more than they initially had planned. That being said, it is important to prioritize, and focus the things that matter to you the most. Here are some great tips to help out.
ETSY Weddings
The best way to save money is to attend a designer truck show. You’ll land a bunch of discounts and with a bit of luck, you’ll find the dress you’ve always dreamed of. Careful brides know how to spot a bargain, and even though it might seem impossible, you can settle on a fabulous wedding dress without breaking your budget. Many women forget about the cash they have available for a dress, and they usually spend 2 times more than they had initially planned.
Rather than head to the closest exclusive boutique, check etsy.com first. Or, go local! There are lots of local designers trying to stand out, and their prices are extremely affordable. Many couples today hunt for convenience when planning a wedding. But they also want luxury. If the groom can’t afford a tuxedo, choose a service from where you can rent one. After the wedding, you can send it back, thus saving hundreds of dollars.
Winter Weddings
Choose a date in December for your wedding and you’ll save a lot of cash of decorations. Most venues are already decorated for Christmas, which means you won’t have to spend anything extra. Consider adoring the venue with floral arrangements that are in season. This way, you’ll avoid spending extra on peonies (in winter, they are 5 times more expensive than the conventional roses). Settle on one, maximum two types of flowers. Fill the rest of the venue with greenery, such as pine cones. For an extra touch of originality, go for non-floral ornaments such as lanterns and candles, and you’ll save even more.
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Stationery
The stationery is a fundamental part of any wedding, and many couples have difficulties sending invitations. To keep your budget in check, go for paper invites. Hunt for convenient price packages online, and decide in advance. Make sure the design is simple but stylish. Minimalistic wedding invitations are in trend. Plain white enveloped rather than colored ones are the best. To save some more cash, it might be a good idea to print your own stationery. Or, go digital on your stationery as there are many companies and websites that offer amazing e-cards.
Let The Venues Set The Theme
The smartest thing you can do to save cash when booking a venue, is to reserve off-season. Restaurants and hotel ballrooms are the most expensive, so you might want to avoid those. Plan a wedding somewhere on the beach, or at a cottage. There are lots of amazing cottages in Suffolk that you can take into account. Feel free to decorate your chosen place the way you see fit. Since these venues are far away from main cities, the cost is lower. Use the traditional, rural vibe to your advantage. Blend the old with the new by thinking outside the box. Sheer white ornaments, wild flowers, and other decorations in earthy, woody tones are the best.
Creating a memorable wedding without spending a lot is easier than meets the eye. Make a plan before getting started and try to adhere to it. Don’t overspend and call in advance to book a spot. Choose your dress with at least 1 month in advance, settle on the décor and floral arrangements, and cross check catering and music off the list with 1 week before the big event. This way, you’ll have enough time to plan accordingly and enjoy the most important day of your life.