The average cost of a wedding today can be tens of thousands of dollars, and I think it’s safe to say that this average is one people would be happy to be below. In today’s day and age the concept of a Bride on a budget is a very popular one. Maybe you’re getting married during or right out of college and have limited funds. Perhaps you’re saving up for a home, or for children, and don’t see the average price tag as a possibility. Whichever the hundreds of possible reasons it could be, if you are trying to save money on your wedding, you are not alone. We have put together a list of things to keep in mind when on a budget, and a few tips that might help save a little money.

• One of the most important things to do is set a firm budget, and stick to it. It is easy to decide you want to keep the price tag on your wedding low, but it is another thing to make it happen. You should pick a number you are comfortable with spending ahead of time, then do your research on what and where you will need to spend. Without a budget, you will for sure end up spending more than you wanted.

• Don’t automatically dismiss using vendors for DIY (do it yourself) projects. Often when on a budget the first thing that comes to mind is forgoing using vendors for services, and replacing them with DIY projects. While DIY can help in the saving department, they can also end up hurting your wallet. While spending the money necessary to complete some of these projects, you may accidentally spend more than you would have if you had used a vendor. Business owners in the wedding industry understand that most couples are looking to stay on a budget, and many will be able to work with you and your price tag to make your day fabulous. Smith Floral in Lansing is a great example. They are known for working with any budget, and not turning away brides.

• Look for vendors that offer packages, or more than one service. Often, they will offer deals or discounts if you use them for more than one service.

• Keep the guest list more intimate. By having less people at your wedding, you will ultimately have a smaller price tag. Invite only those you are closest too, and if there are others that you wish to celebrate with but just don’t make the cut think about having a larger reception, or party at a later date once you have saved a bit more.

Have your wedding on a less popular day of the week. Usually venues and such will be less expensive on less popular days of the week (NOT SATURDAYS). Try having your wedding on a Sunday, or weekday. Go for an afternoon instead of evening to further lower the cost.

• Have a longer engagement. By extending the engagement period you will have more time to save money and do more research on better deals.

• Consider asking for wedding help instead of gifts.
Instead registering, ask your friends and family if they might like to make donations toward your wedding. Also, if you are looking to find ways to help fund your honeymoon, there are sites you can register with that will allow people to give money toward that instead of gifts.

• Try not to stress over the very small details!
Things like cocktail napkins or signs aren’t going to make or break your wedding. Concentrate on the big-ticket items, like food, music, etc. Instead of trying to get it to look just like the Pinterest picture you saw.

• Don’t immediately count out a DJ.
Often times the DJ doesn’t just play music. They are responsible for things like making announcements and keeping the party going. Without a DJ to do this, those responsibilities will fall on one of your guests, or even yourself. And that might not be what you want them, or yourself, to focus on. Just like other vendors, DJs understand budgets and can work with you.

• Check the LBA newsletter for coupons!
We send out a newsletter each month to brides and sometimes they will contain a coupon from one of our vendors!

A wedding on a budget may feel impossible, or stressful at the least, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many ways these days to save money on a wedding and hopefully these tips and suggestions will help you to make your wedding’s price tag as beautiful as your special day.

Written by LBA Intern: Kelsey Reitzloff

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