- My Dollar Plan - https://www.mydollarplan.com -

It’s Wedding Season! Tips to Keep the Costs Down

Posted By Madison On In Frugal | Comments Disabled

Happy Memorial Day! I usually consider Memorial Day weekend the start of summer, even though it doesn’t officially begin until later in June. Of course, the summer season can also be referred to as wedding season!

Here we are, almost to June, which is the busiest month for weddings. If you are newly engaged, it’s time to check out my latest articles at Mint.

Simple and Elegant Wedding Budgeting [1]
The average US wedding costs are now up to $29,000 and here’s how it’s breaking down by category for many of the couples:

  • Ceremony 3%
  • Reception 48%
  • Attire 10%
  • Rings 3%
  • Flowers 8%
  • Music 8%
  • Photography 12%
  • Transportation 2%
  • Stationery 3%
  • Gifts 3%

All dollar signs point to creating a manageable budget to avoid spending more than you planned on the big day.

Wedding Budgeting on a (Satin) Shoestring [2]
Once you’ve decided to budget for your wedding, it’s time to get creative and find ways to cut costs. In addition to avoiding the month of June, here are more of my favorite tips:

  • Donate [3] your wedding dress and accessories as a tax deduction.
  • Have your wedding on a Friday or off-season.
  • When requesting quotes from vendors, avoid the “wedding upsell” by describing your event as a “family gathering” rather than as a “wedding”.
  • Share the cost of decorations and rentals with the couples that are using the same facilities before and after your ceremony.

The last tip is my favorite. After watching vendors pack up almost identical white chairs for the wedding before us and unload another set for our wedding I was convinced I should have called the other bride to coordinate chairs and split the cost!

More Wedding Topics