Are you planning a wedding and feeling overwhelmed by the cost? Don’t worry—you don’t have to break the bank to have the perfect day. We’ll share some frugal wedding tips to help you save money on your big day. Keep reading to learn more!
I often wonder why weddings are so expensive. From my experience, I can say that people are obsessed with spending a lot of money on their nuptials. It seems like couples feel the need to go above and beyond to make their wedding as spectacular and “Instagrammable” as possible.
While this may be great for the guests, it can really add up for the couple. WeddingWire expert Anne Chertoff says that couples may be spending more money because they’re aiming to enhance their guests’ experiences.
Additionally, research shows that couples who spend more money on their wedding tend to have shorter marriages. This could be due to the pressure of society and expectations to have a lavish celebration.
In my opinion, couples should feel free to spend what they want on their weddings without feeling pressured to impress anyone. Weddings are meant to be a moment to celebrate love, one of the most important days of people’s lives as they bring their friends and families together.
Instead of spending so much money on extravagant decorations and other unnecessary items, I think it would be better for couples to focus on each other, create meaningful memories, and truly appreciate the special day.
Being a frugal mama, our wedding was not over the top at all. We knew what our budget was and stuck to it. When you want financial independence, overspending on a wedding is not the way to go.
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What’s a good budget for a cheap wedding?
A good budget for a cheap wedding can vary depending on the size and type of wedding you are planning. Generally, couples should plan to budget at least $100 per guest and allocate more money for their wedding priorities, such as the dress, catering, or videographer.
Couples should also factor in the cost of a honeymoon if they are planning one, which should be around $5,000. If couples are on a tight budget, they can opt for a smaller, more intimate wedding with fewer guests and opt for DIY decorations or faux flowers instead of real ones.
And if you are planning a frugal wedding, you will skip what experts suggest you pay per guest and focus more on what will let you keep to your budget.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to save money on a wedding, such as taking advantage of special offers, going for second-hand items that still have a lot of life left in them, and opting for smaller vendors or no vendors at all.
Our family and friends helped create decorations for our wedding, my friend made our wedding cake as a gift, and my aunts catered for our wedding. So you see, there are plenty of ways to save money and still make it a beautiful day.
If you’re planning a wedding on a budget, you can still have the big day you’ve always dreamed of! Here are eight frugal wedding tips for creating a cheap wedding budget:
1. Be mindful of credit card debt
It’s important to be mindful of credit card debt when planning a wedding. Credit cards can be a convenient option but can lead to overspending. Therefore, it’s best to make a budget and stick to it. Alternatively, save up and pay cash for your wedding expenses if possible.
To help keep costs under control, different research vendors and compare prices while shopping around. Additionally, track your spending and create a payment plan if you decide to use a credit card. Proper planning and budgeting can reduce your wedding costs and avoid incurring unnecessary debt.
2. Find out how much family members are willing to contribute
Family members may be willing to contribute to the wedding cost. Before setting a budget, talk with the family and determine if they are willing to help and how much they can contribute.
Family members, close friends, and even wedding party members may offer to contribute financially or provide food and other services. This can help keep costs down and make your dream day more affordable. Be sure to find out how much family members are willing and able to contribute so that you can create a realistic budget.
3. Set your priorities
Before setting a budget, it’s important to determine what you want to spend money on. Make a list of must-haves and prioritize them according to your preferences. This will allow you to focus your finances on the most important items first.
For example, if the dress is your top priority, allocate more money for that expense. Decide which items are important and which can be cut from the budget. This will help you stay within your budget while ensuring you get the most out of it.
4. Decide how many guests you wish to invite
The number of guests you invite to your wedding will affect the overall cost. If you are trying to save money, consider inviting fewer people. The best thing to do is to stick with family and close friends first and then decide if you want to expand your guest list.
The more people you invite, the bigger your budget needs to be. Therefore, it’s important to determine how many guests you wish to invite in order to stay within your budget.
Sending out invitations with an earlier response date can also help reduce the final guest count.
5. Research prices in your area
When planning a wedding on a budget, it’s important to research prices in your area. Prices can vary greatly depending on the vendor or service you choose. Do your research and compare prices to find the best deal.
It’s also a good idea to ask for discounts or special offers. Many vendors offer discounts or packages that can help reduce costs. Additionally, you may be able to find second-hand items or deals on rentals that can help lower the budget.
You can also consider having your ceremony in the backyard, thinking outside the box, or taking advantage of free venues. Researching prices in your area can help you find great deals that will keep costs down.
6. Set a maximum budget
After setting your priorities and researching prices, set a maximum budget. This will help you track your spending and ensure you don’t exceed your limits. When setting a budget, including all your expected wedding expenses, such as the dress, venue, food, decorations, and other costs.
Once you have a set budget, stick to it. Don’t be tempted to spend more than you can afford. You may have to make sacrifices or cut a few corners in order to stick to your budget, but it will be worth it.
7. Decide if you’re planning a honeymoon
Decide if you’re planning a honeymoon. This is an important factor to consider when creating your budget. A honeymoon doesn’t have to be expensive or luxurious; there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing your experience.
Research and create a list of potential destinations that fit your budget. Consider all-inclusive packages, and look into alternative accommodations like Airbnb or home rentals.
You can also plan a “staycation” in your own city, saving on airfare and enjoying the same experiences without traveling too far. Decide if you’re planning a honeymoon before creating your final budget to ensure you can fit it in.
8. Get started!
Now that you have your priorities, budget, and guest list set, it’s time to start planning. Start by researching vendors in your area and comparing prices.
Look for discounts or special offers, and don’t hesitate to negotiate prices. You may also want to consider purchasing second-hand items or renting decorations and equipment.
Stick to your budget and make sure you don’t go over it. Planning a wedding on a budget is possible with the right planning and research. With these tips, you can have the wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget.
By following these steps, you can create a wedding budget that fits your needs and keeps your costs affordable. It’s important to remember that you don’t need to go into debt to have a beautiful wedding day — with a little planning and creativity, you can have the wedding of your dreams on a sensible budget.