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Savin’ for a Weddin’

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Ah, weddings. When I was younger, I dreamed of frothy lace, cathedral trains, and flowers imported from some exotic island. I imagined floating down the aisle in a Vera Wang princess ball gown and glimpsing my husband-to-be through my silk veil. After the ceremony, we would join our guests in enjoying a sumptuous seven-course meal and a gorgeous four-tier cake. Finally, we would ride off in the sunset, embarking on our European cruise honeymoon.

Fast forward. Now that I’m really planning a wedding, I’ve become acquainted with the cruel reality of wedding costs. According to a LA Times article, the reported average cost of a wedding is about $20,000. However, that number has actually dropped from almost $29,000 in 2007. Brides everywhere are feeling the brunt of the declining economy, and opting for more cost-effective alternatives by using a little creativity.

Don’t have $20,000 to throw around? Your wedding day can still be luxurious for less. First and foremost: the date and venue. The Knot suggests skipping the whole Saturday thing—it’s becoming more acceptable (and definitely more affordable!) to set tradition aside and opt for a Friday evening wedding. Many brides choose public parks and facilities, which are free. Also, if you can have the wedding and reception in one place, it’s even better.

This will be the first article of a three-part series concerning wedding planning on a budget. Stay tuned for more information. What other tips do you have for cutting back wedding costs?