One simple rule to save the most amount of wedding money.
Many couples tend to blow their wedding budget, perhaps they overspent in one area, like the cost of the wedding dress or perhaps they hired a wedding photographer that was double their budget.
In either case, there is a simple thing you can adjust that will save you a lot of money and it’s something worth exploring.
Guests are your BIGGEST Expense
Typically, guests and the number of them will cost you far more than the venue, sure there’s always exceptions, but for most couples, the more people that attend the wedding, the more it will cost you.
Let’s take a look at some average numbers in 2022.
US Average guests and bridal party
With roughly 135 people at an average wedding, you often times have costs associated with each guest. At a bare minimum, you’ll have a dinner, perhaps a wedding cake, but many add in a cocktail hour and alcohol to the tab.
Look at the calculator below, with just dinner, booze and a slice of wedding cake you’re spending just a little more than $6,200.
That doesn’t take into account other expenses like renting a bus if you wish everyone to ride together to the venue, or smaller line items like STD or wedding invite costs.
Do you REALLY NEED them at the wedding?
One of the hardest things to consider is having that guest attend in the first place.
If money is of concern, which it is to many in this day and age, we highly suggest that you consider one of two things:
Trim the guest list
Have a micro-wedding instead
While trimming the guest list may not be something you want to do, it may be something you NEED to do. if so, there are a handful of questions you can ask yourself to determine if they should attend the wedding or not.
We’ve created a few questions you need to ask yourself.
Have you talked with the person in the last year? (If, yes proceed, if no, don’t invite them)
Have your spent time together outside of work? (If, yes proceed, if no, don’t invite them)
Has your soon-to-be ever met this person? (If, yes proceed, if no, don’t invite them)
Would this guest invite you to their wedding? (If, yes proceed, if no, don’t invite them)
If you don’t want to go down the route of asking questions to filter people out, then consider simply having a smaller micro wedding instead. Just invite immediate family and keep the wedding under 50 guests total.
Micro-weddings are a great way to keep your day affordable while still having a ceremony and a small reception.
The idea is to celebrate the day all while doing it in in roughly half the amount of time, the benefit is that you spend much less overall. In fact, micro-weddings tend to cost about $12,000 on average compared to $34,000 for a full traditional one.
Comparing Costs
So, should you trim the guest list?
Well, that depends on your own budget and if you can afford to have them. Everyone wedding is different and all couples have different budgets and expectations, so the answer truly lies with each couple.
Some couples want to have a wedding thats a big show while others just want to celebrate with close family and friends, either way, you should have a wedding that best reflects you.
Spending the most amount of money will not make your wedding a better one, but making smart choices will help make it successful.
