The average wedding in 2022 will cost around $23,500. Not just because there will be about 22 million weddings in 2022 due to covid; it is also because the cost of goods and services is going up. You might think to yourself, how will I have the wedding of my dreams with that high budget? Well, today I am here to tell you that you can have your dream wedding on a budget!

Prioritize your Photographer and Venue

Typically the first few things you secure for your wedding are your photographer and venue, the most important for a few reasons. If you are not doing a backyard-type wedding, you will have to find a venue that fits your needs; venues are typically the most expensive becuase of the amount of time and amenities used during your wedding. Your photographer captures your day from start to finish; their hours also reflect their costs. Photographers and venues book up the quickest as each can only handle 1-2 weddings per day.

Florals

Florals can be a significant cost. However, if you reuse them during your wedding day, then you can save some money. For example, you can use your bridesmaid’s bouquets for centerpieces or your ceremony florals for areas like your bar or guest book area. Your florist or event coordinator can help you move these pieces to your reception, and you can instruct your bridesmaids to put their bouquets in empty vases on your tables.

Attire

If you are looking for an upscale look from your guests, a chill atmosphere creates a mood board of suggested attire to go with your invitations. This will help guide your guests on what to wear.

Food

The most expensive style of food you can have at your wedding will be a sit-down plated dinner. This is becuase there is more staff that is needed when making a plated dinner. My suggestion is either to have a buffet or a second option for heavy tapas stations or heavy passed appetizers. Both of these options have their perks. A buffet is a little heavier than a dinner that usually includes a salad, two entrees, and two-three sides, and heavy taps stations and heavy passed appetizers are a little more modern and casual.

First things first, create your budget and then use these tips and tricks to make the wedding of your dreams. HERE is an article by Brides on how to allocate your funds and stack on track of your planning. Let’s chat more about your wedding and how I can help you find budget-friendly options!