My fiance and I have been engaged for 2 long years, and planning mode is finally in full swing! We are a laid back couple, we just want a low key day with family and friends that is full of love and happiness. We don’t need some fancy event that is gonna make us go broke. That is what weddings or marriage is about, right? We are uniting two people and families forever, and that is what it is all about for us.
AINT WE CUTE??
When I read that the average cost of a wedding in the US is $31,500, I was like….”uhhhhh nope.” It’s wonderful if you can afford a wedding like that, but there is no way I would spend that much money on one day. Even if I was swimming in money, no way. Then I looked at the breakdown of a wedding budget, and I saw so many things that to us are so unnecessary. I don’t need a band that is covered in diamonds, heck throw an onion ring on my finger, and I will be happy. I’m also not gonna spend more than $100 on a wedding dress. Sure, I wanna feel beautiful, but I can feel beautiful in a moderately priced gown. In fact, I found a dress at a local discount store here in Columbus called DFWh for $12. A $300 dress for 12 bucks? I couldn’t pass it up! Even if I don’t wear it, I’m glad I bought it because I am sure I would have regreted it.
Here is my plan on how to cut costs, in list form of course!
- Nix the tux rental, and just wear what he has. He already has a great grey suit, which happens to fit with our color scheme!
- Utilize coupon codes, and groupon deals!
- Keep the decorations at a minimum and reuse what I already have in my own home. Also, thrift it up for centerpieces.
- DIY, duh!
- Pick a venue that provides tables and chairs. Also, pick a venue that you can have both ceremony and reception.
- Be our own DJ’s! Make a playlist that has a good flow for dancing and entrances. (I am still on the fence about this one, if I can find a good deal, I will go for it!)
- We are also using a family friend to officiate the ceremony.
- BYOB and drinks.(unfortunately, we had to nix this idea because the venue we picked doesn’t allow it.)
- Find printable invitations that are either free or just a few bucks! (So many great options on etsy!)
- And lastly, we are gonna hiring a professional photographer. I know this sounds crazy, but we have lots of friends that are either photographers or generally artistic, so I am sure there will be plenty of great shots! I am still on the fence about this one, so let’s see!
I know not all of these are gonna be right for everyone, but it works for us, and I am sure other like minded brides and grooms will agree!
How did you cut costs at your wedding?I still need more tips!
Mary & Alice 