How To Save Thousands Of Dollars On Your Wedding - Great Tips

If you're currently planning a wedding, you know just how expensive it can be. The average wedding cost is $28,732. This number has more than doubled since 1990 since there are more options to make your wedding day unique, extravagant and oh yeah, expensive! Wedding companies have taken full advantage of this growth and make it harder for you to have your dream wedding at an affordable cost!

Sadly, the average cost doesn't include things such as engagement rings or the honeymoon (which can cost you well over $4,000). When you take this into account, you're looking at well over a $30,000 ordeal...

Don't have $30,000 laying around? Don't worry - most people don't. So if $30,000 is the average, you may be thinking that you can never throw your dream wedding. Fortunately, there is a way for you to have an incredible wedding day for so much less than the average!

One thing that you need to remember is that:

Just because you don't spend as much as everyone else does, it doesn't mean that it will be bad quality or tacky!

So now you know just how expensive weddings can be. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways that you can save money! There are tons of stories out there about how a couple threw their entire wedding for under $100 and so there definitely are ways to pay less (granted, I don't think you should be shooting to spend less than $100...)

Great ways to save money on your wedding:

(1) Do-It-Yourself - This is probably the number one way that you can save money when planning your wedding. Why? Because you won't have to fight with retailers making their prices so much higher than they should be! Make your own invitations, wedding favors and flowers so you can save a bundle!
Potential Savings = $1,000

(2) Stick with just beer and wine if you're serving alcohol - If you have an open bar, get ready to write a very large check. If you stick with just beer and wine, you can save a lot of money!
Potential Savings = $750

(3) Hold an outdoor reception - I know what you're thinking: what if it rains? Yes, that is something to consider so make sure you have a backup plan! If Mother Nature does hold off on the rain, you won't have to pay to rent out a reception place. Trust me, renting a tent is much cheaper than renting a country club!
Potential Savings = $1,500

(4) Shave the guest list - Did you know that if you take 25 guests off the list you can save around $1,000? Sounds like a good deal huh? Don't go crazy with this one though - you still need people to come to your wedding!
Potential Savings = $1,000

(5) Opt for the buffet - I've never seen a caterer charge more money for a buffet than for individual plates. By having a buffet, you're saving money by having to hire less staff to prepare the food.
Potential Savings = $500

(6) Skip the flowers on the centerpieces - Flowers are a popular choice for many when making centerpieces. They are also very expensive. If you want to save some money, put candles in the middle of the tables and put something unique around them.
Potential Savings = $100

(7) Careful on the entertainment - Hiring a live band can be incredibly expensive. I've heard of bands that charge $2,000 per hour, so it's easy to build up a pretty big bill here. If you're looking for an alternative, go with a DJ. They are much cheaper and you can pick the music. Take it a step further and have a friend do it to save even more money!
Potential Savings = $1,500

(8) Get married on an 'off month' - June and August are by far the most popular months to get married. Wedding companies know this and often charge more since the demand is so much higher! By getting married in the fall, winter or spring, you'll not only dodge the hassle of wedding season, but you'll save money!
Potential Savings = $500

(9) Get married on a Friday or Sunday - Like getting married in June or August, getting married on a Saturday can be a bit pricier since more people want that day! If you decide to get married on a Friday or Sunday, chances are you'll be more likely to get your dream church/reception place!
Potential Savings = $500

(10) You don't need a 'real' wedding cake - A wedding cake can cost around $5,000. Add to this cutting and serving fees and you're looking at a hefty bill. If you're looking to save money get a 'fake' cake with only one 'real' slice. Cut that one and serve your guests sheet cake - they'll never know the difference!
Potential Savings = $1,000

Total Savings By Using These Techniques: $8,350

In the previous ten ways to save money, I showed you how to save around $8,350. You can do a lot with that much money!

Here are a few more ways that you can save money on your wedding:

-Have a brunch instead of a dinner to reduce food and alcohol costs

-Do the formalities (first dance, cake cutting) first so you don't have to hire your photographer for any longer than you have to!

-Don't go overboard on the flowers!

-Skip the wedding favors and give a donation to your favorite charity.

-Get negatives from your photographer and print them yourself

There are so many savings! You just need to know what to look for!

Having your dream wedding doesn't mean that you have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars. I've shown you about fifteen ways to save money on your wedding. If you want to save even more money, check out Amazing Wedding Planner.

This book is definitely a must for anyone trying to save money on their wedding. You'll find ways to cut costs on the ceremony, the reception, your dress/tuxedos and even your honeymoon.

It costs around $40, but the author guarantees that you'll save at least $1,000 on your wedding. If you don't save $1,000 on your wedding, the author will give you a full refund. You literally have nothing to lose! Spend $40, save $1,000 - sounds like a great deal to me!

Stop wasting money on your wedding and buy Amazing Wedding Planner!