Planning a Lavish Wedding Without Breaking the Bank: Is It Possible?
The wedding industry is back with a bang after the pandemic. While many couples opted for simple ceremonies during the crisis, others chose to postpone their plans. Besides the fear of the virus, the financial downturn was a reason for the slowdown. Recovery was quick as the US witnessed 2.6 million weddings in 2022, and the trend continues in 2023.
The numbers aren’t that great when it comes to wedding budgets, with the average American couple spending $27,063 on their wedding in 2021. It marks a significant increase from $20,286 in 2020. Walking down the aisle is even pricier in 2023, following the rising prices of wedding services and the overall inflationary trend in the country.
Does it mean that you should give up on your vision of a dream wedding if the money is tight? Should you settle for less? Is there a need to cut corners on venue, menu, photography, jewelry, and outfits?
The good news is that it’s absolutely possible to plan a grand event without breaking the bank, provided you make a few savvy moves.
Here are a few wedding planning tips for a lavish celebration on a budget:
Look for an All-Inclusive Package
The cost of the wedding venue makes up a major part of the celebratory budget in the US, with the average price being around $6,000. Couples may spend between $3,000 and $11,000, depending on the date, location, and amenities. You can save big by looking for an all-inclusive wedding venue offering add-ons such as catering, décor, and attending staff.
The Madison Event Center notes that such venues offer benefits extending far beyond cash savings. They also limit your stress as someone else does the heavy lifting. That’s even better than hiring a wedding planner for the event. You can focus on other aspects of your dream event when you have a trusted partner ensuring a perfect party for your guests.
Be Flexible With Dates
Did you know that you save money by choosing a specific day and date for your wedding? Surveys show that Saturdays are the most expensive, while Sundays and weekdays are affordable as most venues offer discounts on these days. Winter is the only off-season for the industry because fewer people prefer to tie the knot during the festive season.
Going lavish on a small budget is easy if you choose these days and months for your wedding. Be flexible with your dates to get the best deals. Alternatively, you can ask for discounts by booking early and paying a hefty advance to the venue owners and service providers. But check your dates and decide on the ideal ones for yourself, your partner, and your guests.
Prioritize Your Spending
When budgets are tight, setting spending priorities can help you stretch it without cutting corners. Decide the primary areas you want to go the extra mile with as a couple. Most brides want to look elegant on the big day, making the wedding outfit a major expense. They also expect to look good in honeymoon pictures. Setting aside an optimal sum for women’s clothing is a good idea.
According to Project Social T, effortless styles should be on top of your fashion checklist when packing for your honeymoon. For the wedding outfit, grace is the priority.
You can prioritize wedding photography to preserve the memories forever. Another area to check is the menu because good food and wine spell grandeur. Knowing your priorities helps you make informed decisions and avoid impulsive spending. That’s how you can create a lavish experience without blowing your budget.
Think Small
Lavish isn’t always synonymous with grand when it comes to wedding celebrations. You can plan a posh event in your budget by going small, specifically, trimming your guest list. Did you know that the average wedding budget was a staggering $256 per person in 2022? A longer guest list can definitely burn a hole in your wallet, so plan wisely and opt for only the people you must invite for the occasion.
Think twice before adding every other person you know to the list. You don’t need to worry about the invitation etiquette by not extending a plus one to every guest. Consider having an adults-only celebration to limit the numbers. The last thing you should do is feel guilty about being money-savvy.
Summing Up
A lavish wedding is not within every couple’s reach, but a few wise moves can make it doable. All you have to do is create a realistic budget and find ways to fit your wishlist into it. Remember to crunch your numbers, compare options, and make savvy choices at every step. You can rely on this practical checklist to cover all fronts.
