Weddings can be expensive. In fact, they are costly. According to a detailed study by ‘The Knot’ in 2020, an average American wedding costs more than a whopping $40,000 (does not include the honeymoon expense). It bears all expenses, such as the engagement ring, photography, ceremonies, parties, receptions, gifts, and other functions.
A great idea to optimize your wedding cost is to write down all the things you need for your wedding. Then, circle the ones that you think are a must. That way, you will be able to narrow down a list of things that you would ideally want at your wedding, at all costs. Let’s take a look at the budget breakdown before proceeding to the actual discussion.
Budget Breakdown
People do not give importance to uncalled expenses. You must provide your budget some breathing space and make room for eleventh-hour costs. Weddings may be huge events to plan, but I will give you golden tips on how to be done with your wedding within a measly $100.
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The Basic – $50 to $100
You would be surprised to hear that you can be done with your wedding within $100. For example, you can get a marriage certificate in Utah for just $50 – hello savings! However, prices vary from state to state, but you can expect to tie the knot within $100.
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The City Hall Wedding – $500 to $1000
If you want to have a higher ceiling, you can conduct a short ceremony (with an officiant included) for $25 to $100. Invite a few of your close friends and family, call a talented friend with photography skills, pay for some food, and you will be all set within the $500 mark.
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Any Backyard – $4,000 to $5000
Do you fancy a little more than just City Hall weddings? Worry no more. Book any backyard of your friends and then decorate it a little. Arrange some entertainment gear, garnish with a tent and a dance floor, bring food and beverages, and top it off with flowers and decent attire.
However, if your budget is a little more than that, and you still are finding ways to cut down your wedding costs, don’t despair because you are in luck. Continue reading to find out a few ways you can save on a big fat wedding, even if you are a dreamer.
Dreamers, Don’t Despair!
After reading the average cost of an American wedding, you may be ready to elope. But if you are stuck with this thought, bid farewell to the dilemma. You can still achieve a memorable wedding without breaking the bank. Well, let’s find out how.
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Avoid unwanted guests
One of the core reasons there is an uproar in the costs of the wedding is unwanted guests. Although you may be tempted by the idea of inviting as many people as possible, generally, it is not a good idea. There will come the point where you will feel ‘obligated’ to ask that certain someone, but don’t fall into that trap. Invite only those people who you think are a must.
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Ask for help, not gifts
If you are not an introvert, you may have friends skilled in different walks of life. For instance, if one of your friends possesses the musical talent, you’re in luck. It is reported that couples spend around $700 to $1200 on music only. Imagine the cut down of cost if you can take help from one of your friends… for free.
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The wedding venue
Try not to go overboard and opt for a destination wedding. As discussed above, you can get married just by getting a marriage certificate for $50 from the Clerk’s office in Utah. Here’s a golden tip – even if you are planning a wedding with a decent venue, try to get married on a weekday. Also, if you find a place outside the city limits, you are in for a treat.
No Need to Stress
There is a fine line between pessimism and optimism. There is a big chance that something will go wrong at the final hour because it is normal, and it happens. Just make sure not to stress while it happens. Chances are, nobody will even notice the minor issues.
And if your concerns are relevant to the photography of your wedding, then you’re at the right place at the right time. Book with me today and see your problems disappearing in thin air. Based in Utah, I have been providing top-of-the-line photography services for nearly a decade. So, if you ever in need of a wedding photographer, you know who to contact.
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