Reducing The Average Cost Of A Wedding

In 2006 the average wedding cost a staggering $18,500 dollars but with the deepening recession couples have to look at more effective ways to budget for their weddings. The key is now for couples to adjust their expectations. As the table below shows couples were spending staggering sums of money on extra’s which could now be deemed as unnecessary luxuries.

Category Average Cost

Wedding Attire $2,608
Bride Accessories $333
Groom Accessories $116
Groom Tux/Suit $197
Hair & Makeup $183
Headpiece/Veil $274
Wedding Dress $1,505
Wedding Ceremony $2,527
Ceremony Accessories $169
Ceremony Location $435
Ceremony Site Decorations $391
Officiate/Pastor or Priest $263
Rehearsal Dinner $1,269
Wedding Favors & Gifts $1,122
Attendant Gifts $582
Parent Gifts $139
Wedding Favors $402
Wedding Flowers $1,970
Boutonnieres/Corsages $202
Bride Bouquet $169
Bridesmaid Bouquets $274
Decorations/Centrepieces $1,272
Flower Girl Flowers $53
Wedding Jewellery $2,067
His & Her Rings $2,067
Wedding Music $953
Reception Band/Musicians/DJ $953
Wedding Photography & Video $3,691
Photographer $2,283
Videographer $1,408
Wedding Reception $14,179
Bride/Groom Hotel $144
Reception Beverages/Bartender $2,826
Reception Food Service $9,421
Reception Venue/Rentals $1,244
Wedding Cake & Cutting Fee $543
Wedding Stationery $848
Invitations & Reply Cards $659
Other Stationery $188
Wedding Transportation $410
Limo/Car Rental $410
Engagement Ring $4,411
Gifts from Guest $5,780
Honeymoon $3,680
Automotive $16,853
Financial Services $6,409
Furniture & Household Items $3,929
Home $234,003
Insurance $8,169

Budget – Before planning a wedding you should determine your maximum budget and see if anyone will be helping in coverings the costs. Traditionally the bride’s father pays for a wedding but in modern times the groom's father helps out. The budget you set should also be realistic.

Get Creative – With some creative thinking costs can easily be slashed. Review the guest list and only invite people who are close to you and your partner. Use friend’s contacts for areas such as the evening entertainment and catering. Another great area for cost saving is invitations. Couples could use local firms or look at making invites themselves.

Wedding Account – Setup a high saving interest account for your wedding budget. Save as much as possible and watch the interest role in. Bills don’t always have to be paid up front and you should explore the possibility of interest free payment plans.

Advisers – Use online wedding planning software to regularly monitor costs. Also consult your bank on a regular basis.

A wedding should be a special day and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Simply cut out the un-necessaries and enjoy the day with family and friends.

By: Sandra Hornby

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Sandra Hornby - Writer for the UK Wedding Shows.