Money, money, money

It’s safe to say that if you’re engaged, you know exactly how expensive weddings can be. In 2023, couples across America spent an average of $29,000 on their nuptials, with couples from New Jersey nearly doubling that average with around $55,000! Things can get complicated when combining finances, so make sure you sit down with your partner and have a fully detailed discussion on where you both are in life, what your goals are, and what your expectations are for the wedding. With inflation showing no signs of slowing down just yet, here are some vendor tips to help you stay on track.

The first thing that needs to be done when planning a wedding is setting a budget. Be realistic for you & your fiance; take in account how many people you plan to invite, if your families will be contributing, and what aspects of the wedding are most important to you both. Prioritizing what parts matter most to you both will give you a good starting place when it comes to booking your vendors as well.

Pro tip: photos and videos will be the only things (aside from your marriage) that will last beyond those 24-hours. Be sure to do your research and invest in good photographers/videographers!

Take it from a vendor: absolutely do not sleep on Instagram giveaways and local bridal expos! You will be shocked at how easy it is to actually win; I personally know couples who have won their entire weeklong tropical honeymoon trip from bridal expo raffles. Many local vendors run Instagram giveaways as well, take a chance and enter!

The next tip may be controversial, but be realistic when it comes to your DIY’s. Often times if you aren’t already crafty, you can end up spending more on materials and practice runs than it would cost to purchase from a local small business. If you are crafty, however, you may be able to save money by recycling materials you already have in order to make pieces for the wedding. This will also give you the chance to add your own unique twist, as well!

One of the biggest takeaways I hear from brides are how shocked they are when they get quotes for floral arrangements. What I always try to remind them is that the wedding is truly just one day, it’s the marriage that lasts forever. So while the 10-foot vase with fresh florals as centerpieces may look like a page out of Vogue, these are realistically things that only last for those 24 hours. By limiting the amount of fresh florals, your budget can be reduced significantly. There are also so many affordable faux-floral options on the market that are so realistic that guests seldomly notice the difference. Many brides will also re-sell their pieces after their celebration, so make sure you’re keeping an eye out for those posts in the local Facebook groups.

If you’ve ever watched an episode of “Say Yes to the Dress”, you know exactly how expensive wedding dresses can get. If you plan to visit a boutique, be sure to emphasize to your consultant exactly what your budget is, and don’t forget to take in account alterations and your veil/accessories. Absolutely, by no means, allow your consultant to talk you into trying a dress over your budget. If in the chance you do see a dress outside of your budget, try to pinpoint the exact reasons you’re drawn to it - is it the neckline, the lace, the fabric? Narrowing down these elements can help you find something similar in a more budget-friendly option. Another tip is to check out some second hand options, such as facebook groups or consignment shops - this could also count as your “something old”!

If possible, reconsider the timing of your event. Many venues offer brunch options and will often give you from 12-4pm for the reception. These receptions are typically priced at a discounted rate as the venue is able to maximize their bookings by having another event later in the evening. This timeframe also gives the couple the option to end the night early, or even continue the party at a local bar, hotel, or back at home.

Unless you come from a group who truly enjoys a wide variety of liquors, limiting what is offered in terms of the bar is another surefire way to cut costs. Whether your venue has bar service or BYOB options, cutting down to just wine and beer is an easy way to reduce the overall price. You could also include a limited batch of a signature drink to add another option while still giving a personalized touch to your details.

It is super easy to fall into the trap of opinions, so take your time and remember that the only true opinions that matter are you & your partner’s. Do not let social media influencers, friends, family, etc. turn what is meant to be the happiest time in your life into a stress-fest. At the end of the day, a wedding is more than just a party - it is a sacred reunification of two separated souls into one. Take your time while planning your celebrations, keep a list of what’s most important, and enjoy the process!