Market research shows that this year in the United States, 2.2 million weddings will take place with an average spending of $20,398 each. That's about 25,000 more weddings than last year, but spending $1,500 less each than we saw in 2008. People don't stop getting married, they just need to balance their budget more carefully and spend wisely to achieve the same best-day-of-your life results. What does this mean for you?
If you, your fiance, and family are looking to cut back on wedding spending this year, be sure to read these 5 tips to ensure the biggest bang for your buck!
1. Consider hiring an event planner/coordinator. When you work with a professional wedding planner, her connections with local vendors and experience in reviewing and negotiating contracts will ensure that you get better products and services at the best possible rate.
2. Scour the internet (good job, you've already accomplished this one!). So many tips and tricks are available online, including DIY project how-tos that will save you money on details like favors, save-the-dates, and accessories.
3. Ask for help. If your sister is a craft genius, your aunt is basically Betty Crocker, and your mom is a fabulous seamstress, don't be afraid to enlist their help. This saves you time and money, and chances are they will be honored to contribute to your wedding celebration. Not paying retail prices for invitations, guest favors, your cake and wedding gown can save you well over $2,000!
4. Open a Wedding Registry Account. Some banks are now matching funds received into wedding registry accounts, growing the size of your cash gifts. Meridian Trust adds $30 for every $1,000 deposited in your account, and the Bank of Utah will match up to $300 in a savings account when it's applied toward a new mortgage. SunTrust Mortgage also allows your guests to contribute to a home-savings account, to be applied toward a mortgage.
5. Host an atypical wedding. Have your wedding on a Friday night, host a backyard afternoon gathering at your parents' house, or invite guests to a ceremony and Sunday brunch at a great restaurant or hotel. All of these will save money on venue, food and beverage, and you can get away with not paying for all of the typical wedding costs. Everything costs more on a Saturday night, so basically any other day and time can cut expenses. Daytime weddings don't usually end up with as heavy a bar bill as night time, and the food can be simpler and less expensive than dinner. Have fun with the limitless ideas, and spend your money on the top 3 most important things to you.
we are getting married in june and the only thing we have booked is the dj http://www.shoutindj.com has anyone used them?
Posted by: buggy1 | November 13, 2010 at 09:10 PM
Do you know the reason why does bridesmaids and groomsmen dressed almost identical to the bride and groom because as old superstitions said that evil spirits or jealous suitors could harm the newlyweds and also thanks for the tips about wedding gown cost,thanks for the information.
by: P.jew
Posted by: tungsten rings | February 25, 2009 at 11:58 PM