Bride on a budget

It’s that time of the year again: whether you’ve been invited to a friend or family member’s wedding or you’re planning your own nuptials (lucky you!), the madness that is June weddings will soon be upon us. And weddings–whether they’re in June or January–are expensive! On average, U.S. couples spend nearly $20,000 for their wedding.

So if you’re tying the knot soon, here are a few things you can do to keep expenses down. Because wouldn’t it feel better to put the savings in your ‘Grow Your Green’ account? For, say, an exotic honeymoon or a down payment on your first home? We think so!

1. Cut your guest list
This is probably the easiest way to trim your costs. Don’t invite friends you haven’t talked to in years. Don’t feel obligated to let single guests bring a date. Avoid the pressure to invite all of your co-workers and/or distant relatives.

You are usually charged food and beverage costs per guest, but also remember the extra costs of centerpieces, favors, chairs, etc. Trimming the guest list could save you thousands of dollars.

Check out Wedding Planning on a Budget on how to manage your guest list. A checklist and budget tracker also helps you rein in the costs.

2. Consider different dates

The most desirable times (like a Saturday night in June) come with the highest price tags, so consider having your wedding on a Sunday or during an “off-season,” such as winter. Many venues offer big discounts for less busy times of the year. In fact, weekday weddings are becoming more common, as couples look for different ways to save.

3.  Get creative
Instead of paying a florist to arrange your flowers, why not do it yourself? There are a lot of websites with great ideas, such as Do It Yourself Weddings. Find the flowers, bouquets and centerpieces you like, then buy the flowers and arrange them yourself. You could save hundreds of dollars, since the bulk of the cost for flowers is in the labor and not the actual blooms themselves.

And how about DIY party favors? Personalize your wedding for half the cost by visiting a craft store that has projects and instructions for making party favors and center pieces. Michaels has an entire section devoted to weddings.

Discount wedding invitations can also save you a pretty penny.

4. Find the perfect dress… on sale
Check out sample sales or bridal conventions–find out when the next Great Bridal Expo or Bridal Show will be in your neighborhood. Exhibitors showcase the latest styles; you could score a designer dress at a discount rate. Don’t have time? Here are 15 dresses under $1,500 at Bride.com.

5. Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This is your special day and your loved ones are thrilled to be a part of it so why not enlist their help? Is your uncle a talented musician? Ask him to play at your wedding. How about Cousin Maple, the seamstress? Can she alter your wedding dress? And maybe your cousin, the graphic artist, can design the invitations and place cards.

As you plan for your wedding, remember that saying your ‘I do’s’ is an amazing experience that you should savor and enjoy.  If you plan your money-saving strategy in advance, you won’t have to stress over the tab at the end of the event. And you’ll have plenty left over for that honeymoon… and your future together as husband and wife!!