Tips for Saving Money on Your Wedding

In 2012 in the United States, the average cost of a wedding was $26,951. The reception itself averaged out at a cost of $13,106. The cost for weddings and weddings receptions has never been higher. Many couples spring everything for that extravagant, dream wedding, but end up paying enormous amounts of money to make it happen. Putting yourself in debt from the wedding itself does not seem like a great way to start a marriage. If you had been hoping for the wedding of your dreams, do not be discouraged by these big money numbers. You can still have one of those elegant wedding receptions, but for nowhere near the cost. Here are some ideas for wedding receptions on a budget.

• Get Married Close to Home

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Nearly a quarter of all weddings are destination weddings, in which the party and guests travel to a location. You may end up getting married in an exotic location, but destination weddings add a significant price tag. Instead, find ideal scenery near home and avoid having to foot the bill for travel, lodging and venue expenses. Extra bonus points if you live in Utah, which averages the cheapest weddings in the U.S.

• Invite Fewer Guests

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Planning affordable wedding receptions starts with cutting the number of invites. This may be the hardest step, but if you really want to save money, you are going to have to invite only the most important and closest people to you. A smaller guest list will greatly cut down on food and drink prices and the size of the reception hall you will need to rent.

• Buffet Catering

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Many catering services and restaurants charge by plate for wedding receptions. Usually, only two, sometimes three, different kinds of plates are made available for guests and the cost per plate is generally no less than $50. Instead, go for buffet style dinner and if you can, hire a local restaurant you are familiar with. This way, guests can eat as much as they want and you will be paying a flat rate that is far less than a per plate cost.

• BYOB

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Ah, the drinking and dancing. Perhaps the favorite part of many wedding receptions. But paying for beer, wine, liquor, bartenders, serving and storing equipment, etc. can really put a dent in your wallet. This is where venues really get ya. For affordable wedding receptions, have guests bring their own alcoholic drinks. Adult partiers can still have a good time and save you money.
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Preparing affordable wedding receptions is not as impossible as many would think. With careful planning and a willingness to cut some amenities, you can save money. Reference links.