How to Save Money on a Wedding Without Sacrificing Quality - Here's What You Need to Know

Summary

Weddings are a special and expensive occasion and planning for one can be overwhelming for most couples. According to recent surveys, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is over $30,000 and that cost can quickly start to increase as soon as the plans for the big day begin. It's important for couples to be aware of the various costs associated with a wedding, from the venue and caterers to decorations and the honeymoon, so they can properly budget for the event.


The first and foremost cost for the wedding is the venue. Popular venues, such as beaches and luxury hotels, can be extremely expensive. Couples should research all of the potential venues, including public parks and community centers, that can accommodate their wedding before choosing the perfect one.

Catering is another cost to consider when planning a wedding. The type of food served, whether it's a buffet or a sit-down dinner, will greatly impact the cost. Couples should consider their budget and the number of guests they plan to have to determine the best catering option.

Other costs associated with a wedding include photography, videography, and other decorations such as flowers, balloons, and centerpieces. For couples on a budget, affordable options such as DIY projects and second-hand items should be explored to help cut costs.

In addition to the upfront costs, couples should factor in the cost of the honeymoon into their budget. This includes airfare, hotel stays, and activities for the couple to enjoy. Couples should think about how much they can realistically spend on their honeymoon, and then research the best options for their budget.

The cost of a wedding can easily become an overwhelming financial burden for couples. It's important for couples to take the time to research all of the costs associated with their special day and properly plan their budget to ensure they don't go over their desired spending limit. By taking the time to properly plan, couples can ensure that their wedding is a joyous occasion without the accompanying financial stress.
 

The History of Weddings

Weddings have been a long-standing tradition for centuries, originally taking place in the home of the bride's family. In the 19th century, eloping or destination weddings began to gain popularity as couples sought to have a unique and intimate ceremony. Today, the average U.S. wedding cost has skyrocketed to an estimated $33,900, with the majority of the spending taking place on the reception, the dress, and the honeymoon. As a result, many couples are finding creative, budget-friendly ways to make their weddings meaningful.
 

Wedding Industry Expenditure

In 2017, the wedding industry saw a 6.3% increase in spending over the previous year, resulting in an estimated total of $82 billion spent on weddings throughout the U.S. and Canada. This corresponds to an average of about $33,900 per wedding, which includes spending on the dress, ceremony, and reception.
 

Budget Friendly Options

Although the number of couples spending the national average or higher has declined, it is still estimated that around 18% of couples will spend more than $35,000 on their wedding, with some spending as much as $75,000 or more. However, many couples are now forgoing luxury for budget-friendly options in an effort to save money. Popular cost cutting measures include having smaller, more intimate weddings, DIY projects, and online wedding planning tools.
 

Planning Ahead is Essential

It is important for couples to plan ahead in order to stay within budget. The average wedding planning timeline is typically 12 to 18 months, giving couples ample time to shop around for the best deals on venues, dresses, flowers, and more. Additionally, couples should create a budget and stick to it, accounting for all expenses. This can help prevent overspending and financial stress as the wedding date approaches.
 

Don't Forget the Little Things

When planning a wedding, couples should also remember to factor in unexpected costs. These may include taxes, tips, additional decorations, transportation, and more. To help offset these costs, couples may choose to cut back on larger expenses such as the catering or reception venue. By doing this, couples can focus their budget on the little details that will make their wedding unique and memorable.

The summer months are here and you know what that means: weddings galore. There are so many decisions to make and plenty of options to choose from. The details have become so important that there's even an entire industry dedicated to planning weddings. You can go the quick route and get married in a Las Vegas chapel. (And it makes sense, since any marriage is a gamble). Or, you can do the traditional thing and have a large, white wedding. But it really doesn't matter how you get married. It's all about the love, right? Wrong. For LawCrossing Weekend, it's all about the price.

Celebrities have extravagant weddings all the time. Why can't LawCrossing members? Thanks to the Ritz-Carlton in Osaka, Japan, now you can too. For a mere $1 million, you, your better half, and your guests will receive the royal treatment. This all-inclusive package will turn even the most photogenic celebrity into a green-eyed monster.

On any wedding day, the bride is the center of the universe. The Ritz-Carlton is aware of this and gives her special attention. The bride can choose any wedding gown she likes and will have wedding stylists at her beck and call. These stylists are former models who'll help the blushing bride with her poise, her smile, her grace, and her famous walk down the aisle. The icing on the cake is a jyunihitoe, a traditional wedding robe used by Japanese royalty. And the cherry on top, a Bulgari wedding ring. I'd say that's all-inclusive.

After the wedding, held in the luxurious in-house chapel at the Ritz-Carlton, the hotel and its staff prepare a reception for 300 guests, including dinner and a 10-layer wedding cake. Following the sumptuous meal and enticing dessert, you can sit back and enjoy a performance by traditional maiko dancers. The hotel really wants to create a one-of-a-kind wedding and leave you with a taste of Japan.

After a night of partying and drinking, your guests will be tired. Forget about sending them home like you would after most receptions. With this wedding package, you'll be able to offer your guests their very own room in the hotel. The package provides 2-night accommodations in rooms that feature Italian marble and maid service. That way, they can just stumble their way to the elevator from the ball room. No designated driver needed.

And that's not all. The hotel has saved the best for last. For the happy couple, the best suite in the hotel will be reserved. And after all the festivities are over and the guests have all flown home, the newlyweds will be off to the first of two honeymoons. Destination: Milan. After a week of fun and romance in the Italian city, you'll be off to Bali, for another week of pleasure and passion.

But you'd better plan ahead (months, maybe even years ahead). The hotel and its staff need six months to prepare. And because of the demands this wedding package puts on the hotel, this event is held only once a year and is sure to be the talk of the town.

Maybe one day, while standing in line at the market, you'll see your picture in all the tabloids.