So now that you’ve already decided to tie the knot, your next big headache is probably the wedding cost. While the total amount you spend can vary depending on several choices you make, the average cost for a wedding in the United States is $29,858. This sounds a lot but if your budget is below this sum, there is no cause for alarm as you can still have a great wedding by making wise choices instead of throwing the money around.
The Guest List
Your total wedding cost depends largely on how big the guest list is. Although many people want a big wedding, it is also costly. Go through the list again and try to downsize it.Considering the cost per plate is often between $30 and $100, you can save a lot of money by reducing the total number of guests invited to your wedding.Other costs that are influenced by the total number of guests are the venue rental costs, the bar service, the invitations, the wedding cake and the many favors associated with weddings.
The Venue
Not only do you have to reserve the venue way before the D-day, a great location will most likely cost you significantly. On average, venue rental costs around $3,100 and that is exclusive of catering service, bar service, and the equipment rentals.
It is also quite likely that you will need to rent extra chairs and tables or any other type of equipment and the average cost of furniture rental is $1,700. Also, remember that Saturday weddings are exceptionally expensive hence, you can save on venue costs if you set your date on any other day.
Reception Band and Photographers
These are both very important expenses. If you make compromises with your wedding band, it can turn a great wedding into a boring time. The photographer is just as important as they help to immortalize the great moments so you can revisit them when you are old and grainy. While music is very important to a wedding, you can choose to hire a DJ that costs on average 70% less than a band. The photographer costs on average $2,440. While asking a friend to take photos can save money, you will probably regret this decision in the long run.
Engagement Ring
The price for an engagement ring can cost somewhere between $100 and $1 million. You can find them in all shapes, sizes, and materials. While you need to stay within your budget, it doesn’t mean you should compromise too much on the ring quality.
Buying the right engagement ring is a difficult task. The first thing you need to do is to establish your budget and not let yourself go over it. You will know your limits and the jeweler will be able to offer you options within your means.
The Smaller Costs
You will have to spend money on many other things for a wedding and while the individual cost is low, all these can sum up to a large amount. These costs are related to invitations, wedding cakes, favors, ceremony musician, and transportation.
An example of a cost you can easily reduce and sometimes even eliminate completely is the favors cost. While it is customary to give favors, you don’t really have to or even better, you can choose something that is less costly but is of a high sentimental value.
Conclusion
The total cost of a wedding can vary from less than $15,000 to almost $100,000. However, the overall quality of your wedding and, most importantly, the success of your marriage can be achieved even with lesser amounts. You just need to stay in your budget.
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