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A wedding should be an exciting celebration for a new couple, not a source of financial stress and anxiety. But, with the average wedding costs totaling over $30,000 today, it can be an overwhelming task to keep things affordable. The exact cost of each wedding can vary significantly depending on your preferences, location, time of year, and more. Let’s explore some ways you can help stick to your wedding budget without cutting corners.

Before Your Big Day

Your wedding day itself is more than likely just one of many expenses you’ll need to cover. Many couples will celebrate with pre-wedding events, including engagement parties, showers, and bachelor or bachelorette activities. These events will all add to your overall costs, so consider various financial factors like venue rental, food and catering, décor, accommodations for guests, and more.

Wedding attire for the big day is also an expense you’ll face upfront and can add up quicker than you may think. A bride’s dress, a groom’s suit or tuxedo, outfits for the wedding party, and all their alterations and accessories can make a sizeable dent in your budget. Plus, depending on the material, designer, and style of each of these items, you can expect to see a wide range of pricing options available.

The couple’s wedding and engagement rings are also a major price to consider prior to the wedding day. Engagement rings are often purchased separately from the wedding bands and can become a significant expense depending on factors like stone cut, quality, metal type, and design.

The Main Event

In many cases, a couple’s wedding ceremony and reception are the largest expenses when it comes to their wedding budget. Factors that are likely to impact the costs a couple will pay for a venue include the amenities and items included, the property location, and the time of year. A country club in the summer is likely to have a higher price point than some less conventional options like community centers or backyard spaces.

In addition to the venue costs, The Knot suggests that catering costs an average of $80 per person. This price will vary depending on the total number of guests, the type of food being served, and the location of your wedding. Plated dinners tend to be more expensive than buffet or family-style meals, and add-ons can include cocktail hours, open bars, and specialty items, which will all increase your overall catering costs.

Additional wedding event expenses to keep in mind include:

• Wedding coordinator
• Décor and flower arrangements
• A live band or DJ
• Photographer and videographer fees
• Wedding cakes and dessert items
• Favors and printed invitations
• Tips and gratuity

After “I Do”

The honeymoon can be a much-anticipated chance to relax and celebrate as a couple. Honeymoon destinations can range from nearby weekends away or all-inclusive destinations to extended time abroad! It’s important to consider travel costs, accommodations, dining, excursions, and entertainment when it comes to the total expense you’ll need to pay.

You’ll also want to thank those who helped you celebrate your big day. Thank you cards and small tokens of appreciation can add some final expenses to your budget.

Tips to Stick to Your Budget

• Set a realistic budget before you start planning. Consider your personal savings, family contributions, and anticipated income.
• Prioritize your must-haves and allocate a more significant portion of your budget to those areas. Be open to compromising on lower-priority items.
• Get creative with cost-saving alternatives and consider options like choosing an off-peak wedding date, finding a more affordable venue, or trimming your guest list.
• Stay organized by keeping a record of all wedding-related costs to stay on budget and avoid overspending.
• Communicate openly and be transparent about your budget with vendors and third parties. They might be able to offer you some savings suggestions.
• Consider taking on wedding projects yourself, like creating your centerpieces or designing invitations. Just make sure to factor in the time and effort required.

Remember that your wedding is a celebration of your love, and focus on what matters most to you as a couple. Finding creative solutions and communicating openly throughout the planning process can create a meaningful and memorable celebration without breaking the bank. Taking advantage of flexible and affordable wedding loan options to help you finance your celebration festivities can alleviate money stress and allow you to enjoy more. Explore our personal loan options that offer budget-friendly repayment terms and competitive rates at FirstHarvestCU.com/PersonalLoans.