If you plan on having a large sized wedding, then you know the cost is going to be pretty high. There are several ways to cut your costs without sacrificing the things you really want. According to BuzzFeed the average wedding cost $23,082 before taxes. That is a large amount of money to spend before you even start your life together.
Wedding Planner
While most people thing a wedding planner is too expensive for them, they could be wrong. If you can find a reasonable wedding planner who has a lot of connections, then you could end up saving money. If you choose a credited wedding planner with connections then you will receive discounts. Credited wedding planners get discounts and specials with certain companies that you don’t have access to on your own. This savings could end up making it better then planning the wedding yourself. As an added bonus think about how much less stress it would end up being.
Plan Events Early in the Day
If you plan all the bigger events early in the day rather than the evening you could save money on your photographer cost. Things like the special dances, cutting the cake and the bouquet toss should all be done early. Then when you are finished with these events and pictures have been taken, you can send your photographer who usually charger per hour home a little early. Your guest will continue to take pictures, so you will have plenty pictures the rest of the evening.
Invitations
Custom printed invitations cost a fortune, especially when you add special things such as ribbons or fancy edges. You can make fancy invitations yourself for a fraction of the price. Host a girl’s night when your friends where everyone brings a dish of food and you provide the wine. Everyone can chip in together and help make all the invitations.
Student DJ
Instead of hiring a professional DJ, head over to your local college and ask for recommendations. There are often a lot of students who have started or are trying to start their own DJ business. They cost a lot less then a professional DJ does. Don’t forget to ask them when their next show is, so you can go check out there talent and see of they are going to be the right fit for you.
Flowers
Fresh cut flowers cost a lot of money and usually create a lot of stress. Since they die quickly, you have to time pick up perfectly and often can’t have these ready beforehand. Use real flowers for the bouquets only and opt out for the rest. There are hundred of options for decorations and center pieces besides fresh flowers. Most of these things can be made at home and well in advance.
