Can You Have a Great Wedding for Less than the National Average?
In today’s age of expensive weddings, that’s a great question!
According to Forbes, weddings in 2024 average $33,000 about the same price as a new Subaru WRX Base, THAT is a lot of money!
As a career-long wedding videographer (now retired) and Silver Hearth Lodge advocate, I can tell you that the price of weddings has increased by $14,100 in my 26 years in the industry.
With all the major changes in the industry over the last 25 years, I have a question for you, can you have a great wedding for less than the $33,000 national average?
Average Price of Weddings
Well, if you plan your wedding the right way, listen to the professionals that are surrounding you, and budget, yes, in fact, you could save upwards of 20-25% depending on how you do it, perhaps more.
Today, I want to share with you a few wedding secrets that I’ve learned over the years having worked in the industry, I’ll pass them to you and if you want to use them, you’ll save a great deal of money! Let’s Begin!
5 Ways to Save Money at Your Wedding
1. Choose an Off-Peak Wedding Date
One of the most effective ways to save money on your wedding is by choosing an off-peak date. Most weddings are held during the late spring and summer months, particularly on Saturdays. Venues like SHL, vendors, and even hotels tend to charge a premium during these times due to high demand. Here’s how you can save by adjusting your schedule:
Consider a Weekday Wedding: Having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday can significantly reduce venue and vendor costs. Some couples even opt for a weekday wedding, which can offer even deeper discounts. Here at Silver Hearth, the owner offers a great discount for having a Friday wedding, connect with him to learn more about that 15% discount.
Opt for Off-Season: Off-season weddings or those held in early spring or late fall can be much cheaper. Many venues offer discounts during these times to attract bookings.
Flexible Dates: If you have your heart set on a particular venue, ask about available dates that may be less expensive. Sometimes simply shifting your date by a week can lead to considerable savings.
2. Trim the Guest List
The size of your guest list directly impacts nearly every aspect of your wedding budget, from the size of the venue to the amount spent on catering. A smaller guest list allows for a more intimate celebration and reduces costs across the board:
Evaluate the Necessity: Start by creating a list of must-have attendees. Focus on close family and friends rather than inviting distant relatives or acquaintances you haven’t seen in years.
Consider a Micro Wedding: Some couples opt for a micro wedding, where the guest list is under 50 people. This trend allows you to have a more personal and meaningful celebration without the pressure of a large crowd. Here at Silver Hearth, we offer micro weddings and elopements starting at just $995.
Digital Invitations: Sending digital invitations can cut costs associated with printing and postage. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly alternative.
3. DIY Decorations and Details
Personal touches are what make a wedding unique, and doing some of these yourself can be a great way to save money. Here’s how to incorporate DIY elements without overwhelming yourself:
Craft Your Own Centerpieces: Floral arrangements can be expensive, especially if you hire a professional florist. Instead, consider creating your own centerpieces with seasonal flowers or greenery. You can also use candles, lanterns, or even books and vintage items as centerpieces.
Handmade Invitations: If you have a knack for design, consider making your own wedding invitations. There are plenty of online templates available that allow you to customize them to your liking. Printing at home or using an affordable online printing service can save a lot of money.
Personalized Favors: Create personalized wedding favors such as homemade jams, candles, or baked goods. These can be more meaningful and cost-effective than store-bought favors.
4. Be Smart About Catering
Food and drink are often the largest expenses at a wedding. However, there are ways to offer a delightful dining experience without overspending:
Opt for Buffet or Family-Style: Plated dinners are usually more expensive due to the labor involved. A buffet or family-style meal can be a more affordable alternative, as it requires less staff and allows guests to choose what they want.
Limit the Bar: Instead of offering a full open bar, consider serving just beer, wine, and one or two signature cocktails. This can drastically cut down on alcohol costs. You can also offer a cash bar for additional options, which can further reduce expenses.
Skip the Cake: Wedding cakes can be incredibly expensive, especially if you want an elaborate design. Instead, consider serving a dessert table with a variety of sweet treats or cupcakes, or go for a small cutting cake for photos and a larger sheet cake for serving.
5. Rent or Buy Second-Hand
Weddings are filled with items you’ll likely only use once, so consider renting or buying second-hand to save money:
Rent Attire: Renting your wedding dress, tuxedo, or bridesmaid dresses can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new. Many online platforms offer designer dresses for a fraction of the retail price.
Second-Hand Décor: Check out local thrift stores, online marketplaces, or community groups for gently used wedding décor. Many brides sell their wedding items after the big day, and you can find beautiful items at a fraction of the cost.
Borrow Instead of Buy: If you have friends or family who recently got married, consider borrowing items like centerpieces, tablecloths, or even accessories for your wedding attire.
Conclusion
A wedding is a celebration of love and commitment, and it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. By making mindful decisions about your wedding date, guest list, and spending priorities, you can create a beautiful and memorable day without going over budget.
Remember, the most important part of your wedding is the marriage itself, not the money spent on the celebration. With careful planning and a focus on what truly matters, you can have the wedding of your dreams while still being financially savvy.
