It can also pull on your purse strings until theyre ready to snap.
How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost?
Prepare yourself for some sticker shock.
Want the wedding day of your dreams without spending a small fortune? Here are dozens of ways you can save money on thehidden costs of a wedding.
Before you ditch your wedding plans and elope, keep in mind that the average isnt the rule.
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
What Matters Most About Your Wedding Ceremony?
There is a lot of sentimental decision-making involved.
Youll want to be able to reflect fondly on your wedding for decades to come.
You may already have strong opinions about what you want your big day to look like.
Sit down with your fiance to come up with the top three priorities for your wedding.
Do you want a live band to play all the songs that hold special meaning in your relationship?
Is it vital to serve foods that represent both of your cultures?
Is the size of the guest list non-negotiable?
According to Brides magazine, the average engagement lasts between 12 and 18 months.
Wedding season typically lasts from late spring to early fall.
You may find vendors are cheaper in offseason months.
Whos Paying for Your Wedding?
Have a direct conversation with your family about the financials.
In addition, start brainstorming ways you might make a little extra cash to plump up your savings.
And this is important plan to pay it off before that period is over.
Make note of when initial deposits are made and when final payments are due.
Things like spa days and a hair trial can add up fast and blow right past your original budget.
Now think about extras and unexpected expenses.
Do you want to hire an instructor to choreograph your first dance?
Do you want sparklers at your send-off?
Are you getting a parting gift for your bridal party?
Youll need to budget for those.
Theres also all the incidental costs.
Do you’re gonna wanna purchase a liquor license to serve alcohol at a nontraditional venue?
Did you factor in the cost of stamps for your wedding invitations?
Do you have to rent a dance floor for an outdoor wedding?
verify you dont forgettippingand taxes.
Industry experts say to contact vendors to get quotes on prices.
Sites like WeddingWire, The Knot and Thumbtack can help you find florists, photographers and the rest.
Get recommendations from recently married couples in your social circle or chat with brides and grooms from online forums.
Get quotes from multiple vendors.
You might be able to get them to match a competitors price.
And be sure to go over contracts in detail so you know what is and isnt included.
Be sure to find out how much other couples paid before you sign on the dotted line.
Destination weddings are complicated.
Sources:
Kaz Weida is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Nicole Dow is a former senior writer.
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