Reap the Benefits of Cutting Costs on Your Big Day

By Rev. Randy Williams

For many couples, planning a wedding can be financially exhausting. If not planned carefully enough, the most important day of your life can leave a hole in your pocket shortly after you tie the knot. Although every woman yearns for a dream wedding, they also want a dream house, dream car and a family to go along with it. With the average wedding costing over $20,000 nowadays, many newly engaged couples are becoming wiser and planning their weddings on a budget. If you and your significant other find yourself walking a financial tightrope just to get married, then you might want to consider setting a strict budget for a wedding ceremony that is more easily affordable.

Regardless of the size or planning, every wedding can cost a substantial amount money. You are going to have to pay for a venue, food, marriage licenses and invitations. One way to begin planning for an affordable wedding is to cut down on costs and avoid unnecessary expenses. Below is a list of ways you can cut down on some of your wedding costs:

Rent your tuxedo and wedding dress: There is no sense in paying a small fortune on something that you and your partner will only be wearing once. There are many places where you can rent classy tuxedos and beautiful bridal gowns.

Related: 5 Conversations Every Couple Should Have Before Getting Married

Get creative and make your own invitations, decorations and centerpieces: By taking a trip to the local arts and crafts stores, you can save money on pricey invitations and buy materials to make your own.

Look for family and friends that can donate their talents: If you have a family member or friend that’s a photographer, DJ or pastor, ask if they can provide a discount or possibly lend their services for the occasion.

Utilize the same venue: For most couples, renting two separate venues for the wedding ceremony and reception can be costly. Consider reserving one location and using the same furniture and decorations for both events to save some bucks.

Eliminating wedding costs and setting a budget will save you money for things that come after the wedding is over. The money saved on a wedding and the accompanying reception can be used for a down payment on a house, your honeymoon or to pay off debt from credit card balances and school loans.

Related: Four Dates and a Wedding

By cutting down unnecessary expenses and planning a wedding on a budget, you can enjoy the biggest day of your life without worrying too much about the financial woes that follow.

Rev. Randy Williams is licensed, ordained, and is an active local pastor in Cave Creek, AZ. He has a Bible college degree and a seminary degree. He has been a minister since 1986. He has experience working with brides and officiating hundreds of wedding ceremonies since 1988.