Photography by White Klump Photography, courtesy of Lifevents–Stl
Wedding costs have skyrocketed in recent years. According to The Knot, the average U.S. wedding reached an all-time high price tag of $31,213 in 2014. Sara Jones, co-owner of event planning company Lifevents–Stl, offers advice on creating—and sticking to—a budget.
Set your limits. “Just setting a budget is the biggest obstacle,” says Jones. Parents are footing less of the bill in recent years, she’s noted, so she recommends determining the budget right away. Staying within your means is key. “Find a comfortable range so you’re not adding stress.”
Host the wedding and reception in the same location. Doing so eliminates a second location fee and the need for rental cars or limos to ferry the wedding party and guests, limits vendor costs for gap times, and requires fewer delivery payments.
Avoid peak times. Try marrying in the offseason, or do a Sunday brunch instead of a traditional Saturday wedding. “That saves a lot, because it’s not the peak day,” says Jones.
Limit the alcohol. “Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses,” Jones says. Consider offering just beer, wine, and a signature drink. She recommends against having a cash bar, which may upset some guests.
Ask family and friends to get involved. Do you know a talented baker willing to lend a hand? Ask him or her to make cookies or pies. Design-savvy relatives can also help create centerpieces, invitations, and wedding favors. (Don’t ask a casual photographer to record the big day, though. “If they miss that first kiss or walking down the aisle,” says Jones, “it’s moments you can’t get back.”)
Save on the cardstock. Download digital invitations and have them printed locally. Opt for one big seating chart instead of escort or place cards.
Reuse everything. Break down the bridesmaids’ bouquets and use them on the head table or to create accent pieces for guest tables and the bar. If you can’t reuse it, sell it; votives, chargers, frames, centerpieces, and bar signs can all be resold.
Talk to vendors. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of vendors in sticking to the budget. At the florist, for instance, ask which flowers are in season, whether vases may be rented, and whether you may bring your own vases. At the bakery, ask about a smaller multi-tier cake and a few less expensive sheet cakes.
Say no to the venue-free wedding. “Sometimes starting with a park is a little more of a blank canvas,” says Jones. “It’s great for someone who’s a little more low-key,”—say, for a wedding where everyone will stand. But a more elaborate wedding often comes with hidden costs and considerations, such as renting chairs and tables. Sometimes that “no-fuss” wedding ends up costing just as much and resulting in more stress.
Budget for gratuities. As Jones says, “Anything is better than nothing.”
