Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be exciting, but it can also be expensive. The average wedding in the US costs around $35,000, but prices vary depending on location, guest count, and other factors. To avoid starting married life in debt, it's important to save money and budget wisely. This might include cutting back on spending, picking up extra work, or seeking bargains and making sacrifices. A dedicated savings account can help, as can a wedding planner, who can suggest alternatives and find the best deals. From the cake to the venue, there are many ways to save money without compromising your vision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average Wedding Cost | $20,000 to $40,000 with 150 guests |
| $30,000 in April 2025 | |
| $35,000 (average in the US) | |
| Wedding Cake | Save by decorating with fresh fruit instead of sugar flowers |
| Videography | One videographer can be enough |
| Wedding Dress | Sample sales can result in a 20-90% markdown |
| Timing | Off-season weddings are cheaper |
| Fridays and Sundays are cheaper than Saturdays | |
| Weekdays are cheaper than weekends | |
| Invites | Basic cardstock and digital printing are cheaper |
| Officiant | Ask a friend or family member to officiate |
| Wedding Planner | Can help save money by finding deals |
| Budgeting | Cut back on dinners out, vacations, cable, and subscriptions |
| Set up a sinking fund as part of your monthly budget | |
| Put money in a dedicated high-yield savings account | |
| Create a wedding spreadsheet to track expenses | |
| Extra Income | Pick up a side gig or extra hours at work |
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What You'll Learn
Cut back on expenses
Cutting back on expenses is a great way to save money for your wedding. Here are some tips to reduce your spending:
Reduce Luxuries and Unnecessary Expenses
Consider cutting back on luxuries such as dining out, vacations, and subscription services. These expenses can add up quickly, and reducing them can significantly increase your savings. Also, try to be more frugal in the months leading up to your wedding. This might include cancelling cable, shopping at thrift stores, or reviewing your expenses for any unused or unwanted subscriptions.
Save on Wedding-Related Costs
Postpone your honeymoon to a later date to give your bank account time to recover. You can also save by opting for a less expensive wedding cake, such as decorating with fresh fruit instead of sugar flowers, or choosing cupcakes or a cookie bar instead of a traditional wedding cake.
Cut Down on Wedding Expenses
The guest list is the biggest factor in determining wedding expenses. Venues usually charge per guest, especially if they provide food and drinks. Consider reducing the number of guests or choosing a less expensive venue, such as a state park or a friend's house, to save money.
Increase Your Income
Consider picking up extra work on the side or asking for a raise to boost your savings. You can also sell items you no longer need online or start a small business to supplement your income.
Plan and Budget Effectively
Create a realistic budget and stick to it. Be prepared for unexpected charges and calculate a buffer of 5-15% to cover surprises. Shop around for the best prices and don't be afraid to negotiate. Use online tools and spreadsheets to track your expenses and progress towards your financial goal.
By cutting back on expenses and increasing your savings, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.
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Take on extra work
Taking on extra work is a great way to boost your income and help you save for your wedding. There are many options to consider, and you can choose something that suits your skills and availability.
Firstly, you could look for freelance work or side gigs. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, TaskRabbit, and Grubhub offer opportunities to take on extra work. Utilize your skills and look for projects that match your expertise. For example, if you're into marketing, you could take on some one-off marketing projects. Similarly, if your partner is handy with tools, they could pick up some local handyman jobs.
Another option is to drive for delivery services. This gives you the flexibility to work as much or as little as you need, and it can be a great way to boost your income. You could also consider donating plasma if you're in good health and live near a donation center. This option allows you to earn money while also helping to save lives.
Additionally, you could sell items you no longer need. This could include selling one of your cars, which can save you money on expenses like gas, insurance, and tune-ups. You could also consider starting an Etsy shop or monetizing your hobbies and skills, such as graphic design, writing, or photography.
Remember, taking on extra work doesn't have to be overwhelming. Choose options that fit your schedule and interests, and consider working as a team with your partner to contribute to your wedding fund.
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Use a dedicated savings account
A wedding is a costly affair, with the average wedding in the US costing around $35,000. To avoid starting married life in debt, it's important to plan ahead and save. One way to do this is by using a dedicated savings account.
Firstly, it's a good idea to create a monthly budget and work out how much you can realistically save each month. You can then set up an automatic transfer each month into your dedicated wedding savings account. This way, the money is safely tucked away and less tempting to spend. It's important to keep the money you plan to spend on your wedding separate from your other savings, so it doesn't get mixed in and you can stay within your budget.
You could also consider putting any extra money you make into this account. This could be from a side gig, extra hours at work, or selling items you no longer need. Every little bit helps, and it all adds up over time.
Another way to boost your savings is to cut back on spending in other areas. This might include reducing dinners out, taking fewer vacations, shopping at thrift stores, or cancelling any unused subscriptions. It's also a good idea to be mindful of the wedding costs themselves and try to save money where you can. For example, you could choose a weekday or off-season date for your wedding, which can be significantly cheaper, or opt for a smaller guest list.
By using a dedicated savings account and combining it with other money-saving strategies, you can effectively put money aside for your wedding and avoid starting your married life in debt.
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Choose a cheaper date
The date you choose for your wedding can have a significant impact on the overall cost. Here are some tips for choosing a cheaper date:
Seasons and months
The season you choose can make a big difference in terms of cost. Spring and fall are generally the most popular seasons for weddings, and peak seasons can be more expensive when it comes to venues and vendors. In addition, the availability of dates and venues may be more limited during these times. Therefore, choosing an off-peak season, such as summer in Arizona, may be a more affordable option.
Weekdays vs weekends
Traditionally, weddings are held on Saturdays, and this day of the week is often in high demand. By considering a weekday wedding, you can benefit from reduced rates and greater availability. Fridays and Sundays are good options to consider, as venue fees tend to be lower on these days. Mondays and Wednesdays are also becoming popular choices for couples looking for a more relaxed pre-wedding vibe.
Specific dates
Certain dates may be more expensive due to their significance or popularity. For example, some couples may choose dates based on lucky numbers or sentimental value. If you are flexible with the date, you can save money by choosing a less popular date. Additionally, having a few backup dates in mind can provide more options for availability and potentially lower costs.
Local events and weather
It is important to consider local events and weather patterns when choosing your wedding date. For example, if you are planning a wedding in Tampa Bay, be mindful of hurricane season, local festivals, and spring break. These factors can impact the cost and availability of venues and vendors. Additionally, choosing a date with favourable weather can enhance your wedding experience and photographs.
Venue and date priority
Determining your priorities is crucial when selecting a wedding date. If you have a specific venue in mind, discuss availability with them first and work around the dates they offer. On the other hand, if the date is more important to you, be prepared to make sacrifices and be flexible with your venue choices.
By considering these factors, you can choose a cheaper date for your wedding and potentially save a significant amount on venue and vendor costs.
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Hire a wedding planner
One of the most important decisions you'll make about your wedding day is whether to hire a wedding planner, and if so, who that planner will be. Wedding planners can help you save money in the long run. They can use their negotiation skills to help reduce the overall cost of a vendor. They can also help you find the best vendors who will fit within your budget. Planners can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches. They can do all the research and sourcing for you, freeing up your time for other things.
According to Wedding Wire, the average cost of a full-service wedding planner is about $1,850, while a day-of coordinator is about $700. Wedding planners can help you budget more efficiently and save money by negotiating contracts on your behalf. They can also suggest the highest-quality vendors that fit within your budget.
If you're getting married at a hotel, resort, country club, or traditional event space, your venue may offer an in-house wedding planner who will be your point person throughout the planning process. In-house planners are likely to assist with basic room layout and design and can help you conceptualize how the event will run, plus overseeing any and all day-of logistics.
Smart couples will hire a wedding planner as one of the very first things after they secure a date and a venue, and those couples tend to reap the benefits more so than couples that wait. Wedding planners can be your "firefighter" for the day, solving problems before they become bigger issues.
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Frequently asked questions
The average cost of a wedding in the US is between $20,000 and $40,000, with the average being $35,000. However, this can vary depending on location, guest count, and other factors.
It's a good idea to start planning and saving as soon as possible. You can create a sinking fund as part of your monthly budget to set aside funds specifically for your wedding. You can also consider cutting back on spending leading up to the wedding, such as reducing dinners out or taking fewer vacations. Picking up extra work or asking for a raise can also help boost your savings.
Yes, there are several ways to save money when planning a wedding. You can choose an off-peak date, such as a weekday or Sunday night, or get married during the off-season months of December or February. You can also save on decorations, invitations, and catering by making strategic choices, such as opting for digital printing instead of engraved invitations or choosing a buffet instead of a seated dinner.
It is generally not recommended to start your marriage in debt. While taking out a loan can provide additional funds, it's important to weigh the risks and consider the long-term financial implications. It may be better to create a specific wedding savings account and adjust your budget to match your savings.
