While a gown alone can cost upwards of $35,000, more and more couples are looking for ways to save money on their wedding ceremony. According to a new study by The Wedding Report, nearly 40% of couples who tied the knot in 2014 spent $10,000 or less on their wedding. In addition, the research company reports that the average spent on a wedding was about $26,400.
So how are these thrifty couples managing to save money on their big day? Experts suggest you start with the guest list. The average wedding has 136 guests, all of which need a place to sit, food, and wedding favors. Cutting down your invitation list can easily shed thousands off your final wedding cost, as it affects the venue, party rental chairs and tables, and the catering you will need.
When looking for food, skip the expensive cocktail hour appetizers. Spending for wedding day cocktail hours has risen from 69% in 2010 to 76% in 2014, and can be an expensive option. Instead, opt for a simple cheese and cracker spread, or a variety of different dips.
Thirty-eight percent of weddings have a buffet, while 34% have a sit-down dinner. While buffets typically seem like a cheaper option, this can also depend on the amount of guests you have. It can actually be cheaper to get a simple sit-down dinner menu. Look for cheaper options, such as chicken or pasta. It will save you hundreds in the long run.
Another way you can easily cut down the costs of a wedding is to have it at the right time. Saturdays are the most expensive days to have a wedding, so look for venues that are open on Fridays or Sundays. This can help you save about 20% per guest. In addition, an earlier wedding can help keep venue costs lower than a wedding that takes place during the evening.