The Money Factor

Let's be honest, every couple would love to win that fantasy wedding on a beach in Barbados- the flights, the hotel, all wedding related costs- all expenses paid. For most of us, however, this is not reality. In fact, most couple's do their best to cut costs wherever they can afford to do so. After all, there is life after marriage.
According to recent studies, the average amount spent on a traditional American wedding is$22,000. Seem like a lot? Just wait. A total of $72 billion dollars is spent on weddings annually in the U.S. and $8 billion on honeymoons.
Here are some sure-fire ways to help you save a couple bucks on your wedding.

1. Utilize Your Friends Zone

• Only 19% of brides hire a wedding coordinator. Why? Because you are completely capable of doing it on your own. Or, that Type-A friend from school that you couldn't fit in the wedding party- just the spot for her.
• The average bride and groom spend close to $1,000 on a DJ who will probably mispronounce their names at some point during the evening. Everyone has a friend who is capable of following a play list and occasionally making a sappy speech. Renting the equipment for a close family friend will cut 3/4th's of the cost.

2. Just DON'T Do It

• Most weddings also include over $400 on wedding favors. Unless your favor is something near and dear to your heart-cut it. No one uses the tacky personalized koozies or key chains- In fact, you won't just be saving yourselves money, but you'll be saving your guests from another useless wedding knick-knack to go in there junk drawer.
• The average reception includes a $2,286 beverage bill. We all know soda and iced tea don't add up to that. Dry weddings are becoming more and more popular. Whether you cut the open bar for religious purposes or just simply to cut costs, one thing is certain- No unruly guests will be hitting on the mother of the bride and the dance floor will remain child friendly.

Budgeting your big day in advance is the best way to keep it from going overboard. Know your limits, and you will be much less likely to splurge on those crystal tiaras for the flower girls. Not having to finance a wedding that would cover the National Debt is a good start for newlyweds. You're getting a marriage, not just a wedding.

Wedding Stats

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