WHERE TO START...

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU?


Planning your wedding can be so exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many decisions you will be making! My best advice is to decide on about three things that are absolutely important to you. Maybe it is finding an amazing photographer, the perfect venue, and the best food. These will be areas of your budget you will want to allocate more to. Also start thinking about how you want your day to feel (maybe you want a cozy, intimate feel, or maybe you want a BIG party!) -- this will help you make decisions down the line too.

CREATE YOUR BUDGET.


Wedding expenses can quickly add up, so it is important to set a budget before you start booking vendors. The average wedding cost in the US is $33,900. Now, I have seen clients spend far more and far less on their dream days. As I mentioned above, I recommend spending in line with your priorities. There are many ways to save money and cut costs on the areas that are not necessarily a priority to you. Here are some money saving tips that you may find helpful when planning your wedding...



CURATE YOUR GUEST LIST

I love small, intimate weddings for many reasons. Because more guests will lead to more expenses, intimate weddings can naturally be more budget friendly. More guests = more money.


VENUES

Your venue will likely be the biggest expense. While traditional wedding venues often come with a high cost, there are many unconventional options you can consider to drastically reduce your venue expense. Check out air bnb properties (be sure to check with the host first to make sure they allow weddings!), consider a backyard wedding, or look into local parks, beaches, or other nature areas. Restaurants or cafes will also often allow you to rent their space. Think outside of the box and you will be surprised what you can find!


SPEAKING OF VENUES...BYOB

You can save thousands by finding a venue that allows you to bring in your own alcohol. This will allow you to choose alcohol to be served that fits your budget. You can also buy from somewhere that will allow you to return unopened bottles. If you are not big into drinking but would still like to provide alcohol for guests, consider having limited wine and beer options only as another way to cut drink expenses.



FORALS

Florals are another area that can add up quickly. While I am admittedly obsessed with florals and personally know it would be one of my splurge areas, if flowers are not so important to you, consider...

Choose in-season flowers only

Make your own bouquet if you have a creative touch

For centerpieces, opt for less expensive greenery or other decor items (fruit can be surprisingly pretty to incorporate!)