Springtime is right around the corner, and Wedding/Party
Planners are going into overdrive ramping up for one of the biggest wedding
seasons in years! That being said, 2019 average wedding costs hover
around $35,000, and people are looking for strategies to create the perfect
celebration, without overspending. If you’re planning a wedding or
big Event in 2019, read on for tips on how to create a gorgeous get-together,
without breaking the bank.
1. Your #1 Money Saving Move – avoid the monster guest list. In this day
and age, when people often wait to get married, their larger circles of friends
add up to a huge Guest List. You may be tempted to invite everyone you’ve
met from Kindergarten on, but that’s not a great idea. You’re not only
adding additional costs, but creating an atmosphere that’s less like an
intimate wedding crowd, and more like a circus. Wedding planners hover
around the 150-200 mark for guest cut off for the perfect group size.
2. Rather than gifts from guests, ask for their talents! Amongst
friends and family, chances are excellent that they (or someone they know) is
an excellent amateur photographer, musician, printer, perhaps even a DJ or
baker! In our family tree, the amateur baker is yours truly, and it’s
been an honor to add my sugary, multi-tiered gifts to these Celebrations over
the years.
3. Give serious consideration to marrying on a day other
than Saturday or Sunday. This is a tip straight from top-notch Wedding
Planners. Planning your wedding or Event on a weekday, rather than a
weekend, can save you anywhere upwards of 30% on your venue, entertainment, and
even the catering staff!
4. The Wedding Clothes – Purchasing a wedding gown is a memory we cherish
forever. The prices? Not so much. According to The Knot,
brides in 2018 shelled out an average $1500 per dress. Not only have I
seen dozens of lovely wedding dresses at Goodwill ($125 for a $5,000 Vera Wang,
anyone?), but the bridesmaids dresses there often run about 90% off as
well. I’ve also heard from no less than five brides who found the wedding
dresses of their dreams on Craigslist for 70-90% off. When it comes to
the guys, I’m the first to admit that I’m a sucker for a guy in a tux.
That being said, if your groomsmen have dark suits in their closet, they’ll
look fabulous on camera, and no doubt be more comfortable than if they were
walking around in an ill-fitting, pricey rental tux.
5. Think Big, but in a different way – I mentioned earlier that today’s
weddings average over $30,000. Whether you’re the bride, groom, or
parents, if you’re the ones shelling out that kind of cash for a one-day Event,
give some thought to keeping wedding expenses down to say $10,000 (it can be
done!), then use the additional $20,000 as a down payment on a house.
Trust me, the creative wheel will start to turn big time. Frugal
On!
Kristen Hagopian is a Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host, Columnist &
Author of Brilliant Frugal Living. “The Kristen Hagopian Show” airs on
Montgomery County’s WNPV 1440 / 98.5 , and Nationwide via the BizTalk Radio
Network. She was raised in Delaware County, and resides in Chester County with
her husband and kids. She is honored to be connected with the crew at the
Detox Treatment Help Line (800-287-7891) and Elite Rehab (800-932-4082) to help
get the word out about their proven strategies to steer the ones you love away
from drug abuse. You can find her online at www.BrilliantFrugalLiving.com