Snipping the Expense

The average expense for the typical American wedding ranges primarily between $15,299 and $25,498, although the intended budget is typically 50% less than the amount spent. Sadly, however, this estimation does not include the cost of an engagement ring or honeymoon.

When it comes to cutting needless expenses, wedding experts agree enthusiastically to the following:

It’s That Time of Season: Beware the months of May through October. In the sense of prices and vendor ability, these are the worst of times to plan your wedding.

Daylight Discount: Hosting a party on Saturday night has never been more expensive, wedding consultants agree. Compared to the earlier daylight hours, reception halls tend to charge their highest fees within the timeframe of 7 p.m. and later. Sunday brunch, however, is always reasonablely priced. 

Bridal Bonding: Networking is the key to success in virtually every aspect of life. Next to a wedding consultant, past and present brides are excellent sources when it comes to advice for vendor shopping, reception sites, budgeting concerns, and other important wedding decisions.

Sweet Savings: At all costs (literally) avoid overloading on the sweets for your reception. While extravagant events, particularly weddings, are a healthy moneymaker for bakery caterers, they can often be the breaking point for the bridal budget. Contemplate homemade treats such as Grandma’s famous fudge or Aunt Flo’s seven-layered cookies. And when it comes to the cake itself, anything with buttercream frosting is a delicious penny-saver.

However, make note that after a long evening of drinking, eating, and energetic socializing, many guests have been known to forego dessert altogether.

Economizing Elegance: Instead of looking for that “something new” by means of the latest designer gown, consider the recycling option: revitalize your mother’s dress or maybe some lonely, yet tasteful, resell donation. Or, should you wish to use a seamstress, cheaper fabrics are available for virtually every known dress design. In fact, using a lower-end satin could reduce the cost of a custom-made product by almost two-thirds. But more importantly, remember that no one comes to a wedding with the sole intention of evaluating the price tag on your dress.

Floral Alternatives: Next to sweet tooth overindulgence, an overstated floral arrangement is also a potential budget-buster. Instead, consider a more crafty and original alternative: carry a bouquet of silk and buttons rather than petals and allergy-invoking pollen. (This topic will be expounded upon in the near future.)

Do Yourself a Favor: The number of guests in attendance to a wedding typically exceeds over one hundred, which often leads to overspending on seemingly inexpensive items such as invitations and party favors. This, of course, quickly adds up and can have a scarring aftereffect on your checkbook. Some experts recommend letting place cards double as favors, or incorporating the favors into a creative table centerpiece of chocolate candies or candles.

Save a Tree: Consider single sheet wedding invitations, or use an environment-friendly stationary.

Flaunt your love, not your pocketbook.

Cost of Wedding –"Average Wedding Cost": http://www.costofwedding.com/

Smart Money –"They'll Never Know: Eight Hidden Ways to Cut Wedding Costs": http://www.smartmoney.com/personal-finance/marriage-divorce/theyll-never-know-eight-hidden-ways-to-cut-wedding-costs-13918/