Time to talk to guests beyond a simple “hello. " A chance to involve more people in the events. Less expensive reception and ceremony. A more intimate, close-knit event. [1] X Research source
If you don’t have a budget in mind it becomes much easier to spend thousands more than you expected. Choose a number and stick to it. In the United States the average wedding costs $25,000. That said, the majority of American couples spend $10,000 or less on a wedding. Each guest at a wedding costs, on average, $250 more at a normal sized wedding.
Venue for the wedding (church, registrar, etc. ) Reception Entertainment Flowers Food, drink, and wedding cake Photographs Transport and Lodging Invitations Decorations and clothing Gifts / Party Favors for attendees.
Once you’ve started to trim down your wedding, make estimates about the cost of each thing you still want and compare them to your budget. Remember that a small wedding is often more intimate, giving you time to be with the guests that matter instead of bouncing around to 100 people or more.
Remember, the theme of your wedding is not important, your marriage is. Make your location a big part of the “theme. " If you are getting married on the beach, for example, the sand and the surf will be much more enjoyable than hundreds of beach decorations. Use what you have at home or make your own decorations. A few strings of Christmas lights, for example, will create beautiful lighting without breaking the bank. If you already have a lot of green decorations, consider making the color your theme. [2] X Research source
Use local, seasonal flowers or wildflowers instead of big, exotic bouquets. Buy 1 big beautiful flower (like a rose or chrysanthemum) and use it instead of a full bouquet for a minimal but striking look. Opt for pictures, art, paper flowers, or colorful fruit bowls instead of flowers for an off-beat look. [3] X Research source [4] X Research source
More and more stores are renting out dresses now, allowing you to get your dream dress for a fraction of the cost. [5] X Research source
You can always hold a reception later on, or separate from getting your license, in order to save money and cut costs. [6] X Research source Some scientists have found a correlation between cheaper weddings and happier couples, so remember to focus on each other, not money. [7] X Research source
Urban areas are almost always more expensive because they are much busier and serve a larger variety of couples. Even moving out to a venue in the suburbs can save money. [8] X Research source Have the wedding during the fall or winter. Popular wedding venues are not as busy during these times and they often have lower prices as a result. Saturday is the most expensive day to get married. [9] X Research source
You town park. The beach. A friends’ backyard. A local farm, bed and breakfast, or ranch. Museums, the historical society, or state parks. [10] X Research source
Be sure to ask someone 3-4 months in advance, giving them time to register and prepare for the service.
Make sure the photographer puts the pictures online using Snapfish or Flickr so that all the guests can see them later.
If you don’t care much for music, make a wedding playlist with your spouse. You can pick the songs that you love and change them on the fly as guests arrive. Consider asking a musical friend to “DJ,” by making a playlist with them and asking them to put on important songs for you like the “First Dance. "
Once you’ve assigned the seats, make a small card at each seat telling people who sits where. For small weddings with under 50 people assigned seating may be too rigid to be fun. Give your guests some freedom and try one big table or an informal “eat where/when you want” catering style.
Additional costs for each guest can range from $80 per person (small, low-key wedding) to over $300 per person (extravagant wedding).
Is this just for family and close friends, or should you invite aunts, uncles, and coworkers as well? How many bridesmaids or groomsmen do you want? 2-3 of each will keep costs down. Who do you “need” to invite? Should you really spend your special day with people you’ve only seen once or twice over the past year?
Keep this list as small as you can by reminding yourself “this is a small wedding. " You want your time with people to be meaningful, not rushed.
Look online for ideas on how to customize your invitations, from adding decorations and pictures to writing messages or poems.
Read a line from a prayer. Submit pictures to a slideshow. Pick 2-3 songs for the DJ to play. Share a story of the bride and groom in a wedding book/video. [13] X Research source
A small wedding in Minnesota might cost $25 per person whereas a Manhattan wedding might cost over $150 a person. [14] X Research source Know your cost before committing to a caterer.
Mini-pizzas Quiches Gougeres Crackers and cheeses Fruit spreads
Invent a “couples cocktail” to serve at your wedding. Buy bottles of wine from grapes grown the year you met or got engaged. Limit hard alcohol, as wine and beer will last longer and cost less. Alternatively, set up a “cash-bar,” which is when the venue supplies its own bartender for free/cheap but charges your guests for each drink. [16] X Research source
Smaller weddings, however, give you the chance to share your cake with everyone. If you require extra cake you can always have a sheet cake baked so that there is an adequate amount for all. Serve the wedding party from the fancy cake and the rest of the guests from the sheet cake.
